How to wash activewear: the gentle guide to longer lasting gear

Washing activewear can feel like a chore, but with a few simple rules you extend the lifespan of your favourite leggings, sports bras and tops. This guide gives clear, practical steps for fresh, comfortable activewear so you replace less and move more.

Why activewear needs different care

Activewear is different from regular clothing because it is often made from synthetic, elastic materials that wick moisture and move with you during activities. Those properties require a gentle approach: high temperatures, harsh detergents and rough drying can damage fibres, affect elasticity and weaken seams. A mindful washing routine preserves breathability, stretch and a flattering fit.

Right after your workout: first aid for your set

• Hang versus drop: Do not let sweat sit for hours in a bag or an overstuffed laundry basket. Hang your set out briefly, or place items in a mesh laundry bag if immediate washing is not possible.
• Pre-treat: On areas with heavy sweat, such as armpits and waistbands, dab immediately with cold water. Avoid harsh scrubbing; that can damage the fabric.
• Use a laundry bag: Place delicate items like sports bras and seamless leggings in a mesh bag to prevent snagging and stretching.

Step by step: how to wash leggings, sports bras, tops and shorts

Follow this simple step by step guide to wash your activewear consistently and safely.

• 1. Sort by colour and material: Separate dark leggings like the Sculpt Legging from light items and from heavy cotton. Washing synthetic technical fabrics together is usually fine.
• 2. Use a mild detergent: Choose a liquid, enzyme free detergent or one made specifically for sportswear. Use a small amount; too much foam can leave residue that reduces moisture wicking.
• 3. Wash cold or lukewarm: Wash at cold to 30 degrees C to preserve elasticity and colour. Hot washes are unnecessary for synthetic sports fabrics.
• 4. Gentle cycle: Select a delicate or sport cycle with a lower spin speed.
• 5. Dry with care: Gently press out excess water and hang or lay flat to dry (more on that under "Drying and storage").

Common mistakes (and simple alternatives)

• Mistake: Washing too hot or using the dryer: Alternative: wash cool and air dry.
• Mistake: Bleach and harsh stain removers: Alternative: mild detergent and spot treat with diluted liquid detergent or vinegar for odour removal.
• Mistake: Washing with zippers and rough edges: Alternative: close zippers, turn clothing inside out and use a laundry bag.
• Mistake: Using too much detergent: Alternative: measure and use the recommended amount; less is often better.

Stubborn odours and stains: sweat, deodorant, sunscreen

Sometimes an odour or stain lingers even after washing. Here are targeted approaches without damaging the fabric.

• Sweat odour: Soak clothing for 30 minutes in cold water with a splash of white vinegar (1:4 ratio). Vinegar neutralises odours without damaging the material. Then wash as usual.
• Deodorant stains: Dab the spot with diluted dish soap or liquid detergent, let it work briefly and wash on a gentle cycle. Avoid abrasive rubbing.
• Sunscreen and oil: Treat with a drop of dish soap directly on the stain, rinse and then wash. For stubborn spots you can gently pre-treat with a soft toothbrush.

Drying and storage: preserving shape and elasticity

Drying is the moment when much activewear can suffer irreversible damage. Follow these principles to preserve fit and comfort.

• Air dry: The preferred method. Hang items inside out on a soft hanger or lay flat to prevent warping.
• Avoid the dryer: Heat in the dryer breaks down elastane and other stretchy fibres. Only use the dryer in emergencies and then on the lowest setting.
• Storage: Fold leggings and tops rather than hanging if they are heavy. Store sports bras with cups flat to prevent warping.

Care by category: leggings, sports bras, tops, shorts, jackets and socks

A quick guideline per type of activewear helps with specific maintenance.

• Leggings: Wash cold, turn inside out and use a laundry bag for delicate fabrics. Also check the leggings collection for material advice. Avoid bleaching and machine drying.
• Sports bras: Always use a mesh laundry bag and select a gentle cycle. Recover by washing at lower temperatures and drying flat. See our sports bras for supportive options.
• Tops: Light technical tops can be washed cold just like leggings. Cotton sport tops generally tolerate a slightly warmer programme.
• Shorts: Shorts with inserts or mesh can go in a normal wash, but take the same care with elastic waistbands.
• Jackets and windbreakers: Close zippers, wash inside out and hang to dry. Water repellent treatments last longer with cold washing and gentle drying.
• Socks: Socks like the Daily Crew Socks can go in the machine, but inside out and at a lower temperature for longer durability.

How often should you wash? A practical guideline

Not every workout requires an immediate wash. A practical rule of thumb:

• After intense sweating (HIIT, spinning): wash immediately.
• After light exercise (walking, gentle yoga): you can reuse items once or twice if they do not smell.
• Sports bras and socks: preferably wash directly after use for hygiene and support.

Listen to the fabric and your nose: odour and visible stains are the best indicators.

Quick checklist to hang next to your washing machine

• Sort by colour and material
• Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate items
• Wash cold or lukewarm, gentle cycle
• Liquid, mild detergent, not too much
• No bleach or dryer heat
• Hang or lay flat to dry
• Pre-treat odour and oil stains gently

Conclusion

With a calm, consistent routine your activewear stays comfortable and functional for longer. Small steps like cold washing, gentle products, mesh laundry bags and air drying make a big difference for elasticity, fit and breathability. Take a moment to sort and pre-treat; your clothing will thank you.

Want to browse practical options straight away? Take a look at our leggings, tops and the full collection. For questions about a specific item you can always reach out to our customer service.