Technical underwear is engineered to wick moisture and hold its shape, but the wrong wash routine can undo that fast. Here's how to actually look after it.
Wash Cold
Hot water breaks down the elastane and synthetic fibres that give performance underwear its stretch and recovery. A cold or cool cycle (30°C or below) protects both the fit and the fabric's wicking properties.
Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener coats fibres with a residue that clogs the tiny gaps moisture-wicking fabric relies on to move sweat away from skin. It can also reduce elasticity over time. If you want softer-feeling fabric, a lower spin speed does more good than softener.
Turn Them Inside Out
Washing inside out reduces friction and pilling on the outer surface, and helps detergent reach sweat residue directly rather than through a layer of fabric.
Avoid High Heat Drying
Tumble drying on high heat is one of the fastest ways to degrade elastane and shrink synthetic blends. Air drying is best; if you need the dryer, use a low-heat setting.
Don't Overload the Wash
An overstuffed machine means less water movement and detergent doesn't rinse out fully, which can leave residue that affects breathability. Wash performance pieces with a normal-sized, not maxed-out, load.
Rotate Your Pairs
Wearing (and washing) the same 2–3 pairs on repeat wears elastic and fabric out far faster than spreading wear across a fuller rotation. More pairs in the drawer means less frequent washing per pair, and longer life for all of them.
Quick Care Checklist
- Cold wash, 30°C or below
- No fabric softener
- Inside out before washing
- Air dry, or tumble dry on low
- Don't overload the machine
Looking after your gear this way means it keeps performing the way it was designed to, wash after wash. If you're due a refresh, our Breeze performance range is built for exactly this kind of use.
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