Your favorite leggings feel amazing the first few times you wear them. Then, a few months later, they are pilling, stretched out or faded. Usually the problem isn't the leggings, it's the laundry. Stretch fabrics need slightly different care from cotton. Here's exactly how to wash leggings and activewear so they stay soft, stretchy and bright for longer.
The 7 golden rules of activewear care
1. Wash cool
Heat is the biggest enemy of spandex (elastane). Hot water and high heat break down the stretch fibers over time, which is what makes leggings go baggy. Wash at 30°C / 86°F or cooler on a gentle cycle. That's also what we recommend for pieces like our Lycra High Waisted Yoga Leggings.
2. Turn everything inside out
It protects the outer surface from friction, which reduces pilling and fading, and it lets the water reach the side that touched your skin.
3. Skip the fabric softener
Fabric softener coats fibers with a waxy layer. On activewear, that layer traps odor and stops fabrics from breathing properly. Use a small amount of mild detergent instead.
4. Wash with similar fabrics
Towels, denim and anything with zips or Velcro rub against stretch fabrics and cause pilling. Wash activewear together, ideally in a mesh laundry bag, especially sports bras with straps.
5. Don't bleach
Bleach damages both color and stretch fibers.
6. Air dry whenever you can
Hang or lay flat to dry, out of direct sun. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting. Air drying is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your activewear.
7. Iron carefully, or not at all
Most activewear doesn't need ironing. If it does, use a low temperature and never iron directly over a print.
How to wash sports bras
- Fasten any hooks or zips, like on the Cropped Zip Yoga Sports Bra, before washing.
- Place bras in a mesh bag so straps don't tangle, especially strappy styles like the Strappy Criss Cross Yoga Sports Bra.
- If your bra has removable pads, take them out and wash them separately in a mesh bag.
- Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry.
How to get sweat smells out of activewear
- Don't leave sweaty clothes in your gym bag. Air them out as soon as you get home.
- Rinse in cool water after a hot class if you can't wash straight away.
- For stubborn odor, soak for 30 minutes in cool water with a splash of white vinegar before washing.
- Avoid over-using detergent. Too much can leave residue that traps odor.
How to store activewear
Fold leggings rather than hanging them by the waistband, which can stretch the elastic. Store sports bras flat or gently stacked so the cups keep their shape.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my leggings?
After every sweaty workout. For light wear, such as lounging or errands, you can often wear them two or three times between washes.
Can you put leggings in the dryer?
It's best not to. If you must, use the lowest heat setting. High heat breaks down the stretch fibers.
Why do my leggings pill?
Pilling usually comes from friction, either in the wash (from towels, denim or zips) or during wear. Washing inside out, in a mesh bag with similar fabrics, helps a lot.
Does cold water clean activewear properly?
Yes. Modern detergents work well in cool water, and cool washing protects the stretch fibers.
Made to last
Every Veda Stretch piece comes with care instructions on its product page. Look after your sports bras, leggings and bodysuits well and they'll look after you. Want to understand your fabrics better? Read nylon vs polyester activewear.
