How to Care for Women’s Gym Tops: Maintenance Tips for Longevity

In order to perform efficiently in the gym, you must invest in good, high-quality activewear. But that’s not all – maintenance is just as important as making the correct purchase. Your gym tops are used very frequently, and as a result, they need proper attention and care. Life & Jam is here with a comprehensive guide on how to maintain the quality, condition, and feel of women’s gym tops so that you can make your garments last for a long time and get the best value for your money.

Take Note of the Care Label

More often than not, we tend to overlook or dismiss the instructions on our garment’s care label. Well, don’t. Manufacturers always provide instructions about how to wash, iron, and store their products, as well as specific precautions to take while doing so. This information tends to differ from one product to the next, so what works for one garment might not work for another. Hence, always make sure to read and follow the care labels of your gym wear.

Let Your Clothes Breathe While in Storage

It might be tempting to toss your top into the clothes hamper after coming back from your workout, but resist the urge and instead hang it up somewhere so that the odour and moisture on your garment have a chance to dissipate and dry out. Make sure to keep them away from your clean clothes, of course.

Separate your Tops by Colour and Fabric

Brighter, more vibrant, and darker colours tend to bleed and stain lighter-coloured clothes, especially in the first few washes. To avoid this from happening, remember to segregate your clothes before washing them, be it by hand or in the washing machine. 

Different fabrics also require different care – synthetic fabrics, for example, can withstand a more intense wash cycle as compared to pure cotton.

Use Detergent With Caution

Harsh chemicals and strong fragrances tend to damage activewear; it’s important to opt for mild detergents to maintain the quality and vibrancy of the material. Continuous use of strong washing agents will inevitably weaken the fabric of your gym tops and dull them over time.

Turn Your Tops Inside Out Before Washing

This one simple step goes a long way in preserving your gym tops; turning your garment inside out will protect its exterior and any embellishments on it from unnecessary friction while it’s being washed in the machine, and reduce the likelihood of piling or fading. Additionally, it also helps the detergent penetrate the garment better, thus ensuring that it gets cleaned more thoroughly.

Air Drying is the Best Way to Go

While tumble drying or using a dryer may be very convenient, air drying or flat drying is undoubtedly the gentlest way to dry your activewear. Hang your tops away from sunlight to prevent fading and let them dry naturally. This method extends the lifespan of your garments by maintaining their elasticity and shape.

Say No to Fabric Softeners, Say Yes to Vinegar

Fabric softeners, unlike what the name might suggest, are pretty harsh on activewear garments. The chemicals present in fabric softeners leave a residue on the garment and negatively impact its breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. 

As an alternative, add vinegar while washing your gym tops – this will help get rid of the bacteria as well as any lingering odour without compromising the fabric’s state.