Leggings are the unsung heroes of our workout wardrobes. Whether you’re perfecting your downward dog in yoga class or smashing it out at the gym, a good pair of leggings has your back (and your legs).
According to research by Cotton Incorporated, more than 9 in 10 consumers (94%) wear activewear for purposes beyond exercise, and many report wearing it multiple times before washing. (Ew.)
But how often should you wash your gym leggings to keep them looking fresh and lasting longer? If you’re wondering whether you’re treating your trusty workout leggings right, don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered!
How to Wash Your Leggings: The Ultimate Guide
Taking care of your leggings is essential for keeping them vibrant, durable, and workout-ready. With the right washing routine, you can maintain their fit and overall quality without compromising the fabric’s performance. Let’s dive into the steps you should follow to give your favourite gym and yoga leggings the care they deserve.
1. Check the Care Label
Before you dive into the laundry, always check the care label. Your leggings might have special washing instructions depending on the fabric. This is your first line of defence in keeping the overall quality of your leggings intact.
2. Turn Them Inside Out
This might sound odd, but washing leggings inside out is a smart move. It protects the vibrant colours and printed designs on your funky patterned leggings, while also allowing the sweat and oils on the inside to be properly cleaned.
3. Choose the Right Water Temperature
For most workout leggings, cool or cold water is your best friend. Hot water can cause shrinkage, weaken the fabric, and fade those vibrant patterns. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentle on the fabric and helps preserve the elasticity of your leggings.
Some care labels might recommend warm water, but avoid hot water as it can damage the fabric and lead to pilling.
4. Use Mild Detergent – Less Is More
When it comes to laundry detergent, avoid using too much detergent, which can build up on the fabric and affect its breathability. Instead, opt for a mild detergent to keep your leggings fresh without harming the fibres. You can also add fabric softener to the wash if the care label allows it, but be cautious – some leggings perform better without it, especially those made of performance fabrics that wick sweat.
5. Avoid the Tumble Dryer
Air dry your leggings whenever possible. While a tumble dryer may be convenient, the heat can degrade the fabric’s elasticity over time, especially with gym leggings. Hang dry your leggings in a cool, shaded area to prevent shrinkage and help them retain their shape. If you must use a tumble dryer, use the delicate cycle and tumble dry on low heat.
6. Hand Washing: The Delicate Option
If your leggings are delicate or you want to extend their life even further, consider hand washing them. Fill a sink with cool water, add mild detergent, and gently scrub the leggings, focusing on areas that tend to get sweatier. Rinse thoroughly and hang them to air dry. This method is especially helpful for leggings with intricate patterns or delicate seams.
Why Washing Frequency Matters
Leggings, especially workout leggings, are made from high-performance fabrics designed to move with your body and wick away sweat. That sweat, along with bacteria and oils from your skin, builds up over time. According to one study, exercise clothes, like yoga pants and sports bras, are prone to accumulating odour-causing bacteria due to the nature of their usage. Washing your leggings regularly isn’t just about keeping them looking good – it’s also about maintaining their hygiene.
Find Out More: What is Moisture-Wicking Material? 10 Key Facts
The Golden Rule of Legging Care: When Should You Wash Them?
Here’s the deal: if you’ve worn your leggings to an intense gym session or hot yoga class, it’s time to wash them. Sweat, bacteria, and the general grime of a workout need to be cleaned off to keep your leggings in tip-top shape. For everyday activities like lounging around or a gentle walk, you might be able to go a few wears before tossing them in the laundry, but if you’re sweating, wash them after each wear.
What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Leggings?
We get it – washing leggings after every workout can feel like a chore. But not washing them often enough can lead to odour build-up, bacteria growth, and even break down the fabric’s fibres over time. Gym leggings and yoga pants are made with materials like polyester, spandex, and nylon, which are designed for movement but can trap bacteria more easily than natural fabrics like cotton t-shirts. Not washing your leggings regularly could also irritate your skin, especially in areas that rub or chafe during exercise.
You Might Like: Which Fabric is Best for Gym Leggings?
A Legging-Washing Cheat Sheet
Here's a quick recap for your laundry routine:
- After a workout? Wash your leggings immediately.
- Got sweaty? Into the wash they go.
- Light use like lounging? You can go 2-3 wears before washing.
- Avoid the tumble dryer as much as possible to keep the fabric in good shape.
- Hand wash delicate leggings to preserve them.
Gym Bag No-Nos
If you’re guilty of leaving sweaty leggings in your gym bag post-workout, you’re not alone. However, it’s a major no-no if you want to keep them fresh and long-lasting. Letting your workout leggings sit in a humid, bacteria-friendly environment is a recipe for odour and fabric breakdown. Always take your leggings out of your gym bag as soon as possible, and let them air out before washing them.
Read More: 5 Cute Workout Outfit Ideas For 2024
Protecting the Environment: Use a Laundry Bag to Trap Microplastics
Washing synthetic leggings, like those made from polyester or nylon, can release tiny microplastic fibres into the water, which eventually end up in our oceans. A great way to minimise this is by using a microplastic-filtering laundry bag.
These special bags, like the Guppyfriend, are designed to catch the microfibers that shed during washing, preventing them from polluting water systems. Not only does this help protect marine life, but it also reduces the environmental footprint of your washing routine, all while keeping your leggings in top shape!
Quick Tips for Keeping Your Leggings in Tip-Top Shape
- Rotate your leggings: Wearing the same pair every day puts more strain on them. Invest in a few pairs and rotate them throughout the week.
- Separate other clothes: When washing leggings, avoid throwing in heavy fabrics like towels or jeans, which can rub against your leggings and cause pilling. Keep similar fabrics together in the wash.
- Wash sports bras separately: While you’re at it, don’t forget about your trusty sports bras. Hand wash them if possible, or wash them on a gentle cycle with your leggings to preserve their fit and overall quality.
Looking for High Quality Funky Patterned Activewear?
Stick to these care tips, and your gym leggings will stay in your wardrobe rotation for much longer. Keep those vibrant colours poppin’, and remember: your leggings are your workout partners – treat them right, and they’ll go the distance with you!
Ready to refresh your workout wardrobe? Check out Loony Legs for a fantastic selection of patterned leggings, workout shorts, sports bras, funky flares, and much more.
No matter how you like to get your movement in, Loony Legs has got you covered with the cutest and most functional workout clothes.
Stay stylish, comfortable, and confident in your fitness journey with our collections. Shop today.
Washing Leggings FAQs
1. How often should I wash my leggings?
The frequency of washing your leggings largely depends on how often you wear them and the type of activities you do. Generally, it’s recommended to wash workout leggings after every use, especially if they’ve been worn during intense workouts or in hot, sweaty conditions. However, many people wear them a few times before washing, so aim to find a balance that works for you while keeping hygiene in mind(
2. Can I use fabric softener when washing leggings?
It’s best to avoid using fabric softener on your leggings. Fabric softeners can leave a residue that diminishes the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, making them less effective during workouts. Instead, opt for a mild detergent to keep your leggings clean and in optimal condition(
3. Is it safe to tumble dry my workout leggings?
Tumble drying is generally not recommended for leggings, as the heat can damage the elastic fibres and cause them to lose their shape. Instead, it's better to air dry your leggings by laying them flat or hanging them up, which helps maintain their fit and prevents any unnecessary wear and tear.
