Spandex garments – from workout leggings and sports bras to swimwear – are known for their exceptional stretch and shape retention. This stretch comes from spandex (also called Lycra or elastane), a polyurethane-based elastic fiber woven into activewear fabrics. Proper care is essential to protect these fibers. When well cared for, spandex activewear not only lasts longer but also performs better, maintaining its moisture management capabilities (breathability and sweat-wicking) and its supportive fit over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to wash, dry, and handle spandex garments to maximize their lifespan and keep them feeling and looking as good as new.
Why Proper Care Matters
Spandex is a technical material that can be damaged by heat, UV light, and harsh chemicals. Taking the time to care for it correctly pays off by preserving your investment. Well-maintained activewear retains its elasticity, color, and compression fit for years of use, whereas improper care can lead to sagging, faded, or brittle clothing in a matter of months. In fact, high heat is the number one culprit for spandex fiber damage – it can cause elastic fibers to break down, melt, or become brittle, resulting in loss of stretch and shape. By contrast, gentle care (cool washes, air-drying, avoiding harsh agents) helps quality spandex pieces last over 100 wears while still retaining their original fit and performance.
Proper care also preserves the performance features of modern activewear. Many nylon-spandex and polyester-spandex workout fabrics are engineered for quick drying and sweat wicking (often referred to as moisture-wicking or moisture management technology). If you don’t wash and dry these items properly, you can hinder their breathability. For example, leaving workout clothes dirty or using the wrong laundry products can clog the fabric and trap odors, preventing the material from wicking sweat. Simply put, caring for spandex is not just about avoiding damage – it’s about ensuring your athletic gear continues to perform (keeping you dry and comfortable) and about extending its life so you get more use out of every garment. As a bonus, longer-lasting clothes mean less frequent replacements, which is better for your wallet and the environment.
Does Spandex Shrink?
A common question is whether spandex fabrics will shrink. The short answer: Yes – spandex can shrink if exposed to high heat. Pure spandex fibers are synthetic and more heat-tolerant than some natural fibers, but they begin to contract and deform at elevated temperatures (around 65 °C or 150 °F and above). In practical terms, that means a hot wash cycle or a hot dryer can cause spandex-containing clothes to shrink or lose shape. According to textile experts, spandex starts to shrink noticeably when subjected to temperatures above roughly 150 °F. A standard hot water wash or a high-heat dryer cycle can easily exceed this threshold, potentially tightening or warping your spandex garments.
Besides heat, certain chemicals and conditions can make spandex appear to “shrink” or deteriorate. Chlorine bleach is especially harmful – it breaks down spandex fibers and can even cause them to yellow and lose elasticity. Harsh detergents or stain removers with strong enzymes may also weaken spandex over time, sometimes giving the impression of shrinkage or thinning. And while spandex is relatively quick-drying, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is not advised for drying because the UV radiation can degrade the elastic fibers (leading to loss of stretch and a shrunken, brittle feel).
It’s worth noting that when spandex is blended with other fibers (like cotton or nylon), the overall fabric’s shrinkage behavior will also depend on those other fibers. For instance, a cotton-spandex T-shirt may shrink in a hot wash mostly due to the cotton content, even if the spandex itself doesn’t shrink as much. In general, spandex-blend garments are safe from significant shrinkage if you stick to cool water washes and low-heat or air drying. It’s only under extreme conditions – hot washes, hot dryers, or boiling water – that you’ll see spandex fibers contract. So to keep your spandex leggings and swimwear fitting true to size, avoid exposing them to high heat. When cared for properly, spandex garments will maintain their size, stretch, and shape wear after wear.
How to Wash Spandex Activewear
Washing spandex activewear the right way is critical to prevent damage. These garments often see a lot of sweat and strain, so regular cleaning is a must – but it must be done gently. Follow these guidelines when laundering spandex workout clothes to get them clean while protecting their stretch and technical properties:
- Wash Soon After Wear: Try to wash sweaty spandex items as soon as possible after use. Do not let damp workout clothes sit balled up in a gym bag or hamper for days. Sweat left in the fabric encourages bacteria growth, which can lead to bad odors and even fiber deterioration over time. If you can’t wash immediately, at least hang the clothes up to air out and dry until you can launder them.
