How to Properly Wash your Activewear
How to Properly Wash your Activewear
Hey Guys!
I’m obviously into clothes. Workout clothes especially. I design ’em, I wear ’em, I live ’em!
Since we’ve released the second POPFLEX Active Collection, many of you guys have been curious as to how to keep the colors vibrant bright and smelling great after every wash!
GREAT QUESTION.
So, when Tide and Downy reached out to see if I wanted to share their new laundry regimen with you guys, I was like YES! I was going to blog about this anyway and I had been using a Tide detergent. I’m very excited to show you EXACTLY how I keep my activewear beautiful in my partnership with Tide and Downy with the help of the Tide + Downy Odor Defense Collection!
It’s the most annoying thing when you think you’ve washed something well, and then you put it on, only to smell that nasty, dirty stench again. Why won’t that odor go away?
Basically, traditional detergents are made for removing stains from natural fabrics, like cotton, and don’t do a good job at cleaning out the odor trapped in the technical performance fabrics. Since fitness fabrics are woven with a “hollow weave” that traps sweat molecules, it becomes a whole different ball game that now involves specific odor removal.
Oh and before I get into my exact steps of activewear care, I want to let you know that we made sure to use ONLY quality fabrics and dying techniques that would keep your POPFLEX from going dull after just a few washes. I personally tested our fabrics and am 100% confident that they not only look good, but they live up to their technical standards of being moisture wicking, shrink resistant, fade resistant, with ultimate stretch and recovery (aka no saggy butt)!
So here’s what I do to keep my activewear looking and smelling like brand new:
- Don’t throw your sweaty clothes in the hamper right away.
This is a big one. I actually air dry them over the side of my bathtub overnight before I put them in the hamper. I don’t want my sweat to stay in my clothes for a week or however long until I have time to do laundry. That’s nasty! The odor may set in. Plus it’ll make all my other clothes smell!
- Turn your clothes inside out before you wash them.
I do this for safety. Just in case anything rubs up against my precious POPFLEX, at least it’s getting the inside where no one can see if a mark is left. Also, it’s the dirtiest part of the clothing where all my skin cells and sweat has rubbed into. So let’s get it clean!
3. Use a laundry regimen MADE for fitness clothes.
Try using Tide + Downy Odor Defense Collection! It removes odors to really make your activewear smell good, and not just during the initial wear, but after you work out too. So, smells don’t come back! Here are the 3 items I use together:
- The Tide Pods plus Febreze Odor Defense TM cleans fabrics and removes dirt at the surface.
- The Tide Odor Rescue with Febreze Odor Defense TM goes deep into the fibers and removes greasy body soils and odors.
- The Downy Fresh Protect with Febreze Odor Defense TM adds in up to 24 hrs of freshness.
Because my life is my activewear, I make sure to take good care of it. I’ve tried other detergents and honestly, this one keeps my stuff looking and smelling the best.
- Use cold water.
This prevents the color of your fabric from fading! Just like how I grew up not using hot water for my black or dark colored clothing, it’s the same idea.
- Ditch the dryer!
If you want to be extra cautious, hang dry your clothes NOT in direct sunlight. The extreme heat from the dryer can change the fit, reduce elasticity over time, and possibly alter the performance of your clothes. Also, if you hang dry in direct sunlight, there is a chance that the color will fade faster over time.
I say this, however, I have probably washed my POPFLEX pieces a dozen of times and I must admit, I have passed them through the dryer too. But they are totally fine! Good quality activewear should not be affected extremely by the drying process.
I hope that helps guys! Do you have other tips for taking care of your activewear? Let me know in the comments!
40 thoughts on “How to Properly Wash your Activewear”
There are 40 comments posted by our users.
Thanks so much for this Cassey!! I wasn’t sure if I’d mess up my popflex gear by washing them on a wrong setting. I want these A1??? quality clothes to last as long as they can!
What can I use to removed stains? My sister got lip gloss on my brand new Siren Tank. It is a coconut oil based lip gloss. Any tips?
The only thing is all those chemicals and fragences especially, are toxic for your endrocrine system as well as hormones 🙁
Thanks for the tips! I’ll have to change my detergent:-)) And I have started making sure everything is turned inside out. You rock Cassey!!!
Hi! Would you hand wash the mermaid leggings that have the mesh sides or put in delicate cycle?
I usually turn my clothes inside out, but I wash them in lingerie bags so I’m not that worried about something marking them up. I do hang them on a clothes line, but still inside out–the UV rays kill any nasties in the cloth that the cold water didn’t kill.
Cassey, I love you and your designs on all your workout videos! Your designs are so unique and amazing. But your workout clothes are too expensive even with VIP! Hopefully one day, I’ll be in the position to buy your clothes.
I’m so glad you posted this! I just got a pair of leggings and shorts in the mail from Popflex, and haven’t had the chance to wash them yet! When they came out, they were way out of my price range – even with VIP pricing. I’d commented on your blog and was surprised you commented back and listened to my concerns! It’s expensive to live where I do; the mountains drive up the price for food and gas, and the housing shortage in our county means my rent is almost half my monthly income! However, I recently got a bonus for working with student council, and I spent it on some pieces from Popflex! I’m still hoping you’ll find a way to make more affordable items, but I’m really loving the 2.0 shorts and the leggings. These pockets are so huge! What a miracle to be able to go out and fit my phone in its giant case! And the fabric is super comfortable and incredible. Best of all, no mater how much I slouch and move around, the waistband of the shorts and leggings don’t fall down.
