Sportswear is an investment. A good pair of leggings, a trusty sports bra, or a comfortable top—these items can last for years if you care for them properly. In this guide, we explain how to wash, dry, and care for your sportswear so it retains its shape, elasticity, and color for as long as possible.
Why is sportswear care so important?
Sportswear fabrics are designed to withstand demanding conditions—they wick away moisture, stretch, and conform to the body. However, this complex fiber structure is more sensitive than traditional cotton fabrics. Improper washing can damage the elastomer (spandex) structure, leading to loss of shape and elasticity.
Brands like LIGAS invest in high-quality materials, like the Supplex fabric used in their high-waisted ICON leggings . However, even the best fabrics can suffer from poor care. Here's what you need to know.
Washing sportswear - the most important rules
First rule: always read the label. Manufacturers include information that's not accidental. Washing temperature, bleaching restrictions, and handwashing recommendations are all signals that a given material requires special care.
For most sportswear, the following rules apply:
Washing temperature: No higher than 30 degrees Celsius. High temperatures can damage the structure of synthetic fabrics and cause them to shrink. Lower temperatures are effective enough if you use a good detergent.
Detergent: Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics or specifically for sportswear. Avoid detergents containing optical brighteners, which can damage elastic fibers and discolor the fabric. Avoid fabric softener—while it smells pleasant, it clogs the pores of the moisture-wicking fabric.
Washing machine cycle: Choose a delicate or silk cycle. High-speed spin can stretch fabrics and damage seams. If possible, limit the spin speed to 600-800 rpm.
Wash inside out: Always turn leggings, bras, and tops inside out before washing. This protects printed patterns and colors from rubbing off while also ensuring better cleaning on the side of the fabric that comes into direct contact with your skin.
How often should you wash your sportswear?
After every workout – that's the simple answer. Sweat, bacteria, and sebum that settle on the fabric not only cause unpleasant odors but also degrade the material. The sooner you wash your ANGIE leggings or sports bra after your workout, the better for the product's durability.
Also, remember not to leave wet sportswear piled in your bag after a workout. Moisture and lack of air circulation are the perfect environment for bacteria and mold, which can permanently damage the fabric and cause indelible odors.
Hand washing - when is it worth it?
For particularly valuable or delicate items, consider hand washing. This is especially recommended for sports bras with underwires or special pads. Hand washing is gentler on the material and allows for thorough cleaning of areas where sweat accumulates most – under the arms and under the bust.
To hand wash, use lukewarm water with a little mild detergent. Gently soak the garment, then scrunch it between your hands without twisting or wringing. Rinse in clean, cool water and gently squeeze out excess water, wrapping the garment in a towel.
Drying sportswear - what to avoid?
The tumble dryer is the worst enemy of sportswear. The high temperature and mechanical action of the tumble dryer destroy elastomers, causing leggings to lose elasticity and lose their shape. Even a single tumble dryer cycle can significantly degrade the fabric's properties.
Rule number one: air-dry your sportswear, away from direct sunlight. UV radiation can discolor fabrics, especially vibrant colors.
Dry leggings by laying them flat on a flat surface or hanging them by the waistband, not the legs. Hanging them by the legs can cause them to stretch under the weight of the wet fabric. EVA sports bras are best dried by the buttocks (not by the straps). This allows the cups to maintain their natural shape while drying.
Removing tough stains and odors
Despite regular washing , sportswear can sometimes retain an unpleasant odor. This is caused by bacteria growing in the fabric's pores. How can you deal with this?
Soak the garment for 30-60 minutes in water with a little white vinegar (about 100 ml per bowl of water). The vinegar neutralizes bacteria and eliminates odors without damaging the fabric. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and wash the garment as usual.
For grass, mud, or cosmetic stains: Apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain and gently rub in with a soft brush or your fingers. Leave for 15 minutes before washing. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can permanently damage the color or texture of the fabric.
Sportswear storage
Storage method is also important. Fold leggings instead of hanging them – this will prevent stretching in places where the material hangs under its own weight. Store sportswear in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from moisture.
If you are storing ELISE tops or other lightweight layers, you can gently roll them up instead of folding them - this prevents difficult-to-remove creases from forming on delicate materials.
When to replace sportswear?
Even the best sportswear has a shelf life. Signs it's time for a new outfit:
Leggings lose their elasticity and slip down during workouts. The bra no longer provides sufficient support. The material becomes see-through in previously stitched areas. The color has faded significantly despite proper care. The seams are starting to fray.
Good quality leggings, like the ICON by LIGAS , can last for several years with proper care. That's significantly longer than chain-store clothing, which begins to degrade irreversibly after 6-12 months of intensive use.
Summary - 5 golden rules for sportswear care
First, wash after every workout, inside out, at a maximum of 30 degrees. Second, use mild detergents without fabric softeners or bleach. Third, dry horizontally or by hanging them by the belt, never in a tumble dryer. Fourth, store them folded in a dry, well-ventilated place. Fifth, regularly check the condition of the fabric and don't wait too long to replace worn parts.
Good sportswear is an investment worth caring for. By following the above rules, you'll ensure your favorite LIGAS leggings and sports bras last a long time, looking great during every workout.
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