Alright ladies, how much more motivated are you to workout when you get cute new workout clothes?! It’s true that having the right pieces of clothing can definitely effect our overall fitness success. However it’s not always easy (or cheap!) to find the most perfect pair of leggings, sports bra, etc. So when you do find a favorite, we want them to last as long as possible! One of the biggest ways we can protect them is to be more mindful of how we are washing and caring for them. Workout clothes are made of fabrics that are super high tech but also delicate, so they can’t handle our (lack of) laundering skills as well as our everyday clothing does. Here are my nine tips for washing your fitness clothes to keep them looking and performing their best!
9 Care Hacks To Make Your Gym Clothes Last
#1 Turn Them Inside Out
To avoid pilling, turn your clothes inside out so that all the fabrics rubbing against it in the washer will rub the inside. It’s also the inside that comes in direct contact with your body, bacteria, and sweat making it the most dirty. Expose that part to the washing elements first!
#2 Use A Garment Bag
This is great for bra inserts that sometimes fold up, strappy sports bras with long ties that can get knotted, etc. A garment bag will help to protect those more delicate items from being snagged or pulled.
#3 Wash On Delicate
Wash for a short amount of time in small loads on the most gentle cycle.
#4 Use Cold Water
The elastane in work out clothes can get fried in hot water may lead to shrinkage. Cold water will help prevent fading as well.
#5 Don’t Use Fabric Softener
Softener works by coating the fibers of your clothes to make the garment feel silky smooth. In doing so, they’ll end up trapping the sweat, bacteria, and stink in your clothes. This can also reduce the elasticity of your gym clothes by breaking down the elastic fibers. So save the softener for your towels and blankets.
#6 Air Dry
Just as hot water can cause shrinkage, the high temperature setting on your dryer can do the same. Air Dry your workout clothes on a drying rack or hanger. Also, sports bras can lose their shape when tossed around in the dyer.
#7 Wash After Each Use
The sooner you wash your gym clothes, the less chance for permanent stain damage. Don’t leave it in your gym bag (I am so guilty of this). If you are really concerned, hop in the shower with your sports bra on, rinse it out then hang it up.
#8 Use Vinegar
For smells that just wont go away, pre-soak your gym clothes in one part vinegar and four parts water for about 30 minutes before throwing them in the washer.
#9 Wear Your Sports Bra On The Loosest Hook
Find one that fits you on the loosest hook. That way as your bra stretches out, you can wear it on tighter settings and extend the amount of time you can wear it before replacing.
I hope these nine care hacks are easy and helpful so you can get back to running, travel, brunch, or just hanging out on the couch in your favorite leggings.