- Separate and Turn Inside Out: Wash spandex garments with similar soft, lightweight items – avoid mixing them with heavy jeans or towels that cause friction. Turning your spandex pieces inside out prior to washing will protect the outer finish and color from agitation damage and abrasion in the machine. This helps prevent pilling and keeps prints or finishes looking new.
- Use Cold Water on a Gentle Cycle: Always wash spandex blends in cold water. Hot water can weaken or shrink the elastic fibers, so stick to cold settings for both washing and rinsing. Select a delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine, which uses slower agitation and a shorter cycle – this reduces mechanical stress on the fabric. Vigorous washing or high-speed spins can stretch or roughen spandex; a gentle cycle is much safer. (Hand Washing Option:) For very delicate spandex items like certain sports bras, shapewear, or swimsuit lining fabric, hand washing in cold water with mild soap is the safest method. Gently swish the item in water, then rinse well.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Delicates: Consider placing fine spandex items (compression leggings, lingerie, or anything with straps) in a mesh laundry bag before machine washing. The mesh bag keeps them from tangling with other clothes and protects them from snags (for example, it can shield your leggings from a zipper on another garment). This extra step helps minimize friction and stretching in the wash.
- Avoid Overloading the Washer: Launder your activewear in small loads. Cramming too many items in one load increases friction and prevents thorough cleaning. Give your spandex clothes space to move in the water. This also ensures the detergent can rinse out completely.
- Skip Chlorine Bleach: Do not use chlorine bleach on spandex fabrics. Bleach is too harsh for elastane fibers – it can cause them to break down and even shrink or become discolored (spandex tends to yellow with bleach). If you need to brighten white spandex items, use a color-safe oxygen bleach sparingly, or better yet, try soaking in a mixture of water and baking soda or a dash of white vinegar as a gentler alternative. We’ll discuss detergents in the next section, but in general, keep bleach and strong chemicals away from your activewear.
Following these washing practices will remove sweat and soil from your activewear while protecting its stretch. After washing, the next critical step is how you dry your spandex – which can make or break the longevity of the garment, as we’ll see below.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Not all laundry detergents are equal when it comes to spandex. Choose a mild detergent that cleans effectively without containing harsh chemicals that could deteriorate elastic fibers. Ideally, use a detergent formulated for activewear or delicates. These are typically free of chlorine bleach, strong enzymes, or heavy fragrances, and they rinse out more cleanly. A standard heavy-duty detergent can sometimes be too aggressive – some contain enzymes designed to digest stains (great for cotton), but those same enzymes can slowly damage spandex over repeated washes. Look for words like “gentle,” “delicates,” or “sports detergent” on the label. These products will be strong enough to remove sweat and oils but gentle on technical fabrics.
Equally important is what not to use on spandex gear. Never use fabric softener or fabric conditioner on performance activewear. Fabric softeners (including dryer sheets) work by depositing a waxy coating on fibers to make them feel soft – but this coating is terrible for spandex and high-tech fabrics. It clogs the tiny pores in moisture-wicking materials, which traps odors and bacteria and prevents the fabric from breathing or wicking sweat properly. In other words, fabric softener can completely negate the moisture management features of your polyester or nylon spandex gym clothes. It also contributes to loss of elasticity over time by chemically degrading the elastane. For the same reasons, avoid dryer sheets (which are basically fabric softener in sheet form) when drying spandex items – they leave residue that inhibits performance. Your spandex will actually stay softer and fresher in the long run if you skip the softeners. If static cling is an issue, you can use wool dryer balls or a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle as alternatives that won’t leave buildup.
