Expensive sportswear? How to wash your delicate sportswear
You’ve probably spent hundreds of dollars on workout clothes. A single Lululemon set alone can cost $200. After you’ve invested in some quality workout clothes, you want to get the most use out of them. And that means washing your workout clothes separately.
Because of the materials used, activewear can be tricky to clean without losing elasticity, moisture-wicking properties, and pilling. Most activewear is made from polyester, nylon, and other materials that can wear out quickly if not washed properly. Not to mention how easily these clothes collect sweat, lint, and dirt.
You’ve probably spent a pretty penny on your leggings, sports brasworkout shorts and yoga pants, so you’ll want to wash them the right way to extend the life of each item. Here’s how.
Read more: Check out our guide on the best way to cleaning a yoga mat And How do you clean running shoes?.
What you need to get started
To clean your sportswear, you only need a few supplies that you probably have around the house.
- Laundry detergent.
- Woolite or other detergent for delicate fabrics.
- Vinegar (optional).
Most sportswear can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water.
The best way to clean sportswear
Most sportswear can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. As with other washes, separate the darks from the lights and turn all clothes inside out before putting them in the washer.
Leggings, shorts, yoga and jogging pants
Most machine-safe items are easy to wash. After you’ve separated the clothes into piles and turned them inside out, add detergent and start the cold cycle. The water temperature is crucial. Hot water can damage the fibers of fabrics, and most detergents are designed to work more efficiently in cold water anyway.
Cotton sportswear, like many T-shirts, can be washed on a normal cycle, but should only be washed with cold water.
Pro Tip: If your clothes still smell after machine washing, soak them in water with a cup of white vinegar for about 30 minutes and then machine wash them again.
Sports bras
I recommend hand washing your sports bras to prevent the padding from bunching or wrinkling. Fill your sink with cold water and add about a half cup of Woolite or another mild detergent. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing with clean water.
Sports shoes
For a complete overview of cleaning running shoes, see our guide here.
The best way to dry sportswear is to lay it flat.
How to dry your sportswear
I know it’s tempting to throw your clothes in the dryer for a quicker process, but it’s best to skip the dryer when it comes to workout clothes. The heat can ruin the fibers, making your workout clothes less stretchy, tighter, and more likely to pill. It’s a good practice to lay your workout clothes flat and air dry so they keep their shape.
Looking for more workout recommendations? Check out Four Ways to Make Your Workouts More Funand how you can do that lose weight and build muscle at the same time.
