There is a limit to how much someone can perform physically. There are ways to push the limits, and most of them are not healthy. Scientifically though, if one is comfortable while physically performing an activity, they just do better. That comfort is what performance apparel can deliver; aiding the performance and the performer in a lot of ways. We all own performance wear because they are that common now. But do we take care of it the right way?
These technical garments deserve stellar treatment. Not a lot of us bother. So it’s time to return the favor.
Let’s dive into practical ways to maximize the lifespan of performance apparel.
Washing Performancewear
Caring for performance apparel starts with the basics. That means the first thing to do is to check the care labels to understand the fabric. Top brands use these labels to share instructions for the garment. Low quality brands don’t have instructions at all. It’s recommended to skip regular detergents for high-tech fabrics. Each fabric (and garments) require a specific type of care to keep them alive and functional. For example, if you want to wash performance jackets, turn them inside out, use cold water and do the wash in gentle cycles. Ideally, your workout gear must not be washed with rough garments like jeans or ones with metal zippers.
Drying Performancewear
Think twice before tossing your performance t-shirt in the dryer. Air drying is better overall, and not just for your performancewear but also for the environment in a way. Now, something like a down jacket can be popped into the dryer. But do you know that some people drop two or three clean tennis balls with it to restore the fluffiness? Yes, then they just leave the jacket for drying. That is not how it’s done. If you are taking the tennis ball drying trick (which works for most down jackets from big name brands), make sure to pull apart clumps from the garment every 15 minutes. Once again, do your research on how to dry the fabric first. Some performance tees are engineered to dry amazingly fast, you know.
Storing Performancewear
The best way to store hoodies and other performance gear? Clean them first. Nobody likes discovering stains from last season. This applies even to durable performance polos. These polos are even considered for uniforms these days. A uniform polo made of performance fabrics ideally must not be crammed into overcrowded drawers. Performancewear should have a special space where they can be folded and kept neatly (probably my OCD speaking). For athletic jackets, use good quality hangers – wire ones can torture them.
A Few Good Practices
- If you have waterproof jackets that are not what they used to be, a little reapplication of DWR coating might give it new life.
- When ironing performance polo shirts, use low heat. If there are prints or mesh on the polos, steer clear of them.
- Performance hoodies don’t need a lot of washing, particularly ones made of fabrics with inherent stain-release properties.
- Prints on performance wear must be done by people with experience. Most performance apparel take prints well. But the process of printing, if done by someone with limited expertise, might negatively affect the fabric.
- Fabric softeners are not always your friend, especially when you count on them to care for your performance wear with sweat-wicking properties.
- Never stuff your washing machine fully with performance wear.
Your performance apparel is a trusty sidekick in your active lifestyle. Don’t treat them as just clothes because they can make you a beast in your favorite sport. If you loved these tips, share them with your pals who are unknowingly abusing their performance wear.