Also, do not bleach spandex fabrics. We touched on this, but to reiterate: chlorine bleach will permanently weaken elastic fibers and even cause discoloration. Spandex and bleach just don’t mix. If you have stains, pre-treat with a gentle stain remover or soap before washing, rather than resorting to bleach. For odor issues (common with polyester-spandex workout gear), try adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or use a specialized sport detergent with enzymes. Cleaning experts suggest using an enzyme-based detergent to break down body oils in synthetic workout clothes, which helps eliminate odor while preserving fabric performance. Enzyme detergents can make activewear come out clean and soft without needing any softener, thus maintaining the wicking ability.
In summary, stick to gentle cleaning agents: mild detergent, no softener, no bleach. Rinse thoroughly so no detergent residue remains (residue can also clog fibers and cause irritation). By using the right laundry products, you’ll keep your spandex garments clean and odor-free without compromising their stretch or moisture-wicking properties.
Can Spandex Go in the Dryer?
After washing, you might be tempted to throw your yoga pants or sports bras in the dryer. Resist that temptation if you can. Heat is extremely damaging to spandex. The high heat of a tumble dryer is the single fastest way to ruin elastic fibers – it can even melt them or make them brittle, leading to immediate loss of elasticity. Even at lower settings, a dryer’s heat and mechanical action can cause trouble. Spandex doesn’t like sustained heat; fabrics may shrink, warp, or start to bag out when exposed to prolonged drying cycles. Additionally, the tossing action in a dryer creates friction that can lead to pilling or frayed threads on your workout gear.
The safest approach is to keep spandex out of the dryer entirely, opting for air-drying (we'll detail best practices for that next). However, if you’re in a situation where using a dryer is unavoidable (for instance, you need a particular piece dry now), take precautions to minimize damage. Use the lowest heat setting possible, or a no-heat “air fluff” if your machine has it. High heat is the main culprit, so dial it down to the coolest option. Dry for a short time only – it’s better to take the item out while it’s still slightly damp than to “bake” it completely dry in the machine. You can then let it finish drying at room temperature. Also, do not over-dry; the moment spandex is dry, remove it. Overcooking the fabric will weaken it. Drying for too long can also cause shrinkage that might not be reversible.
If using a dryer, avoid tossing spandex with heavy or rough garments. Ideally, dry spandex pieces alone or with other lightweight synthetics to prevent excessive friction. And importantly, skip the dryer sheets in that load (remember, they leave residue that hampers moisture-wicking and can degrade the fabric’s feel). In summary, machine drying is not recommended for spandex clothing. If you must do it in a pinch, stick to low heat, short cycle, remove early, and air-dry the rest of the way. But whenever possible, follow the golden rule for spandex: “always, always air-dry”. Air-drying is by far the gentlest and most effective method to maintain spandex quality.
Air-Drying Best Practices
Air-drying is the preferred method for spandex garments. It avoids exposing the fabric to high heat and prolongs the life and stretch of your activewear. However, there are a few tips to ensure you air-dry spandex properly:
- Gently Remove Excess Water: After washing, do not wring or twist spandex items to get water out – that can stretch and damage the fibers. Instead, lay the garment on a clean towel, roll it up, and press lightly to soak up water. This towel-roll technique will remove most moisture without distorting the fabric. You can also give a gentle squeeze (not a twist) if needed. The goal is to get the item damp (not dripping) before you hang it up.
- Dry Flat for Heavy Items, Hang for Others: Spandex clothes can generally be hung to dry, but use good judgment. Lay heavier items flat (on a drying rack or a towel on a flat surface) to dry if they might stretch under their own weight – for example, a soaked cotton-spandex sweater could be laid flat so it doesn’t stretch out. Most activewear like leggings, swimwear, and sports bras can be hung to drip-dry. Use a drying rack, or hang them over a shower rod or clothesline. If using hangers, choose wide or padded hangers to avoid creating dents on the shoulders of shirts. Hanging or flat-drying allows gravity to assist without high heat.
