Sportswear is made to perform – not only during your workout but also over time. The technical fabrics that wick away sweat, stretch with your movements and keep their shape need a bit of care when it comes to drying and storage. With the right approach, you can extend the life of your gear, maintain comfort and avoid unpleasant odours. Here’s how to look after your sportswear properly after washing.

Skip the Tumble Dryer – Air Drying Is Best

It might be tempting to throw your sports kit in the tumble dryer for a quick turnaround, but high heat can damage elastic fibres such as spandex and elastane. These materials give your clothes their stretch, and once they’re damaged, your leggings or tops can lose their shape and feel baggy.

Instead, hang your clothes to dry on a rack or hanger in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade colours and weaken the fabric. If you prefer drying outdoors, choose a shaded spot.

Give your clothes a gentle shake before hanging them up – it helps them keep their shape and reduces creasing, so you won’t need to iron them later.

Don’t Leave Damp Kit in Your Bag

After a workout, it’s easy to forget your sweaty clothes in your gym bag, but that’s the perfect environment for bacteria and odours to develop. Even if you can’t wash your kit straight away, hang it up to air as soon as possible.

If you exercise regularly, consider keeping a small drying rack in your bathroom or utility room. This allows your clothes to dry out between washes and prevents moisture from settling into the fibres, which helps them last longer.

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Store Sportswear Dry and Breathable

Once your clothes are completely dry, store them somewhere that allows air to circulate. Avoid sealed plastic bags or drawers where moisture can get trapped. A breathable drawer or wardrobe is ideal.

Fold your clothes neatly, but don’t press them too tightly together – especially items with elastic materials. For padded pieces like sports bras or cycling shorts, it’s best to store them flat so they don’t lose their shape.

Be Careful with Fabric Softener and Heat

While this isn’t directly about drying, how you wash your sportswear affects how well it dries and keeps its shape. Fabric softeners can coat the fibres, reducing their ability to wick away sweat and making the material less breathable. Use a mild detergent designed for sportswear instead.

Avoid ironing altogether. Most performance fabrics are heat-sensitive, and the high temperature of an iron can melt or deform the fibres. If your clothes look creased, they’ll usually smooth out once you put them on.

Freshen Up Between Washes

Even with proper drying, sportswear can develop a slight odour over time, especially if you train frequently. To freshen it up, hang it outside for a few hours to air out. You can also use a simple spray made from one part white vinegar to three parts water to neutralise smells – just test it on a small area first.

If you have the space, keep your sportswear separate from your everyday clothes. It makes it easier to see what’s clean and prevents any lingering odours from spreading.

Keep the Shape – and the Motivation

When you take good care of your sportswear, it not only lasts longer but also feels better to wear. The fabrics stay functional, the colours remain bright, and the fit stays true. That means you can focus on what really matters – your training.

With a little extra attention to drying and storage, your sportswear will keep performing at its best every time you put it on.