You invested in quality athletic wear — now let's make sure it lasts. Athletic clothing goes through a lot: sweat, stretching, and frequent washing. With the right care routine, you can keep your gear performing like new for years to come.
1. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water is the enemy of athletic fabrics. High temperatures break down elastic fibers like spandex and lycra, causing your compression wear and leggings to lose their shape and support over time. Always wash your athletic wear in cold water to preserve the fabric's stretch and structure.
2. Turn Garments Inside Out
Turning your athletic wear inside out before washing protects the outer surface from friction and pilling. It also allows the inside — where most of the sweat and bacteria accumulate — to get a more thorough clean.
3. Use a Gentle Detergent
Harsh detergents with bleach or fabric softeners can damage performance fabrics and reduce their moisture-wicking properties. Use a mild, sport-specific detergent that's designed to remove odor and bacteria without breaking down technical fibers. Avoid fabric softener entirely — it coats the fibers and reduces breathability.
4. Skip the Dryer
The heat from a dryer is just as damaging as hot water. High heat degrades elastic fibers quickly, leaving your leggings baggy and your compression gear ineffective. Instead, air dry your athletic wear by laying it flat or hanging it up. It dries faster than you think and lasts much longer.
5. Don't Let Sweat Sit
Try to wash or at least rinse your athletic wear soon after working out. Letting sweat, chlorine (if you swim), or sunscreen sit in the fabric for too long can cause permanent odor buildup and fabric breakdown. If you can't wash right away, hang it to air out rather than leaving it balled up in a gym bag.
6. Wash After Every Use
Unlike jeans or casual wear, athletic clothing should be washed after every single use. Bacteria and sweat that linger in the fabric not only cause odor but also degrade the fibers over time. A quick cold-water wash after each workout goes a long way.
7. Store Properly
Fold your athletic wear instead of hanging it for long periods — hanging can stretch out elastic waistbands and necklines over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fabrics.
Gear That's Built to Last
At Momentum Athletics, we design our athletic wear with premium fabrics that are built for performance and durability. Follow these care tips and your gear will keep up with you — workout after workout. Shop our full collection here.