- Keep Out of Direct Sunlight: Always dry spandex in the shade or indoors away from direct sun. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can break down spandex fibers and fade colors over time. Ever left a pair of yoga pants in the sun only to find them less stretchy and dull-looking? That’s UV damage. To prevent this, pick a shaded, well-ventilated spot for drying. Indoors by a breezy window or outdoors under an overhang or in the shade works well. This ensures the garment dries at a moderate rate without “baking” in the sun. Cool air and shade are spandex’s best friend during drying.
- Allow Adequate Airflow: Good air circulation helps spandex dry faster and prevents any musty smell. If drying indoors, open a window or run a fan in the room. Space out garments on the rack or line so they aren’t bunched up. Spandex blends, especially with synthetics like polyester or nylon, actually dry fairly quickly in decent airflow (often within a few hours). Cotton-spandex blends might take a bit longer due to cotton’s water retention, so be patient and ensure they’re fully dry before wearing or storing.
- No Heat Sources: Avoid placing spandex near radiators, heaters, or using a blow dryer on them. High heat, even from something like an iron or hot water pipe, can singe or degrade the elastic fibers. It may be tempting to speed up drying, but direct heat is risky. Likewise, do not iron spandex unless absolutely necessary; if you must remove wrinkles, use the coolest iron setting and a press cloth, or better yet use steam from a distance. Generally, if you smooth and hang your activewear properly, it should dry relatively wrinkle-free.
Air-drying might take a bit longer than machine drying, but it is the gentlest way to preserve elasticity and keep moisture-wicking fabrics effective. Without the harsh heat of a dryer, spandex fibers maintain their stretch and the fabric’s technical coatings (like water-repellent or wicking finishes) last longer. Plus, skipping the dryer saves energy – an added eco-friendly bonus to your laundry routine. With these best practices, your spandex garments will dry safely and be ready for your next workout with no loss in performance.
How to Keep Spandex Stretchy
Over time, even the best spandex will naturally lose some of its elasticity, but with proper care you can maximize the stretch lifespan of your garments. Here are key tips (a bit of a summary of points we’ve covered) to keep your spandex clothes as stretchy and supportive as possible:
- Avoid High Heat at All Costs: Heat is “spandex kryptonite.” The quickest way to kill stretch is using hot water or a hot dryer – high temperatures literally deform or melt the elastic fibers. Always opt for cold washes and air drying. If you protect your clothes from heat, you eliminate the primary cause of spandex breakdown.
- Be Careful with Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, and limit exposure to strong detergents or stain removers. These can break down the polyurethane chains that give spandex its stretch. Also, never use fabric softener, as it leaves residue that both degrades elastane and blocks moisture-wicking function. Keep your care routine simple and gentle – mild detergent and water is usually enough.
- Wash Promptly and Keep Clean: Sweat and body oils left in spandex fabric can also weaken it over time (and can harbor bacteria that produce degrading enzymes). Wash your activewear fairly soon after use. Letting sweaty clothes ferment in a hamper for a week is bad for the fabric (and your nose). By keeping garments clean, you prevent sweat salt and oils from slowly breaking down the elastic fibers.
- Handle with Gentle Care: Treat spandex items delicately during handling. Don’t yank or overstretch them when putting on or taking off tight leggings – frequent overstretching can strain seams or fibers. When wet, support the garment (as mentioned, don’t wring it out aggressively). Store spandex folded rather than hung for long periods (hanging can cause some fabrics to stretch out under their own weight, unless it’s a very lightweight item). If you fold and stack leggings or sports tops, make sure they are completely dry and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (UV can degrade them even during storage).
- Rotate Your Wear: If you have a favorite pair of yoga pants, consider owning a couple and rotating them. Constant wear and wash on the same garment every day will wear it out faster. Giving spandex time to “rest” between wears can help it recover its shape fully. This is especially true for very tight compression garments.
By following these practices, you’ll keep your spandex garments in top shape. High-quality spandex activewear, when properly cared for, can last 2-3 years of regular use (100+ workout sessions) while still maintaining its stretch and compression. You’ll know it’s working when your leggings snap back after each wash and your sportswear continues to fit snugly and comfortably. Ultimately, keeping spandex stretchy comes down to common sense: cool, gentle washing, no heat drying, and minding what goes on the fabric. Treat those elastic threads with kindness, and they’ll reward you with a long life of performance.
