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How to Wash Gym Clothes So They Last
Gym clothes last far longer when you wash them correctly. Sweat, heat and fabric softener are what break down technical fabrics, not the training itself. Here is exactly how to wash gym clothes so they keep their stretch, shape and sweat-wicking for years.
Quick answer
Wash gym clothes inside out on a cold, gentle cycle, skip the fabric softener, and air dry them. Cold water and no softener protect the spandex and the moisture-wicking finish, which heat and softener slowly destroy.
Why gym clothes wear out
- Heat. Hot washes and tumble drying break down spandex, so leggings lose their stretch.
- Fabric softener. It coats technical fibres and kills the moisture-wicking finish.
- Sweat left too long. Bacteria sets in odour before the item even reaches the wash.
- Overloading. Too much friction in a packed drum pills the surface of the fabric.
The right way to wash gym clothes
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash cold, 30C or below | Wash on a hot cycle |
| Turn everything inside out | Use fabric softener |
| Air dry flat or on a line | Tumble dry on high heat |
| Wash soon after training | Leave sweaty kit in a bag |
Step by step
- Turn every item inside out to protect the outer surface and prints.
- Use a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent and no fabric softener.
- For lingering odour, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse.
- Air dry flat or on a line, away from direct heat and strong sun.
Where Catar Cottega fits
The technical blends in our Women's Leggings and Men's Performance range are built to last, and simple cold-wash care keeps them performing. To understand the materials you are caring for, read our Activewear Fabric Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wash gym clothes in cold or hot water?
Cold. Hot water breaks down the spandex and the moisture-wicking finish, so leggings and tops lose their stretch and performance faster.
Can you use fabric softener on gym clothes?
No. Fabric softener coats technical fibres and destroys their sweat-wicking ability. Skip it entirely for activewear.
How do you get the smell out of gym clothes?
Wash soon after training, turn the item inside out, and add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse to break down odour-causing bacteria.
Can you tumble dry leggings?
Avoid high heat. Tumble drying degrades the elastane and shortens the life of your leggings. Air drying keeps the stretch intact.
How often should you wash gym clothes?
After every session you sweat in. Leaving sweaty kit in a bag lets bacteria set in, which is what causes lasting odour.
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