Take Care of Your Activewear: How to Dry and Store It to Keep Its Shape
Take Care of Your Activewear: How to Dry and Store It to Keep Its Shape
Activewear is built to perform — not just during your workouts, but over time. The technical fabrics that wick sweat, stretch with your movements, and hold their shape need a little extra care when it comes to drying and storage. Treat them right, and you’ll extend their lifespan, keep them comfortable, and avoid unpleasant odors. Here’s how to make sure your gear stays in top form.
Skip the Dryer — Air Drying Is Best
It’s tempting to toss your leggings or sports bras into the dryer for a quick turnaround, but high heat is one of the biggest enemies of performance fabrics. Heat can break down elastic fibers like spandex and elastane, causing your clothes to lose their stretch and fit.
Instead, hang your activewear to dry on a rack or hanger in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers. If you prefer to dry outdoors, choose a shaded spot.
Before hanging, give each piece a gentle shake to help it keep its shape and reduce wrinkles. Most activewear dries quickly, so a little patience goes a long way.
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Don’t Let Damp Clothes Sit
After a workout, resist the urge to leave sweaty clothes balled up in your gym bag. Moisture and warmth create the perfect environment for bacteria and odor to develop — and once that smell sets in, it’s hard to remove.
If you can’t wash your gear right away, hang it up to air out as soon as possible. Even a quick rinse in cold water can help remove sweat and delay odor buildup. For frequent exercisers, a small drying rack in the laundry room or bathroom can make a big difference.
Store It Dry and Breathable
Once your activewear is completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place where air can circulate. Avoid sealed plastic bins or bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew. A dresser drawer or closet shelf works well, as long as it’s not overcrowded.
Fold your clothes neatly, but don’t compress them too tightly — especially items with elastic waistbands or padded areas, like sports bras or cycling shorts. Laying padded pieces flat helps them keep their shape.
Be Careful with Fabric Softeners and Heat
Even though this step happens before drying, how you wash your activewear affects how well it holds up afterward. Fabric softeners can coat the fibers, reducing their ability to wick moisture and breathe. Use a mild detergent designed for performance fabrics instead.
Skip the iron, too. Most activewear materials are heat-sensitive, and ironing can melt or warp the fibers. If your clothes look wrinkled, they’ll usually smooth out once you put them on.
Keep It Fresh Between Workouts
Even with proper drying, activewear can develop a lingering odor over time — especially if you work out often. To freshen it up, hang it outside for a few hours or spritz it lightly with a mix of water and white vinegar (one part vinegar to three parts water). Always test on a small area first.
If you have the space, consider storing your workout clothes separately from your everyday wardrobe. It helps you stay organized and prevents any residual odors from transferring to other garments.
Preserve the Fit — and the Motivation
When you take good care of your activewear, it not only lasts longer but also feels better to wear. The fabrics stay supportive, the colors stay bright, and the fit stays true. That means you can focus on what really matters — your workout.
With just a bit of attention to how you dry and store your gear, you’ll keep it performing at its best every time you move.
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