Care Instructions

Q: How should I care for my leather stuff?
A: Surface clean leather products with a soft, damp cloth, or have them cleaned by a professional. If you choose to use a cleaning product, only use ones that are specially formulated for leather and always spot test in an inconspicuous area first. Leather is porous and will absorb chemicals. Be careful! Chemicals may cause discoloration and ruin your item.

Q: How do I care for my suede stuff?
A: Clean the surface of suede products with a soft brush, or have them cleaned by a professional. Once you’ve brushed off the soil as best as you can, you can rejuvenate the texture by brushing it gently with a suede brush in a circular motion.

Q: How should I care for my vinyl stuff?
A: Always hang vinyl away from other garments, especially other vinyl pieces. Vinyl can become sticky if you fold it or store it next to other vinyl items. It may adhere to or bleed onto itself or the other item, causing irreparable damage. Never wash vinyl in a washing machine or dry it in a clothes dryer. The safest method to clean vinyl clothing and accessories is to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and hang them up to dry.

Q: How should I care for my pleather items?
A: Pleather can be hand washed, but always check the label beforehand. A simple and safe method to clean pleather is to surface wash it with a mild detergent and a damp washcloth. Hang it to air dry. Of course, always test a small area before using detergent on the garment.

Q: How should I care for my faux fur items?
A: Most faux fur can be washed with mild detergent on the delicate cycle in the washing machine. Another alternative would be to hand wash or dry clean the item. Never tumble dry faux fur items! Even a small amount of time in the clothes dryer will cause permanent damage to the item—and possibly your dryer. Simply hang to dry.

Q: How do I care for hosiery like fishnets, tights and thigh highs?
A: The best bet to launder hosiery is to wash it by hand with a mild detergent and hang it to drip dry. A great idea to prevent snags is to store hosiery in the bag that it was purchased in or in separate plastic bags.

Q: How do I care for delicates like bras, corsets and garter skirts?
A: Hand wash your delicate items in cold water with a mild detergent. Very gently use a dry, absorbent towel to remove any excess water, then hang the item to dry. When storing, never place the item into an overcrowded drawer; make sure that it has room to bend but isn’t sharply folded.

Q: How do I care for panties?
A: Most cotton panties can be machine washed in cold water, but they are all labeled with care instructions that should be checked before washing.

Q: What’s the difference between a corset and a bustier?
A: A corset has no cups and is usually worn as a fashion top. A bustier has cups and is usually worn as an intimate apparel piece.

Q: How do I know what size corset or bustier I wear?
A: A corset is sized just like any other women’s top. You would purchase your size accordingly. A bustier is sized by bra cup size. Purchase your bustier according to your bra cup size.

Q: Can’t I just wash something that is marked Dry Clean Only if I’m really careful?
A: No. Following the care instructions on the label keeps your garment wearable! There's a good chance it may disintegrate in the washing machine!

Q: What’s the best way to keep my tee looking new?
A: Follow the care instructions as closely as possible and keep ironing to a minimum. Washing it in cold water helps, too. Hot water makes it fade pretty fast.

Q: How do I care for a tee with a transfer image on it?
A: Follow the care instructions as closely as possible. Wash your tee inside out, preferably in cold water, and never iron the transfer image.

Q: How do I get the size label off of my tee without ruining the screen or transfer?
A: Size labels should never be so sticky that they damage a screen or transfer image, but pulling them off slowly and carefully can avoid the remote possibility of damage.

Q: How do I care for clothing that has spikes, rivets and grommets?
A: Removing all straps or other accents that can be removed is a great idea. Make sure to have all zippers zipped, buttons buttoned and snaps snapped. Wash garments delicately in cold water. If possible, try using dark-colored material detergent, such as Woolite. Mend any material that may be strained by the weight of hardware, straps and stuff.

Sizing

Q: What is the typical inseam for Hot Topic pants?
A: 32" inseams are standard for all Hot Topic pants. Keeping in mind that all vendors make their stuff differently, our inseams typically increase by 1/2" for sizes 7, 9, 11 and 15 but don't usually go above 33 1/2".

