Technical performance and activewear fabrics of the 21st century have indeed come a long way. From moisture-wicking properties and form-fitting designs that allow for optimal movement, women now have a better selection of workout clothes to choose from. Just as your health and wellness are a priority, investing in workout clothes should be perceived as a long-term investment that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made athleisure one of the most on trend lifestyle shifts for men and women alike. While more expensive than your standard workout clothes, athleisure has a competitive edge due to its quality and versatility. Athleisure items are stylish and can be used for any type of workout and relaxation, too. Ultimately, what sets athleisure apart from other types of activewear is comfort.
Given athleisure are investment pieces, it’s important to gain a good understanding of their care. Caring for your activewear is important to ensure that they retain their look and function as long as possible. Of course, at some point, they will experience wear and tear. But ideally, your athleisure wear should be able to maintain its aesthetic and functionality for up to two years.
Give your athleisure wear the care it deserves by following these tips.
If you’re the type of woman who loves working out and has a huge collection of activewear for each type of activity, it’s imperative to give them the attention and love they deserve.
Use Cold Water When Washing Activewear
Always use cold water when washing activewear. If you are using a washing machine, place it on a gentle cycle. Do not place it in hot water as this can result in excessive friction that can damage the fibres, effectively shortening its lifespan.
Use Gentle Detergent
While you may be tempted to use more detergent when washing your activewear, it is imperative that you follow the specified amount of laundry detergent. Detergent residue can accumulate on the fibres. This can attract bacteria and fungi over time resulting in skin irritation and bad odour.
Choose a mild detergent for your activewear. Apart from accumulating in the fibres, strong detergent can induce allergies in intimate areas. The last thing that you need is to nurse allergies and infections from wearing your activewear. Ideally, use a hypoallergenic soap to effectively wash your activewear.
Refrain from Using Fabric Softeners
While you may want your workout clothes to smell fresh, avoid using fabric softeners. Fabric softeners are designed to coat fabrics with a thin film that can lock in bacteria and odor within fibres. You’ll get the opposite effect if you keep on rinsing your workout clothes with a fabric softener. Lastly, fabric softener can break down the elastic fibres that most workout clothes are made from.
Add a Pinch of Salt
Add a teaspoon of salt when you are washing your activewear for the first time. Whether you are hand washing or machine washing, adding a pinch of salt will make all the difference. Salt avoids colour fading, making the colours more vibrant and richer despite subsequent washes.
Do Not Use Bleach
Never use bleach when washing stains off from workout clothes. While bleaches work well in removing stains and improving the brightness of white workout clothes, they can also bring catastrophic effects when used excessively. Bleach is a strong acid that can deteriorate the fabrics of your favourite workout clothes. With regular use of bleach, you will notice your workout clothes start thinning and feature weaker strands.
Handwash your Workout Clothes
If you have the luxury of time, you must invest time handwashing your activewear. While workout clothes are more durable than regular clothing items, they can deteriorate with excessive agitation and friction with machine washings. However, if you do not have the time to hand wash all your workout clothes, we highly recommend using a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Do not forget to use delicate soap to ensure the fabrics maintain their integrity for a longer period.
Wash your Workout Clothes Immediately to Prevent Sweat Stains
Don’t wait for your sweaty clothes to completely dry before washing them. Bacteria doesn’t die off quickly after your workouts. They can stay on your clothes for a prolonged period, causing your clothes to develop an unpleasant odour. After an intense workout session, wash them immediately after taking them off. The last thing you want is for your expensive activewear to have sweat stains as they can be relatively difficult to remove.
Revitalise and Refresh with a Finishing Spray
Use a finishing spray to quickly revitalise your workout clothes and your gym bag, too! Clean your gym bag at least twice a month to ensure that they are not storing bacteria and bad odours from storing your workout clothes on a regular basis.
If you’re looking for luxurious and durable workout clothes that you can wear for lounging, running errands, and workouts, check out our impressive selection here at Kate Galliano. For enquiries, you may contact us by dropping us a message here.