Care Tips by Blend Type
Not all spandex-blend fabrics are identical. Spandex (elastane) is often combined with other fibers – like cotton, nylon, or polyester – to achieve different qualities in the garment. These blends can influence how you should care for the item. Below, we provide specific care notes for common spandex blends: cotton-spandex, nylon-spandex, and polyester-spandex. Understanding the differences will help you tailor your care routine to each type and ensure the best results.
Cotton-Spandex Blends (Natural Fiber + Stretch)
Characteristics: Cotton-spandex blends (for example, a t-shirt that is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, or leggings with cotton content) are soft and breathable thanks to the cotton, with a bit of stretch from the spandex. However, cotton is prone to shrinking and fading with heat and frequent washing, and it holds onto moisture longer than synthetic fibers. These blends generally have a more matte, cozy feel but dry slower and wick moisture poorly (cotton soaks up sweat rather than wicking it, so moisture management is not a strong suit here).
Care Tips: Treat cotton-spandex garments gently to avoid shrinkage and distortion:
- Wash in Cold Water: Cotton fibers can shrink significantly in warm or hot water. Always wash cotton-spandex in cold water to prevent shrinkage of the cotton component. Cold water also preserves color vibrancy.
- Use Gentle Cycle and Mild Detergent: The spandex in the blend will benefit from the delicate cycle, and mild detergent prevents fading of cotton. Avoid harsh detergents that can fade cotton dyes and potentially weaken elastane.
- Air-Dry or Tumble Dry Low: It’s best to air-dry cotton-spandex items to completely avoid heat shrinkage. If you need to use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the item while slightly damp. High heat in the dryer will almost certainly cause a cotton-spandex garment to shrink (the cotton part at least) and could also degrade the stretch. By drying on low or line drying, you maintain the size and fit.
- Stretch Gently Back into Shape: If a cotton-spandex item comes out of the wash looking a bit misshapen or shrunken, you can gently stretch it back to shape while damp. Lay it flat and reshape with your hands. The spandex gives you some forgiveness here. But if you’ve avoided hot water and high heat, you hopefully won’t need to do this much.
- Avoid Bleach: Just as with any spandex, don’t bleach these blends. Bleach will ruin the elastic fibers and can also yellow cotton. If whitening is needed (say for white cotton/spandex socks or tees), use an oxygen bleach product in moderation or a mild whitening detergent.
- Note on Moisture and Odor: Because cotton-spandex absorbs sweat, make sure these garments dry fully after each use and wash. A damp cotton-spandex item can harbor mildew or odor if not thoroughly dried. Hang it in a ventilated area until completely dry to the touch.
In short, cotton-spandex requires a gentle touch. Expect a bit more drying time and be mindful of heat. With proper care, you’ll enjoy the comfort of cotton with the added flexibility of spandex, without undue shrinkage or loss of shape.
Nylon-Spandex Blends (Durable & Swim-friendly)
Characteristics: Nylon-spandex (nylon is also known as polyamide) is a common blend for athletic wear and swimwear. Nylon is a strong, smooth synthetic fiber that is quick-drying and durable, and it pairs excellently with spandex for form-fitting, supportive garments. Many high-end leggings, competition swimsuits, and compression shorts use nylon-spandex blends (often around 75-80% nylon and 20-25% spandex). Nylon brings a soft hand feel and excellent resistance to wear and tear, and it holds color well. It also has decent resistance to chlorine, saltwater, and UV exposure compared to other fibers – one reason it’s favored for swimwear. That said, the presence of spandex means these fabrics are still vulnerable to heat and chemical damage if not cared for properly.