Q: How long are Hot Topic belts?
A: It depends on the sizes made available by the manufacturers. Sizes ranging from 28” to 46” are common but may not be available for every belt we carry.

Q: If the shoes I want don’t come in half sizes but I generally wear a half size, what should I do?
A: Always go one size or ½ size larger. You can always use an insert to make a large shoe fit a bit more snug. A small shoe can be very uncomfortable and even cause permanent damage to your feet. Ouch!

Q: How do Hot Topic Garments from the “Girl’s Plus Sizes” section compare to Torrid sizes?
A: Hot Topic plus size garments are fit and cut to the same exact specifications as Torrid clothing. They are sized on the same fit model and created using the same exact sizing techniques as Torrid.

Q: Can you special order the size I need in shoes or clothing?
A: Sorry, special orders are currently not available.

Q: What is the difference between “Plus Size” and “Extended Size,” exactly?
A: “Plus Size” means the garment is cut and fabricated based on measurements from “Plus Size” models. “Extended Size” means the garment is a standard cut, based on “standard size” models, but made into a larger size.

Q: What’s the best way to search for 2XL or 3XL sizes on the site?
A: You can enter the exact characters “2XL” or “3XL” into the search field on the website and all 2XL and 3XL items will magically appear!

Q: Am I supposed to wear a bra with my bustier or corset?
A: Usually not. The support they provide should to the trick! However, if you're more comfy with one on, go for it!

General Merch Questions

Q: How much do tees shrink?
A: They'll shrink about 5% in length and width, if care instructions are followed correctly. This is about 1 1/2" for both measurements. Not following care instructions can result in more shrinkage. Bottom line: wash 'em in cold water and hang dry 'em. That's how they stay purty.

Q: What does “man-made” mean?
A: "Man-made" means the item is made completely of synthetic materials and contains no animal products.

Q: What is “pleather”?
A: This refers to any synthetic material that looks a lot like leather.

Q: When can I expect to begin seeing swimwear on the site?
A: Watch for swimwear around early spring, like April or May.

Q: When can I expect to begin seeing long sleeves, sweaters and jackets on the site?
A: You'll start looking for things to bundle up in around late summer, like July or August.

Q: When can I expect to begin seeing Halloween costumes on the site?
A: You'll start getting scared by early September, so keep your eyes peeled.

Q: When can I expect to begin seeing warm weather clothes?
A: They'll hit around the same as swimwear, around April or May.

Q: When can I expect to begin seeing Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise?
A: Watch for the Skellington's sometime in September.

Q: Why can’t Dickies products be shipped outside of the U.S.?
A: The Dickies Corporation does not allow their products to be exported outside of the continental United States.

Q: Can you give me some tips on how to use and reuse the Halloween fangs?
A: Most fangs come with an oral adhesive, but any store-bought denture adhesive will work just fine. It's safe, clean and very strong. Plus, you'll look really cool.

Q: What is an “Internet Only” item?
A: This means the item is available on Hottopic.com only and not available at any Hot Topic stores.

Q: What is a “Hot Topic Exclusive” item?
A: This means the item was produced or sold exclusively to Hot Topic and is only available through our website or stores.

Q: How long does your hair dye last?
A: The length of time hair dye will last is based on several factors, including the condition of your hair, the color of your hair and your hair care products. The color may last for as long as two months or as little as one week. If your hair is bleached first, it'll generally stay vibrant longer, but make sure you consult a hair care specialist before you do it in order to make sure your locks can handle any chemical alterations. Length of time for any hair dye is not guaranteed.

Q: Can I get gift boxes for the items I’ve ordered?
A: Yes, but only during the holiday season. They're cool, too. They're black with the offcial Hot Topic logo. Good stuff.

Q: Can I get my order gift wrapped?
A: Sorry, gift wrapping is currently not available.

Q: How do I put on go-go boots?
A: After your foot is inside the boot, hold down the inner flap located underneath the zipper, pull the two sides of the zipper together and slowly zip them up. Then you're off to the club.

Q: I need to replace the laces in my boots or shoes. What length do I need?
A: For standard shoes and sneakers, we recommend 48” laces. For mid-boots, we recommend 72” laces. For tall boots we recommend either 92” or 104” laces.