This is how often you should wash your activewear

Let’s get sweaty.

We’ve recently been debating the frequency of regular washing in the Fashion Journal office. From makeup brushes to bras, it seems like everyone is operating under a different schedule.

Most recently we turned our minds to activewear. During our conversation, I remember seeing the shock in Molly, our Advertising and Partnership manager’s eyes, when I admitted to rarely washing my exercise clothes straight after wearing them. Typically, I wear things at least two (in some cases, three) times, before throwing them in the laundry hamper. At the other end of the spectrum, Molly washes straight after use.

For more health and wellness advice, head on over to our Health section.

We do, however, engage in completely different forms of exercise. Molly is the up-early type, known for 7am gym classes and running challenges. I’m more of the mind that a good stretch feels sufficient.

To put this debate to rest and get a little more clarity, I enlisted the expert advice of Dr Carolina Quintero Rodriguez, Program Manager of the Bachelor of Fashion Enterprise at RMIT.

Does the type of workout I do affect how much I should be washing my activewear?

Anyone who has suffered through a hot mat Pilates class knows how drastically it differs from a regular reformer session. By definition, hot mat involves working out in a room with a deliberately increased temperature, causing you to sweat profusely. It’s the same if you’re doing a slow-flow Yoga session versus going on a run – they’re different workouts, challenging different parts of your body and stamina.

It makes sense then the intensity of your workout influences how often you should wash your activewear. According to Dr Quintero Rodriguez, varying sweat levels directly correlate with bacteria growth. For example, low-intensity activities, like gentle Yoga or walking, will generate minimal sweat, meaning you can get away with repeat wearing.

In comparison, moderate workouts can produce more moisture that seeps into your fabrics, increasing the occurrence of bacteria. This increases further if it’s a high-intensity activity (like hot mat Pilates or running), which will require washing straight after use.

Why do synthetic fabrics need to be washed more often?

Another key factor to take into account is the material and type of activewear we’re talking about. Dr Quintero Rodriguez notes that natural fibres like cotton used for light exercise in cool temperatures can easily be worn at least two to three times.

Synthetic performance wear, on the other hand, should be washed straight after use, especially if you’ve done a moderate workout. This is because synthetic fabrics trap moisture more effectively than natural fibres. “The research shows that synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester, host significantly more bacteria after just one use compared to natural fibres like cotton,” she says.

It also depends on the specific item. For example, any exercise clothes that come into contact with high-bacteria areas, like your underarms, groin or feet, do need to be washed after every use. This means your sports bras, underwear and socks need to go straight to the laundry hamper asap.

How can I make my clothes feel fresher in between wears?

While you can get away with wearing certain items on repeat, there are still ways to make them feel extra fresh in-between wear. According to Dr Quintero Rodriguez, you can turn clothes inside out, exposing the side sitting close to your skin to fresh air.

You can also hang items right immediately use, ensure your clothes aren’t damp before storing them, keeping them in well-ventilated areas (avoid bags and backpacks at all costs) and keep any worn items seperate from your clean clothes.

What’s the best way to wash synthetic workout clothes to make them last longer, while keeping the environment in mind?

Synthetic workout clothes, like those made from nylon, spandex and polyester, are fairly common because of their ability to pull sweat away from your skin and keep their shape, despite constant use. “I recommend washing synthetic workout clothes (and all clothes) in cold water and line dry them in a shady place,” Dr Quintero Rodriguez tells me.

“It’s a good idea to use mild detergent and avoid the use of beaching products and softeners to, not only extend the life of the garment reducing textiles waste, but to reduce the consumption of water and electricity.”

The main factors to keep in mind

Essentially, the frequency of how often you wash your activewear depends on a range of factors, including the intensity of a workout, what fabric it’s made from, how sweaty you got and personal health considerations.

However, it’s equally important to consider the environmental impact of frequently washing ad machine drying your clothes. “Each wash cycle consumes significant water and energy resources, and excessive washing can accelerate fabric deterioration, shortening your garments’ lifespan,” Dr Quintero Rodriguez says.

For more on how to properly care for your activewear, try this.