Care Tips: Caring for nylon-spandex is similar to general spandex care, with extra emphasis on rinsing and drying due to its common use in swim items:
- Rinse After Use (Especially for Swimwear): If your nylon-spandex garment is a swimsuit or anything you’ve worn in a pool or ocean, rinse it immediately in cool tap water after use. Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean can both degrade spandex fibers (and even the nylon to some extent) if left on the fabric. A quick rinse flushes out these chemicals. This applies to the swimsuit lining fabric as well – the inner lining of swimwear (often a lightweight nude or white nylon-spandex tricot) needs rinsing to remove chlorine that can otherwise lead to discoloration or weakening. For any activewear that got very sweaty, a rinse or soak before washing can also help remove sweat salts that might harm the fibers.
- Hand Wash When Possible: Nylon-spandex garments, particularly swimwear or very thin leggings, benefit from hand washing. Hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent for the gentlest clean. This avoids the machine’s agitation which can be rough on delicate swim fabrics or any garments with appliques or mesh. If the item is sturdier (like thicker leggings), machine wash on delicate is fine, but for anything you want to last (e.g. an expensive competition swimsuit), hand washing is the safest route.
- No Hot Water or Hot Dryer: Just as with any spandex blend, avoid hot washing and never put nylon-spandex in a hot dryer. Even though nylon itself can sometimes tolerate moderate heat, the spandex cannot. High heat will cause loss of elasticity or even melting. Nylon-spandex swimwear can shrink or warp in high heat and also lose its elasticity and shape. Always line dry these items.
- Air-Dry in the Shade: Nylon-spandex athletic wear and swimwear should be air-dried, ideally away from direct sun. While nylon has better UV resistance than some fabrics, prolonged sun exposure will fade colors and weaken the spandex over time. Hang your swimsuit or sports bra indoors or in a shaded spot outdoors. Many swimmers hang their suits in the shower or a shaded bathroom to drip dry. Ensure the garment is fully dry before next use or storage.
- Watch Out for Chlorine & Sunscreen: Chlorine is harsh on spandex – even “chlorine resistant” swimwear will last much longer if you consistently rinse it out and wash the suit after a few wears. Also, lotions and sunscreens can stain or degrade swim fabric; try to avoid direct contact or at least rinse and wash those areas promptly. If your nylon-spandex item is used for exercise (not swim), sweat is the main contaminant – again, wash or rinse after sweating to keep the garment fresh and the fibers strong.
- Avoid Rough Surfaces: One more tip specific to nylon-spandex – it’s generally smooth and can snag. Be careful of rough pool decks or Velcro straps; those can catch the fabric and create pulls. When changing, avoid dragging the fabric on concrete or abrasive surfaces. This helps maintain the fabric’s integrity and appearance (especially for swimwear which can snag easily).
When cared for with these methods, nylon-spandex garments are incredibly long-lasting and will retain their stretch and vibrant color. Many competitive swimmers note that a good nylon-spandex suit, rotated and cared for, can last multiple seasons. For everyday activewear, you’ll find your nylon-spandex leggings stay opaque, elastic, and supportive even after dozens of workouts – as long as you treat them kindly in the laundry.
Polyester-Spandex Blends (Performance Activewear)
Characteristics: Polyester-spandex is another very popular combo, especially for high-performance athletic apparel. Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its strength, quick-drying nature, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking. When blended with spandex (often 85-90% polyester, 10-15% spandex), it creates fabrics that are stretchy yet highly resilient – perfect for running tights, gym tops, compression shorts, etc. A big advantage of polyester is its innate moisture-wicking ability: it doesn’t absorb moisture but rather allows sweat to evaporate off the surface, keeping you drier. In fact, polyester-spandex blends are often designed specifically for moisture management, to pull sweat away from the body and dry fast. Polyester also holds color well and is more chlorine-resistant than nylon, so it’s used in some swimwear and a lot of athletic wear that needs to endure heavy sweating and frequent washing.
Care Tips: Polyester-spandex is generally easy to care for, but to maintain its performance, follow these tips:
- Follow General Spandex Care (Cold Wash, Gentle Cycle): Even though polyester is tough, the spandex part still needs the standard gentle treatment. Use cold water and a delicate cycle to wash polyester-spandex items. This will prevent any potential shrinkage and minimize wear on the elastic fibers. The polyester component means these garments typically won’t wrinkle or shrink much anyway, but cool/gentle washing is always safest for the spandex threads.
