Washing leggings properly is key to keeping them stretchy and hugging your curves just right. With these simple laundry tips, you’ll stop worrying about pesky pilling, sagging and fading – and keep rocking your favorite pair of high-waisted wonders like they’re brand new.
I’m a leggings-obsessed activewear fanatic, and after washing dozens (probably more than dozens ;)) of pairs over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks for getting the longest life.
In this guide, I’ll share my best hacks for hand washing and machine washing leggings. Whether you’ve got a cherished pair of workout leggings or your go-to casual day leggings, read on and learn how to wash leggings and keep them looking lush for leg days to come.
Hand Washing V/s Machine Washing
Both hand washing and machine washing have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right method depends on your legging type and how delicate they are.
Hand washing leggings allows for the gentlest care. You have full control over the water temperature, agitation and rinse cycle. Hence, this reduces the risk of damage to elastic threads, seams and printed designs.
Hand washing is ideal for:
- Delicate or thin leggings
- Leggings with mesh/sheer panels or cut-outs
However hand washing leggings can be time consuming. It requires soaking, agitating and thoroughly rinsing garment by hand.
Machine washing leggings is more convenient, especially for everyday basics. Most leggings are made to withstand the washer, as long as you follow these steps:
- Use the delicate or gentle cycle
- Cold water wash
- Lowest spin setting
- Mesh laundry bag for thin styles
While machine washing gets leggings clean, the more vigorous agitation and spinning poses a greater risk of damage over time.
Turn Leggings Inside Out Before Washing
Always turn your leggings inside out before putting them in the washing machine or even washing them by hand. This simple step helps protect the delicate fabric, prints and patterns on your leggings.
When leggings are washed right side out, the friction from the agitating water and movement in the washing machine can cause two things:
- Fade: The constant rubbing and scrubbing of the water and clothing together can cause the dyes and prints on leggings to fade more quickly. By turning leggings inside out reduces this abrasion.
- Pill: Over time, washing right side out can cause little “pills” of excess fabric to form on leggings, especially around seams and hem lines. Turning them inside out helps combat this pilling.
Remember To Check The Care Label:
Some very delicate or mesh leggings may require hand washing or a garment bag to protect them from abrasion during machine washing, even when turned inside out. Check the care label for specific instructions.
Hot water or cold water, which should one use?
The heat from warm or hot water can damage the elastic fibers in your leggings, causing them to lose their colour, and fit. It can also weaken the fabric itself, leading to premature wear and tears. Even the dyes in colourful printed leggings are more susceptible to fading with higher water temperatures.
So I always recommend hand washing or machine washing your leggings in cold water. Here are the 3 main ways cold water helps preserve your leggings:
| Benefits of Cold Water Wash | Details |
| Preserves elasticity | • Protects elastic threads from damage so they retain stretch and shape over time |
| Maintains fabric integrity | • Keeps fibres like spandex and nylon from becoming brittle which can cause snags and holes |
| Keeps colours vibrant | • Lessens dye fade so prints and patterns stay bright and intense |
By washing leggings in cold water you’ll:
- Extend their lifespan through more washes
- Keep their fit and comfort for longer
- Minimize damage to elastic waistbands and stitching
Wrapping Up
Overall, hand washing works best for me though it takes a lot of time. Hand washing is best for your most delicate and expensive leggings to ensure they last as long as possible. Machine washing works well for budget-friendly leggings that you won’t wear as often.
If you have any other questions about caring for or styling and pairing your activewear, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help keep you comfortable, confident and stylish through every workout and beyond. Thanks for reading!
