Legging Care
Leggings live or die by their stretch, and the wrong wash ruins it fast. This hub sets out how to wash, dry and store leggings so they keep their shape, colour and support. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Washing
Cool Wash
Washing leggings at a low temperature.
What defines it
A cool wash at 30 degrees or below protects the elastane so the leggings keep their stretch and recovery.
Who it suits
It suits all performance leggings. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Inside-Out Wash
Turning leggings inside out before washing.
What defines it
Washing inside out protects the outer face and any print, and lets the sweat-facing inner surface clean properly.
Who it suits
It suits printed and dark leggings.
No Fabric Softener
Skipping softener on performance fabric.
What defines it
Fabric softener coats performance fibres and blocks their wicking, so it should be left out of the wash.
Who it suits
It suits all gym and running leggings.
Gentle Detergent
Using a mild, sport-friendly detergent.
What defines it
A gentle or sports detergent cleans sweat without the harsh enzymes that break down elastane over time.
Who it suits
It suits frequently washed activewear. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Drying
Air Dry
Letting leggings dry naturally, away from heat.
What defines it
Air drying flat or on a rail avoids the tumble-dryer heat that degrades elastane and shortens legging life.
Who it suits
It suits every legging fabric.
No Tumble Dry
Keeping leggings out of the dryer.
What defines it
Tumble-dryer heat cooks the stretch fibre, causing bagging and loss of shape, so leggings should be air dried.
Who it suits
It suits protecting compression and fit.
Prompt Drying
Drying leggings soon after washing.
What defines it
Drying promptly after a wash stops damp fabric developing odour and mildew in the fibres.
Who it suits
It suits heavily used gym kit. Browse women's leggings (/collections/womens-leggings-track-bottoms).
Storage and longevity
Flat-Folded Storage
Folding leggings flat rather than hanging.
What defines it
Folding leggings flat keeps the waistband and fabric relaxed, while hanging can stretch and distort them over time.
Who it suits
It suits keeping shape between wears.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wash leggings without ruining the stretch?
Wash leggings inside out at 30 degrees or below with a gentle detergent, and skip fabric softener, which clogs the fibres. Then air dry them rather than tumble drying. Heat and softener are the two things that destroy elastane and cause bagging.
Can you tumble dry leggings?
It is best not to. Tumble-dryer heat breaks down the elastane that gives leggings their stretch and recovery, leading to bagging and lost shape. Air dry them flat or on a rail instead, which keeps the fit and support for far longer.
Why should you avoid fabric softener on leggings?
Fabric softener leaves a coating on synthetic fibres that blocks their moisture-wicking and reduces stretch recovery. On performance leggings this makes them feel clammy and lose shape faster, so a gentle detergent with no softener is best.