This Is How You Should Be Washing Your Compression Gear

4-step technique leads to improved performance and a longer garment life span.

There’s an unfortunate misconception when it comes to compression gear, that the more you wash it, the quicker it wears out.

In reality, however, washing your compression gear can help extend its lifespan by removing all the sweat and bacteria buildup.

Additionally, washing your compression gear helps restore the garment’s elasticity, which in turn helps it perform better for you.

Washing after each wear ensures the garment is in peak form for the next time you need it.

With this in mind, however, there are a few steps you’ll want to take when washing and drying your compression gear to avoid any damage or gradual wear.

Here's How to Wash Your Compression Gear

Whether it’s your compression tights, shorts, shirts, or sleeves, it’s generally best practice to wash them after each wear.

Remember that anytime you go to wash your compression gear you are removing all the dirt, sweat, bacteria, or other impurities that have built up during activity and everyday wear.

In addition to how frequently you wash your compression, it’s also important how you go about washing it.

So, when you’re ready to go, follow these 4 steps for proper compression gear washing technique:

1. Choose a mild detergent.

2. Avoid using fabric softeners.

3. Turn your garment inside out.

4. Wash with cold water.

Step 1: Choose a Mild Detergent

Always use a mild detergent when washing your compression gear.

Anything too harsh or heavy can damage the fine elastic fibers of your garment.

With this in mind, avoid using bleach or other laundry additives that might damage your compression.

Step 2: Avoid Using Fabric Softener

When it comes to compression, fabric softener can leave a film on the garment that seals in sweat and odor, making it harder to clean effectively.

Additionally, this film can lessen the garment’s ability to wick away sweat from the body.

So, be sure to avoid fabric softener when washing your compression.

Step 3: Turn Your Garments Inside Out

When tossing your gear in the wash, turn your compression garments inside out.

This will help to remove all the sweat, oil, dead skin cells, etc. from your compression garment where it builds up the most.

Removing these impurities will keep your gear feeling fresh each time you put it on.

Step 4: Wash With Cold Water

This is an important one: always use cold water to wash your compression gear.

Hot water can damage the fine elastic fibers of your compression.

Also, if you’re machine-washing your garments, choose a gentle cycle with cold water, as heavy washing cycles also risk damage to your compression.

Washing Your Compression Garments: Hand Washing vs. Washing Machine

When it comes to your compression garments, does it matter whether you machine-wash or wash by hand?

The short answer: no. Either option works fine for washing compression.

However, the key factor we’re looking for in either case is gentleness.

If you’re washing by hand, rinse with cold water and gently squeeze water from your garment.

Don’t overdo it by stretching or harshly wringing the garment.

Then, gently press the garment with a towel to absorb any remaining water before lying out to dry.

If you’re machine-washing, always choose cold water and a gentle cycle.

For additional protection, place your compression garments in a mesh laundry bag before adding to the wash.

Once the wash cycle is complete, remove your compression items right away for drying.

How Often Should I Wash My Compression Gear?

If you’re like most athletes, you put your compression gear through a lot. And as base layers, your compression pieces tend to take the brunt of every workout.

Compression wear is unique in that it applies pressure to your body to boost your performance in a variety of ways.

And if you want to get the most out of your compression gear, you need to take good care of it in order to preserve its compressive qualities.

Since your compression gear gets hit with a lot of sweat and other mess, it benefits from frequent washing.

A key component in proper care for your compression gear is a regular washing cycle.

If you’re wondering how often you should wash your compression gear, the answer is: ideally, after every wear.

A common misconception about compression wear is that the more you wash it, the faster it will break down.

However, it’s actually through regular washing that you can maintain the signature elasticity of compression gear for longer.

Keep These Tips In Mind When Drying Your Compression Garments

When it comes to drying your compression garments, prioritize gentleness and low heat.

Exposing your compression to high heat levels in the dryer can damage the elastic qualities of your gear.

So, when your wash cycle is finished, here are a few important steps for proper compression gear drying technique:

Tip 1: Remove Right Away

If machine-washing your compression garments, be sure to remove them right away once the cycle has completed.

Just like how you don’t want to leave your compression wear sweaty and balled up in your gym bag, you don’t want to leave it damp and balled up in the washing machine.

Leaving the garment wet and laying on itself can be damaging to the compression fibers.

Tip 2: Air-Dry If Possible

If possible, choosing to air-dry your compression gear is the better choice for your garment, as it’s gentler.

To air-dry your compression garment, lay it flat rather than use a hanger.

Also, when laying your garment out to dry, avoid spots that are subject to harsh sunlight or heat, which can damage the garment’s fibers.

Tip 3: Choose a Gentle Cycle

If you opt to machine-dry your compression gear, you’ll want to choose a low and gentle setting.

Excessive heat exposure can damage the elastic fibers.

Also, try not to leave your compression garments in for any longer than necessary.

Drying Your Compression Garments: Air-Drying vs. Machine-Drying

When it comes to drying your compression garments, does it matter whether you air-dry or machine-dry?

If both options are available to you, opt for air-drying. While both can be suitable, air-drying is the gentlest option available.

If you’re air-drying, attempt to lay your garment out as flat as possible in a spot devoid of harsh sunlight or heat.

Avoid use of a hanger, as this can cause the garment to stretch out.

If you’re machine-drying, choose a gentle cycle with the lowest available heat setting.

Also, don’t leave your garments in any longer than is necessary, as excessive heat exposure can harm the elasticity of the compression fibers.

If you're looking for additional information on caring for your compression garments, check out our Best Care Guide.

And remember that even with the best care, eventually, your compression gear will require some updating. Learn when it's time to replace your compression.