Wash tips - Washing sports clothes & underwear
In this guide, you will find practical laundry tips on how to wash workout clothes the right way, as well as advice on how to best wash and care for your underwear. We cover everything from what temperature to wash workout clothes at and how to remove sweat odor from clothes, to how to wash sports underwear, so they keep their fit, function, and freshness for longer.
Quick laundry tips
Wash less
Many items don't need washing after every use. Air them out to keep them fresh for longer
Fill your machine
Wash full loads whenever possible to save water and energy.
Use cold water
Wash at 30°C or lower to reduce energy use and help preserve fibres.
Air dry
Skip the tumble dryer whenever possible to help garments last longer.
Take care of your sports clothes
Whether you’re doing a calm yoga session or sweating through intense HIIT workouts and runs, your workout clothes work hard.
To help them maintain their fit, breathability, and freshness over time, it’s important to care for and wash your workout clothes correctly.
Here are some practical tips on how to take care of your sportswear:
Air out sweaty clothes immediately instead of leaving them in a gym bag or laundry basket.
Turn garments inside out before washing, as sweat and oils build up on the inside.
This also helps protect the outer fabric, especially on technical materials.Do not use more detergent than recommended, as excess detergent can be difficult to rinse out and may build up in the fibers.
Avoid fabric softener when washing workout clothes and sports underwear, as it can damage elasticity and reduce moisture-wicking properties.
Do not tumble dry your workout clothes, as they may shrink or lose function. Let them air dry instead
How do you wash workout clothes the right way?
With the right laundry routines, you can extend the lifespan of your garments, maintain their performance, and reduce unnecessary wear from washing.
Here you’ll find practical tips and answers to common questions about how to wash workout clothes so they stay fresh, look good, and perform at their best for longer.
What temperature should you wash sports clothes at?
You can effectively wash workout clothes at 30°C, as modern detergents contain enzymes that work well even at lower temperatures. Always follow the care label on the garment.
What detergent should you use for sportswear?
A mild liquid detergent is best, as it is gentle on fabrics and dissolves well at lower temperatures. There are also detergents specifically designed for workout clothes.
How should you dry gym clothes after washing?
Never tumble dry your workout clothes or sports underwear, as this can cause them to shrink and lose their performance properties. Air drying is the best option.
How often should you wash gym clothes?
Workout clothes should generally be washed after each use, especially after intense or sweaty sessions. For lighter workouts, airing them out before the next use may be enough.
Air drying saves energy and helps your clothes last longer
The UV light from the sun actually helps killing bacteria. Just remember to avoid hanging your dark clothes in direct sunlight, or they will fade.
And even if it says in your wash instructions, it can never be said too many times: don’t put your stretchy gym leggings or any elastics or sports underwear in the dryer.
How do you remove sweat odor and stains from workout clothes?
Odor in workout clothes is usually caused by a combination of sweat and body oils. You may have noticed that clothes can still smell even after washing.
How to remove sweat odor:
Gently rub the areas that tend to hold odor, such as underarms, before washing. Always dampen the fabric first and apply a small amount of liquid detergent.
You can also spray a small amount of vinegar onto the garment before washing.
Always test on a small, hidden area first to ensure the fabric is not affected.
If you have several items with odor, run a full wash and add about 50 ml of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment
Rinse the garment in cold water.
Pre-treat the stain with liquid detergent
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wash as usual
A mix of baking soda and water can also help. Apply to the stain, leave for 20 minutes, rinse, then wash.
Avoid fabric softener when washing sports clothes
Care tips to maintain moisture-wicking performance.
Removing stains
Act immediately and the stain will be easier to remove.
Dab gently, do not rub, as this can set the stain deeper into the fabric.
Adjust according to stain: Cold water for blood and protein-based stains, lukewarm water or mild detergent for grease stains.
Washing underwear
A laundry bag, mild detergent and air drying help extend the life of your underwear.
Tips on how to care for and wash your underwear
Washing underwear the right way helps maintain their shape, comfort, and freshness over time.
With a few simple laundry tips, you can extend the lifespan of your garments and keep them looking new for longer.
Tips for washing underwear:
Use a laundry bag to protect underwear, especially bras and delicate materials
Fasten your sports bra before washing so it doesn’t snag on other garments
Sort by colour to avoid discoloration
Use the right amount of detergent, as too much can leave residue
Wash at the correct temperature, always follow the care label
Choose a mild detergent, especially for sports underwear
What temperature should you wash underwear at?
Cotton underwear can usually be washed at 30–40°C, which is enough to keep them clean and fresh.
Always follow the care instructions, as they may vary between garments.
Functional sports underwear is best washed at 30°C to maintain performance, stretch, and fit. High temperatures can break down elastic fibers and affect the garment’s properties.
Washing sports underwear
Wash sports boxers, workout underwear, and sports bras correctly to maintain fit, stretch, and breathability. Do this:
Wash at 30°C to protect elastic fibers and function
Use a liquid detergent, preferably one designed for sportswear
Avoid fabric softener, as it reduces moisture-wicking performance
Wash as soon as possible after training
Turn garments inside out for more effective cleaning
Wash with similar materials to reduce wear
Always air dry, avoid tumble drying as it can damage stretch and shape
More smart & practical laundry tips
How you wash your clothes affects how long they last, how well they perform, and how fresh they feel over time.
By washing smarter, for example at the right temperature and using the right methods, you can reduce unnecessary wear, save energy, and help your garments last longer.
Wash at lower temperatures. Modern detergents are effective already at 30–40°C, which is enough for most garments while also reducing energy use.
Fill the washing machine properly. Avoid half-empty loads, but do not overload the machine either, clothes need space to get properly clean.
Use the right amount of detergent. Too much can leave residue in the fabric, while too little may not clean your clothes properly. Always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging.
Air dry instead of tumble drying. It is gentler on both the material and the fit, especially for workout clothes and stretch fabrics-
Hang your laundry outside when possible. Fresh air helps keep clothes feeling fresh, but avoid direct sunlight for dark garments.
Use a laundry bag for delicate garments. It helps reduce wear and protects workout clothes and underwear during washing