You work hard to stay in shape, so it’s only right that your gymwear does the same too. 

Often made from technical fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, these diligent, yet delicate materials require extra TLC to keep them looking and feeling as good as new. Besides, when you’re investing well in high quality activewear, you want to make sure it lasts longer than just a few sessions.

So, to help you take better care of your AYBL gear, we’ve put together some top tips on how to wash gym clothes properly so they stay fresh for longer. 

Grab a notebook, girls.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR GYM CLOTHES?

We figured this would probably be the first question you have and the answer is as you’d expect: every time after working out. Warm, moist fabrics are a breeding ground for bacteria to grow - not to mention the smell! If you’ve ever left your gym kit at the bottom of your bag by accident (we’ve all done it!), then you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

Which is why it’s also best to air dry your gym clothes after your workouts. This not only makes them easier to clean and eliminate odours, but like your gym bag, your laundry basket can breed mould and mildew. Yep, gross!

HOW TO WASH GYM CLOTHES

1. PRE-SOAK IN VINEGAR

Trust us on this one! A little bit of vinegar can go a long way when washing your gym clothes, especially if they’re extra smelly. 

Soak your clothes in four parts cold water and one part white vinegar for at least an hour before washing. This will help eliminate any unpleasant smells and break down stains, such as sweat. Rinse with cool water and leave to air dry.

2. WASH SIMILAR COLOURS & MATERIALS TOGETHER

You’ve probably already mastered the art of separating lights and darks, so let’s take it one step further by separating your activewear so that you’re washing similar fabrics together. Mixing and washing ‘heavier’, synthetic materials with cotton can cause abrasion, resulting in greater wear and tear.

For more delicate materials, such as mesh and seamless fabrics, you may wish to use a wash bag for an extra layer of protection. 

3. WASH INSIDE OUT

It’s a well known fact that washing your clothes inside-out can help protect the colour, but did you know it can also give your dirtier items (AKA your activewear) a deeper clean too? Bearing in mind that the inside of your clothes is where all the body bacteria builds up (armpit stains, we mean you!), it makes sense to turn them inside-out before washing. 

Don’t forget to zip up any fastenings to prevent any damage to your other items. We also recommend that you remove any padding from your sports bras to help retain their shape.

4. WASH ON A COLD SETTING

Believe it or not, girls, hot water could damage your AYBL-wear more than it could help. In fact, extreme heat can break down the elasticity of stretchy materials, causing them to shrink and have a shorter lifespan. And let’s be honest, nobody wants that, right?

On a side note, be mindful of how much detergent you’re using, as too much soap makes it difficult for your washing machine to rinse your clothes thoroughly, and soap build up is a hotspot for bacteria. 

5. AVOID FABRIC SOFTENER 

While it may seem like the easiest way to eliminate odours, fabric softener can actually be counterproductive. Truth is, fabric softener can damage the technical properties of stretchy fabrics, affecting their ability to be sweat-wicking or anti-bacterial. 

On top of that, it can create a coating on your clothes that actually traps smells!

6. AIR DRY

Just like hot water can affect your gymwear’s longevity, so can hot air. We recommend air drying your gym clothes inside on a clothes horse or drying rack. This will help to reduce shrinkage and even keep them stretchier for longer. 

And the best part? Because most gym clothes are designed to wick away moisture, they should dry in no time! 

Treating yourself to new gymwear can be all the motivation you need to get moving, and looking after it properly will keep it in tip-top condition for longer. That way you won’t be forking out for a new ‘fit every few months - unless you want to, of course!

Talking of new ‘fits, why not check out our latest arrivals and discover what’s new?

SHOP NEW IN

Psstt… Don’t forget to wash your gym bag too. All you need is a cloth and a little soap and water!