We all have that favorite outfit we wish we could wear to the gym every single day. The problem is that wearing and washing clothes frequently can make them lose their shape, color and elasticity. Ripping seams or worn out fabric is typically not a result of bad quality garment, but simply a result of how we treat it.

In this article we’re sharing all our secret tips to take better care of your beloved workout gear and make your clothing investment worth every penny by giving them a longer life!

1. Ditch the laundry basket

“I always have time to wash my gym clothes right after a workout” said no one ever. Let’s be real, even though washing right after your workout would be ideal, who has time for that? Instead, we suggest you hang your used clothes to dry instead of thronging them in a hamper until you have time to machine wash them. This is better for the fabric and reduces the risk of smelly clothes.

Photo: Annie Spratt

2. Turn them inside out

Not only does turning your clothes inside out pre wash maintain their color, it will also get rid of the sweat, dirt and bacteria from the inside of your clothes more easily. Garments with printed or sewed designs also benefit from being turned inside out, as it protects the design that could otherwise get damaged in the washer.

3. Wash in colder temperatures

Elastics do not go well with heat, so make sure you’re washing your elastic garments in colder water to maintain its shape. Ideally, avoid washing your workout gear with rougher fabrics like wool or cotton as this may cause pilling. No one wants to be stuck with a lint roller right before a workout.

4. Let the clothes air dry

As mentioned above, heat will mess with the clothes elasticity, so we suggest you hang your clothes to dry after the wash or tumble dry in colder temperature. Most workout clothes nowadays are made in moisture-wicking fabric and won’t take as long to air dry as other clothing. The little longer wait will be worth it though, as this prolongs the life of your beloved gear.

 

Pieces from our Nimble collection

5. Rotate your wardrobe

Trends fluctuate all the time and we all want to have the latest designs in our closet. But a lot of times that means we forget about the goldies we bought a few months ago. To avoid forgetting about your older pieces in the back, remember to go through your closet every once in a while, and rotate your wardrobe. Every item deserves its own moment and who knows, the piece you were so tired of last year may feel just like new!

6. Let go of the fabric softener

Fabric softener can be great to make your everyday clothes soft and fresh smelling. However, this is not the way to go with elastic, moisture-wicking garments. The fabric softener sinks into the weaves of the fabric and will break down the elastic material, making it not so elastic and not so moisture-wicking anymore. 

7. Bring out your inner seamstress

Remember the crafts classes in elementary school? Well now’s the time to break out the skills. Last but not least we want to show a little appreciation for the old school sewing kit your grandma gave you 10 years ago. A loose button or a tragic rip doesn’t have to be the end for your clothes. Try stitching it back together, we promise you’ll be surprised by the sewing skills you didn’t know you had.



Photo: Oli Woodman