How to wash and care for your leggings so they last for years
A good pair of leggings can last you for years… or be ruined in three washes. The difference almost always lies in how you wash and dry them. Elastane (spandex), the fibre that gives stretch, is tough in use but sensitive to heat. Here is everything you need to know.
In this article
How to wash leggings step by step
- Turn them inside out: this protects the colour, the logo and the surface of the fabric.
- Put them in a mesh laundry bag: it prevents snags with zips and Velcro.
- Cold water or 30 °C maximum: heat weakens elastane.
- Delicate or synthetics programme with a gentle spin.
- Mild detergent, ideally liquid and, if possible, made for sportswear.
How to dry them
Always air-dry. Lay your leggings flat or hang them by the waist, in the shade. Direct sun fades colours and the tumble dryer is elastane’s worst enemy: it dries it out and the leggings lose compression and opacity. Technical fabrics dry quickly, so you do not need it.
5 mistakes that ruin your leggings
| Mistake | What it causes |
|---|---|
| ❌ Using a tumble dryer | Loss of stretch and see-through areas |
| ❌ Using fabric softener | Clogs the fabric and traps odours |
| ❌ Washing in hot water | Weakens elastane and fades colour |
| ❌ Using bleach | Damages fibres and colour |
| ❌ Ironing over the logo | Deforms the silicone logo |
How to remove sweat odour
Do not leave damp leggings in your gym bag. If you cannot wash them straight away, spread them out to air. For stubborn odours, soak them for 30 minutes in cold water with a splash of white vinegar before the normal wash.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash leggings?
After every workout in which you sweat. If you only wore them for a while without sweating, airing them out is enough.
Can they be hand-washed?
Yes, in cold water with mild detergent. Do not wring them: press them gently with a towel to remove the water.
Why have my leggings become see-through?
Almost always because of heat (tumble dryer or hot water) or a low-weight fabric. Read which fabric to look for so they stay opaque.