annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images

How to Fix a Hoodie String

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Sep 3, 2024 2:00 PM ET

A hoodie drawstring doesn't get much attention until it no longer does its job. And, how did it fall out anyways? Did you pull it, or did it magician its way out during the dryer cycle like mine do every single time?

The string on your favorite hoody has been known to serve both functional and aesthetic purposes... keeping your hood secure and adding to your style. When you count on it for function, hoodie string issues can be a real pain. When a drawstring falls out completely or gets stuck inside the channel, your favorite hoodie loses an important component of the look. On top of that, when it comes to fixing your well-worn hoodie, you'll realize that feeding drawstrings into hoodies can be surprisingly frustrating. But it doesn't have to be. Hoodie owners take note, it just takes a few household tools and a little finesse.

3 Ways to Rethread Your Hoodie Drawstring That Fell Out

1. Using a Safety Pin

Thread a large safety pin through one end of the hoodie string.
Insert the safety pin into one end of the hoodie’s drawstring channel.
Push the safety pin through the channel, bunching the fabric as you go.
Pull the pin and string out the other end, and remove the pin.

2. Using a Straw

Thread one end of the string through a drinking straw.
Secure the string by tying a knot or taping it at the end of the straw.
Insert the straw into one end of the drawstring channel.
Push the straw through until it emerges from the other side, then remove the string from the straw.

3. Using a Shoelace

Attach a shoelace to the end of the hoodie string by tying a tight knot.
Thread the shoelace into the drawstring channel, using it as a guide to pull the hoodie string through.
Pull the shoelace and hoodie string out the other side, and untie the shoelace.

2 Ways to Fix a String That's Stuck Inside the Hoodie

1. Using a Safety Pin

Attach a safety pin to the end of the hoodie string — you can do this if the string is visible but hard to grasp with your fingertips.
Insert the pin into the drawstring channel and carefully maneuver it through the fabric to the opening.
Guide the string out by pulling on the safety pin until the string emerges fully.

2. Using a Clothes Hanger

Unbend a wire clothes hanger to create a straight length of wire.
Attach the end of the string to the hook or end of the hanger.
Insert the hanger into the drawstring channel and slowly push it through until it reaches the opening.
Pull the hanger out, bringing the string along with it.

How can you rethread a frayed hoodie string?

If your favorite hoodie's strings are fraying, it will be harder to feed the drawstring into the hoodie's channel. To correct this problem, start by trimming off the frayed ends to create a clean edge. Then, tightly wrap a small piece of tape around the trimmed end to form a firm, pointed tip. Attach a safety pin or needle to the taped end, and carefully thread it through the drawstring channel of the hoodie. Once the string is fully rethreaded, remove the tape and secure the ends fibers into fabric glue or clear nail polish to prevent future fraying. Depending on your type of hoodie string, you may need to reapply this adhesive more than once.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: