Good leggings are an investment, and the way you wash them decides how long they stay that way. Most activewear does not wear out at the gym. It wears out in the washing machine and on the drying rack, from hot water, fabric softener and harsh spin cycles that slowly break down the stretch fibres that keep leggings supportive and opaque.
Here is a simple care routine that works for leggings, sports bras, shorts and co-ord sets, and the common mistakes worth avoiding.
Why activewear needs different care
Performance leggings are usually made from a nylon or polyester base blended with elastane (also called spandex or Lycra). The elastane is what gives four-way stretch and shape recovery, and it is also the most delicate part of the fabric. Heat, friction and chemical residue all weaken it over time. Once elastane breaks down, leggings sag at the knees, lose their hold at the waist and start to look thinner when you squat.
Sweat-wicking fabric has a second weak spot: its surface is designed to pull moisture away from your skin. Anything that coats the fibres, like fabric softener or too much detergent, blocks that and traps odour.
The 6-step routine to wash leggings
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Wash soon after wearing. Leaving sweaty leggings balled up in a gym bag lets bacteria settle into the fibres, which is where stubborn smells come from. If you cannot wash them the same day, hang them up to dry out first.
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Turn them inside out. This protects the outer surface and colour from friction and puts the side that touched your skin in direct contact with the water.
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Use cold or room-temperature water. Cold water is gentle on elastane and helps dark colours like navy, black and slate stay rich for longer. Skip hot washes completely.
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Use a small amount of mild detergent. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. Excess soap leaves residue that holds odour. A liquid detergent, used sparingly, rinses out more easily than powder.
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Choose a gentle cycle, or hand wash. A delicate cycle with a low spin speed is ideal. Washing activewear in a mesh laundry bag, away from jeans, towels and anything with zips or hooks, prevents pilling and snags.
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Air dry in the shade. Lay leggings flat or hang them over a rod indoors or in shade. Activewear dries quickly, so it rarely needs more than a few hours. Avoid the tumble dryer and long hours in strong direct sun, both of which weaken elastane and can fade colour.
Mistakes that ruin leggings fastest
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Fabric softener: It coats the fibres, reduces sweat-wicking and can trap smells. Leave it out for all activewear.
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Hot water and tumble drying: The quickest way to lose stretch and shape recovery.
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Washing with towels: Towels shed lint that sticks to smooth performance fabric and the rough texture causes pilling.
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Wringing them out: Twisting stresses the fabric. Press water out gently or roll the leggings in a dry towel instead.
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Ironing: Activewear does not need it, and direct heat can damage the finish.
How to get rid of gym smell
If a pair still smells after washing, soak it inside out for 20 to 30 minutes in cold water with a cup of white vinegar before running a normal gentle wash. Vinegar helps lift the body oils and detergent build-up that hold odour. In hot and humid months, washing after every workout and drying fully before storing makes a big difference.
How to care for sets and pocket leggings
For co-ord sets, wash the top and leggings together so the colour ages evenly and the set always matches. Remove any removable bra pads first and wash them in a mesh bag so they keep their shape. For pocket leggings, empty the pockets and turn them inside out so the pocket seams get cleaned properly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my leggings?
After every sweaty workout. For light wear, like running errands, you can wear them once more before washing as long as you hang them to air out in between.
Can I machine wash squat-proof leggings?
Yes. Use a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin, turn them inside out, and use a mesh bag if you can. Following that routine helps the fabric keep its density and stay opaque for longer.
Why are my leggings pilling?
Pilling is usually caused by friction: washing with rough fabrics like towels and denim, or high spin speeds. Wash activewear separately on a gentle cycle to prevent it.
Looking for a new pair that is built to last through workouts and washes? Browse our Future Flex squat-proof leggings, or read our guide on how to test if leggings are squat-proof.
How to Wash Leggings and Activewear (So They Stay Squat-Proof for Longer)
Good leggings are an investment, and the way you wash them decides how long they stay that way. Most activewear does not wear out at the gym. It wears out in the washing machine and on the drying rack, from hot water, fabric softener and harsh spin cycles that slowly break down the stretch fibres that keep leggings supportive and opaque.
Here is a simple care routine that works for leggings, sports bras, shorts and co-ord sets, and the common mistakes worth avoiding.
Why activewear needs different care
Performance leggings are usually made from a nylon or polyester base blended with elastane (also called spandex or Lycra). The elastane is what gives four-way stretch and shape recovery, and it is also the most delicate part of the fabric. Heat, friction and chemical residue all weaken it over time. Once elastane breaks down, leggings sag at the knees, lose their hold at the waist and start to look thinner when you squat.
Sweat-wicking fabric has a second weak spot: its surface is designed to pull moisture away from your skin. Anything that coats the fibres, like fabric softener or too much detergent, blocks that and traps odour.
The 6-step routine to wash leggings
Mistakes that ruin leggings fastest
How to get rid of gym smell
If a pair still smells after washing, soak it inside out for 20 to 30 minutes in cold water with a cup of white vinegar before running a normal gentle wash. Vinegar helps lift the body oils and detergent build-up that hold odour. In hot and humid months, washing after every workout and drying fully before storing makes a big difference.
How to care for sets and pocket leggings
For co-ord sets, wash the top and leggings together so the colour ages evenly and the set always matches. Remove any removable bra pads first and wash them in a mesh bag so they keep their shape. For pocket leggings, empty the pockets and turn them inside out so the pocket seams get cleaned properly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my leggings?
After every sweaty workout. For light wear, like running errands, you can wear them once more before washing as long as you hang them to air out in between.
Can I machine wash squat-proof leggings?
Yes. Use a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin, turn them inside out, and use a mesh bag if you can. Following that routine helps the fabric keep its density and stay opaque for longer.
Why are my leggings pilling?
Pilling is usually caused by friction: washing with rough fabrics like towels and denim, or high spin speeds. Wash activewear separately on a gentle cycle to prevent it.
Looking for a new pair that is built to last through workouts and washes? Browse our Future Flex squat-proof leggings, or read our guide on how to test if leggings are squat-proof.