Whether you're a gym junkie or simply a casual enthusiast, leggings are a coveted wardrobe staple. From running to class or just running around the block, our leggings are definitely one of our instant go-to picks. Forget about jeans, leggings are definitely one of the most versatile pieces found in any woman's closet. Although the rising athleisure trend has led to the leggings craze becoming mainstream, some of us literally live in our leggings for years, nearly 24/7. With such a wide variety of styling options available, the right pair of leggings can help us power through a workout, or by simply checking things off of our never-ending to-do list. With all of the wear and tear that undoubtedly happens over time, we wanted to uncover the secrets on how to take care of our beloved leggings. The team over at Who What Wear has come to the rescue, this time with all the deets on how to best care for your leggings, including how to keep them looking fresh.
According to the expert team at Rinse, a garment care company, washing your leggings depends on the exact type of style you’re using. The dry-cleaning service helped to simplify things, including a list of major dos and don'ts with washing your leggings. "Since most activewear is made of moisture-wicking material to keep you dry, it is likely to be damp after a workout or all day use.” The company noted, reminding all of us to hang up our leggings after use. Sure, you might be exhausted after completing that killer workout, but if you want to keep your leggings for the long run, make sure to let your them air out. Keeping your leggings stuffed inside your grimy gym bag can often lead to nasty consequences, including mildew and mold. Yuck! Make sure to wash them as soon as you can to avoid any gross odors.
"To ensure your activewear stays looking and fitting like new, you should keep your garments away from the dryer and hang-dry them instead.” Rinse added. Understandably, throwing your leggings in the dryer can be an absolute no-no. Make sure to read the instructions on each label carefully, but general recommendations include skipping out on the dryer. The heat from a dryer, even when on low levels or settings, can still damage the material found in most leggings. Of course, each style of leggings can be different, but if you’d like them to keep looking fresh, forget about throwing them into the dryer. As an added recommendation, Rinse says that you can keep your leggings looking like-new by having them hang dry in the sun.
When it comes to fabric softener, the general consensus is pretty clear—just don’t do it. "Most softeners contain silicone, which can create a coating on the fabric that weakens its breathability and wicking functions.” Rinse advised. “If you accidentally wash your leggings with softener, don't stress; wash your items again without softener, and they should return to the normal wicking level." Save yourself the time and hassle from the beginning, and just don’t add any fabric softener next time you’re planning to wash your leggings.
Another popular style includes leggings with mesh accents and detailing. Although these styles are super cute, you should also take care to follow some guidelines when washing them. "These types of garments, while great for breathability and design, are more susceptible to damage during wash and dry as these mesh panels can be easily snagged by other pieces of clothing.” Rinse said. “...Place these items inside of a mesh bag during cleaning and then hang-dry to minimize contact with other garments."
Are there any other tips you'd like to share about washing your leggings? Let us know in the comments!
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