How to Wash and Care for Your Gym Clothes

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Wash. Rinse. Flex. Repeat.

Your gym clothes work just as hard as you do — maybe harder, considering they’re soaking up every drop of your effort (literally).

But even the best workout gear can’t survive on sweat and vibes alone. To keep your leggings stretchy, your tees stink-free, and your favorite hoodie from turning into a crop top, it’s time to show your laundry routine some love.

Don’t worry. We’re not about to lecture you like your parents did in college. Just a few smart tips on how to wash workout clothes to help your gear go the distance (and smell like it didn’t).

1. Sort, Separate, and Prepare

Man jumping in workout clothes Always separate your gym clothes from regular laundry, recommends REP’s VP of Apparel, Pete Dirksing.

Gym clothing often contains sweat, oils, and bacteria that are best managed separately to prevent odors and potential contamination of other garments. Keeping similar fabrics together — synthetics with synthetics, cotton with cotton — ensures uniform washing, prevents fabric damage, and maintains the integrity of specialized athletic materials.

Additionally, tie the drawstrings found on hoodies, shorts, joggers, and similar garments to prevent them from getting caught in the washing machine agitator or dryer, reducing the risk of damage. Or worse, getting pulled out (we all know it’s impossible to re-string a hoodie). Bonus: REP tacks all our drawstrings into place, so you don’t have to worry about the laundry goblins stealing yours.

2. Pre-Treatment

Man stretching in workout clothes If your clothing has stubborn sweat stains or odors, pre-treat them with a gentle, enzyme-based stain remover. Enzyme-based stain removers are effective at breaking down proteins found in sweat, oils, and other organic stains without damaging the fabric.

Wondering how to remove underarm odor from clothes? Look for a laundry sanitizer with antibacterial properties and pair it with a pre-soak or pre-treatment for the underarm areas.

3. Choose Cold Water

Woman stretching in workout clothes Washing your clothes in cold water can protect elasticity and prevent shrinkage. Cold water is also effective at removing sweat without fading colors. It doesn't hurt to turn your gym clothes inside-out, too.

4. Use Mild Detergent

Man wearing REP shorts The best laundry detergent for workout clothes is one that’s specifically formulated to target sweat, body oils, and odor-causing bacteria, especially in synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex, which tend to trap stink. Use the right soap from the jump and you won’t have to wonder in retrospect how to get the smell out of gym clothes.

Athletic wash detergents eliminate odors and bacteria without degrading performance fabrics, maintaining breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and fabric elasticity. You know, all the reasons you bought nice workout clothes to begin with.

A top-rated option is HEX Performance Laundry Detergent.

Avoid fabric softeners as they can break down fibers and diminish performance features. They also can trap odors, creating a nasty perma-stench armpit or sock problem.

5. Gentle Wash Cycle

People sitting on stairs Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to minimize wear and tear on fabric. Using a laundry bag can also reduce friction and extend garment life.

6. Air Dry Whenever Possible

Man doing pushups outside Skip the dryer and opt for air drying your gym clothes. The heat from dryers can deteriorate fabric elasticity, reduce moisture-wicking capabilities, and fade colors. Lay clothes flat or hang them to dry naturally.

Benefits of Anti-Microbial Treated Gym Clothing

Man in a workout shirt

Many high-quality gym clothes come with anti-microbial treatments designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and odors. Much of REP’s apparel is treated with SILVADUR™ silver ion treatment to ensure the fabric resists microbes and odors. These treatments significantly extend the freshness of your gear, allowing you to wear items multiple times between washes.

As a result, you'll:

Conserve Water: Fewer wash cycles mean reduced water usage, promoting environmental sustainability.

Reduce Wear and Tear: Less frequent washing reduces the mechanical stress on fibers, prolonging the life of your clothing.

Save Energy and Money: With fewer washes, you reduce electricity and detergent consumption, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.

For the ultimate in environmentally friendly gym clothes, check out the Sigmatech Shirt and Sigmatech Tank, infused with repurposed coffee grounds. Each shirt is made using a high-performance blend of recycled polyester and coffee grounds that would otherwise end up in landfills.

The result? A breathable, fast-drying, odor-fighting fabric that’s built for serious training. The coffee-infused fibers naturally wick moisture, block UV rays, and resist static. Plus, that lovely SILVADUR™ silver ion tech adds an extra layer of odor protection that lasts through countless washes. It’s a smart way to get more out of your gear, and get more love out of every gym bro’s favorite beverage.

Storing Workout Clothes

A woman in REP apparel

How you wash your gym clothes isn’t the only step in making them last. Storing your workout clothes the right way can make a surprising difference in how long they last, too — and how fresh they smell.

First rule: Don’t ball them up in your gym bag or leave them marinating in a laundry pile (your leggings deserve better).

Always let sweaty gear air out completely before tossing it in the packed hamper or washing it. Instead, after a workout, toss your fit into a breathable mesh hamper or bag in your closet or laundry area; this lets air circulate and helps prevent mildew and lingering odors before wash day.