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If you exercise regularly (or have a go-to activewear set that you wear on repeat), it can be really helpful to know how to wash workout clothes thoroughly—because pulling out your favorite leggings, only to notice a lingering sweaty funk, isn’t exactly great gym motivation.
Luckily, it just takes a couple extra steps to remove stubborn odors from your gear and get it smelling like new again. Here, we spoke to sportswear and laundry experts to get their best tips on washing, drying, and preventing stinky workout clothes.
The best presoak treatments for workout clothes
“By pretreating your clothes, you give your detergent a head start,” James Joun, cofounder and chief operating officer of Rinse, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service, tells SELF. He recommends using an odor-specific product like OxiClean’s Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder, which is formulated to target stink-causing bacteria in fabric, and following the instructions on the packaging.
Or you can soak your clothes in a vinegar or baking soda solution, as both have odor-neutralizing properties. Joun recommends mixing one part white vinegar with four parts cold water and letting your clothes sit in the solution for 30 minutes. If you’re using baking soda, he says to mix half a cup of it into a bucket of cold water and soak your clothes for 30 to 60 minutes.
It’s also a good idea to give a little extra attention to any particularly, er, fragrant parts of your clothes, like the underarm area of your shirts, Wendy Saladyga, a fabric care expert and manager of technical performance at Henkel for Persil, tells SELF. “Treat this area as you would a stain, by pouring a small amount of liquid detergent on the area and allowing it to absorb into the odor,” she says. “It may be helpful to turn your garment inside out to better reach the smell.”
How to wash workout clothes
First, make sure you use the right detergent. Joun recommends looking for ones made with enzymes like protease and amylase (which break down body oils, sweat, and proteins left on clothing), oxygen bleach (which is gentler on fabrics than chlorine bleach), and surfactants (which loosen and remove dirt, oils, and sweat). You can find these ingredients in a lot of standard detergents, but the products below come with our experts’ seal of approval for specifically tackling body odor and sweat residue.
As for the actual washing process, always read your items’ care instructions, Edward Zebrowski, a product specialist at REI, tells SELF. Some garments come with specific wash labels that you should follow to avoid damage (and REI just so happens to have a handy guide to fabric care symbols, if you need it). Saladyga notes you can further extend your gym clothes’ lifespan by turning them inside out and fastening any zippers before throwing them in the washer.
In general, it’s best to wash activewear in cold water on a gentle cycle, Joun says. “While it may seem counterintuitive, the gentler agitation protects the integrity of performance fabrics and prevents them from wearing out or losing their stretch over time,” he explains. “Heat can damage synthetic fabrics, breaking down their elasticity and performance features like moisture-wicking. Additionally, hot water can set odors into the fabric, making them harder to remove over time.”
If you’re dealing with some seriously built-up stink, consider the two-wash-cycle approach, Joun says: Run your clothes through a cold water cycle first, then switch to warm water for the second. You can even add an extra rinse cycle for good measure.
How to dry workout clothes
Here’s where you may need to deviate from your clothes’ care instructions: Joun and Saladyga say it’s best to air-dry activewear or use your dryer’s lowest heat setting. “Drying will only further seal in odors and stains, making them more challenging to remove in the future,” Saladyga says. Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area—and bonus points if you leave them to dry outside (research shows that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can work as a disinfectant for clothes).
How to prevent your activewear from smelling
The sooner you clean sweaty clothes after you wear them, the easier it’ll be to freshen them up, so don’t let your workout gear hang out in your hamper or gym bag for too long, Zebrowski says. He adds that you can avoid stink before it starts by wearing activewear that’s naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, like pieces made of alpaca or Merino wool. These materials are also antimicrobial, meaning they prevent the growth of microorganisms like odor-causing bacteria. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and Lycra can also be made with antimicrobial agents, so check your garments’ labels to be sure.
Joun and Zebrowski caution against using fabric softeners and dryer sheets, explaining that they tend to leave a waxy residue on clothes that makes them more likely to retain odors and moisture.
Our favorite workout clothes
If some of your go-to gear seems past the point of deodorizing, you’ve come to the right place for replacements. Whether you’re looking for bounce-limiting sports bras, leggings that move with you, or socks that prevent swampy feet, we’ve found the perfect upgrades.
Best sports bras
An actually supportive sports bra can make high-impact activities like runs more enjoyable (and spare you from back pain down the line). SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra is a longtime fave for its front zip closure and adjustable band and straps (it won our Readers’ Choice pick in 2024’s SELF Activewear Awards). ThirdLove’s Kinetic Sports Bra also won an Activewear Award that year—one of our judges said it was “very supportive without feeling extremely tight and heavy.”
One SELF editor swears by Nike’s best-selling Swoosh High Support Sports Bra for intense workouts. Its front and back features mesh lining to keep the air a-flowing. And if you want a cloud-soft feel, Vuori’s Elevation Racer Bra is smooth and stretchy, with a high neckline that’ll keep everything contained.
Best leggings
We’re willing to bet that this isn’t the first time you’re hearing that Athleta’s Salutation Stash Tight and Lululemon’s Align Pant are exceptional leggings—they’re longtime bestsellers and Activewear Award–winners. The former stole our hearts with its versatile fabric and roomy pockets, while the latter is loved for its seemingly endless stretch.
You might be less familiar with SuperFit Hero and Tracksmith’s offerings, both of which deserve a spot in your rotation. The SuperHold Pocket Leggings have won multiple Activewear Awards for their compressive, supportive fit. And the NDO Tights are a runner’s dream: Their drawstring waist helps them stay snug, while their layered fabric will keep you warm on chilly mornings.
Best socks for sweaty feet
Breathable, well-fitting socks can prevent blisters and excess odor in one fell swoop. Balega’s Hidden Comfort Performance Socks, Bombas’s Running Ankle Socks, and Lululemon’s Power Stride No-Show Socks are some of our go-tos for sweaty workouts. They won’t slide down your foot, and they fit comfortably around your toes. If you’re hitting the trails, try Smartwool’s Merino wool socks—they’re lightly cushioned and naturally temperature-regulating.
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Related:
- How to Clean Your Puffer Jacket—Because Yes, That’s Something You Should Be Doing
- Your Search for the Best White T-Shirt Ends Here
- The Best Deodorants for Your Sweatiest, Stinkiest Days
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