- Use the Right Detergent – No Softener: One of the most important things for polyester-spandex activewear is avoiding fabric softeners, as discussed earlier. Because these blends are often used for their moisture-wicking properties, you don’t want anything clogging the fabric. Fabric softener or dryer sheet residue will impede wicking and breathability, leaving your high-tech “dry-fit” shirt unable to do its job. Instead, use a quality sports detergent that can handle oils and odors. Polyester can be prone to holding onto odors (since it repels water, it can hang onto oily residues from sweat). An enzyme-based detergent will help remove those oils and keep the gear smelling fresh. If odors are an issue, pre-soaking in vinegar or baking soda solution can help, but generally a good detergent and prompt washing does the trick.
- Air-Dry for Longevity: Polyester-spandex actually tolerates low heat drying a bit better than nylon-spandex or cotton-spandex (polyester doesn’t shrink and is less heat-sensitive). However, it’s still best to air-dry or use low heat only. The spandex fibers in the blend can be damaged by high heat, even if the polyester is fine. To be safe, treat it like any spandex garment – hang it to dry or tumble on very low if you must. The good news is polyester blends dry quickly on their own. Hang your polyester-spandex jersey or leggings up and they may be dry in a couple of hours thanks to polyester’s quick-dry nature.
- Watch for Pilling: Polyester-spandex fabrics can sometimes pill if rubbed against abrasive surfaces (like a rough gym bench or Velcro). Washing inside out helps, as does avoiding contact with rough items. If you notice little fuzz balls, you can carefully remove them with a fabric shaver. But prevention by gentle washing and line drying (to avoid the friction of the dryer) is best.
- High-Sweat Use – Extra Cleaning: If you wear polyester-spandex for very sweaty workouts, don’t leave the clothes unwashed for long. Bacteria can grow on the trapped oils in the fabric and cause persistent odors. Wash them promptly. Some athletes even do a pre-rinse in the shower right after a workout for their shirt or shorts, then toss in the wash later – this prevents sweat from setting in. As long as you avoid high heat and softeners, these pieces can handle frequent washing. They’re designed for it.
Polyester-spandex activewear is typically the workhorse of fitness wardrobes – it’s built for punishment and with a bit of care it will last a long time. You’ll likely replace these pieces due to style change or just plain wearing them so often, rather than them wearing out. By maintaining proper washing routines, you’ll ensure that your poly-spandex gym clothes keep wicking moisture (keeping you cool), stay stretchy, and don’t develop that unwelcome permanent “gym smell” that can happen with improper care.
Conclusion
Spandex-blend garments have become essential in modern activewear and swimwear, and they reward proper care with years of service. By now, you’ve seen that the principles of spandex care are straightforward: keep it cool, keep it gentle, and keep it natural. In practice, that means washing in cold water, using mild detergents, skipping the softeners and bleach, and air-drying whenever possible. These simple steps prevent the common culprits of damage – heat, harsh chemicals, and friction – from wearing out your favorite leggings or ruining the stretch in your swimsuit.
The payoff for following these guidelines is substantial. Your spandex activewear will maintain its stretchy fit, vibrant color, and performance features like moisture-wicking for much longer. You’ll save money by not having to replace gear frequently, and you’ll always have fresh, comfortable workout clothes ready to go. As a bonus, caring for your clothes responsibly is better for the environment too – less energy used (air-drying instead of machine drying) and less textile waste when garments aren’t prematurely tossed out.
In summary, treat your spandex garments with the same care you give your workouts: be consistent and gentle, and the results will show. With proper care, your activewear – whether it’s that favorite pair of nylon-spandex yoga pants or a swimsuit with specialized swimsuit lining fabric – will last longer, perform better, and continue to support your active lifestyle every step (or stroke) of the way. Happy training, and even happier laundering!