Is it safe to wash the Pointe Leggings in a machine? I’m very scared about that because the sides are so beautiful and I don’t want to break the thin fabric there!
Cassey you are such a huge inspiration to me! I started doing your workout videos about 3 years ago, Im only in eigth grade by the way :D. I love using your healthy recipies for lunches to bring to school theyre so tasty and everyone loves them! Anyways, Id love for there to be some type of galaxy designed full outfit and floral outfits too! It would be nice for them to be breathable and durable, because I go on jogs and i like exploring my neighborhood. Also some headbands would be nice! Ones that are very grippy and absorb sweat. Thanks! And your blogs are so helpful!
Not to be mean or rude but you sound like a laundry detergent commercial. I mean that in the nicest way! ? I’ve always used Tide anyway because it’s an awesome brand, but I saw on the care label that the POPFlex needed to be hand washed in mild detergent. So it’s okay to stick them in the washing machine after all? And Tide is considered mild? I don’t think my stuff has bleach but I’ll have to check. I know I don’t want to be using bleach on these clothes. I’d freak if I ruined them.
This is a great article, so informative! Thanks Cassey 😀
Thanks for the information Cassey! I have been doing your you tube videos for about 6 months consistently now and I can see such a difference in my body. I am so much stronger. I have a question: I signed up to receive the monthly calendar. I subscribed but I am not getting the password. This has happened twice. I would really like to workout with the calendar. Can you please help! Thanks for all you do!
Are you getting the emails? The password usually comes in the same email as the calendar, it’s just written there in the email.
Thank you for the tips! I will definitely be turning my workout clothes inside out now! I usually wash my stuff the same day as I got them sweaty (clean freak haha) I can see how it would be hard if you had TONS of outfits though.
Thanks for posting this Cassey. I was actually just wondering this. I got the mermaid shorts and I was wondering how to wash them. I’ll definitely try your method. Thanks!
I love listening to music when I’m running or working out, the versatility of the side pocket in your leggings is a great to store my phone and keep track of tabata workouts ? I would love to see some eqrth inspired colors, like the sunsets some hues of the ocean, yellow of the sun rise, some inspired by the red/ gold tones of the desert, the light greens of succulents and some dark purples for the night sky 🙂 I love your work Cassey! Thankyou for inspiring us daily and keeping me motivated to perpetuate constant growth, both physically and mentally ❤️?????⛺️????
I love your active wear and I’m so happy that the leggings actually fit me because I’m only 5′ tall! I would love to see some Capri leggings and some sweatshirts or longer sleeved shirts for working out in colder weather. I would also love some pretty green colors or maybe something inspired more by succulents and cacti. They’re so cute and colorful. Oranges would be awesome too. My mom loves orange and would love a tank top or leggings that have some pretty orange colors on them. I look forward to wearing more of your designs and I appreciate everything you do and the positivity you bring to all of us.
Great Tips! I always have issues with the odor…ick..thanks
Check out my blog and tell me what you think. I always appreciate feedback from fellow bloggers!
Happy Blogging!
Hi Cassey, i love your clothes and love pockets on my workout clothes!!! I need to put my ipod somewhere when i work out and dont like the arm bands, so pockets do me wonders!!
I absolutely love the mermaid print! I would like to see more bright and fun patterns like that. I would also like to see shorts that are a bit looser fitting as I like to have both tight and loose shorts in my wardrobe:) Keep up the great work Cassey!
Hi Cassey! I love your workout clothing, from the Bodypop active line to the newest Popflex mermaid clothing! They fit really well and are really cute! I would love if the next line had some capri leggings, which are my favorite to wear! And maybe some accessories like headbands would be nice! My favorite colors are blue and purple, which have been covered so far. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication with creating these awesome clothes!
Hi Casey!!! I love you so much and I would be ecstatic if I won this giveaway!!! You are my biggest inspiration and motivation!
Not that I don’t love both POPFLEX collections but I do have some recommendations for what I would like to see in future POPFLEX lines. I love designing my own clothing and I love drawing my own fashion figures as well…I have loads of notebooks with sketches so I have some ideas too!
– Some hair bands that do not slip while I am doing piit28 2.0! I jump a lot in the updated version and I end up with my hair all over the place so hair bands would really help.
– Perhaps a collection based off the colors of the sunset like your sunset festival yoga mat, I think it would look absolutely gorgeous!
~So colors like orange, yellow, hot pink, light blue, and purples.
– And for leggings, maybe you could make like Capri leggings?
– I love the mesh it is really flattering, so maybe incorporate it a bit more in the tops/ shirts.
– Lastly, I would love to see flattering sweaters that are warm for those who run in the morning.
Instagram: @jm_soccerpopster
Hi Casey!!! I love you so much and I would be ecstatic if I won this giveaway!!! You are my biggest inspiration and motivation!
Not that I don’t love both POPFLEX collections but I do have some recommendations for what I would like to see in future POPFLEX lines. I love designing my own clothing and I love drawing my own fashion figures as well…I have loads of notebooks with sketches so I have some ideas too!
– Some hair bands that do not slip while I am doing piit28 2.0! I jump a lot in the updated version and I end up with my hair all over the place so hair bands would really help.
– Perhaps a collection based off the colors of the sunset like your sunset festival yoga mat, I think it would look absolutely gorgeous!
– So colors like orange, yellow, hot pink, light blue, and purples.
– And for leggings, maybe you could make like Capri leggings?
– I love the mesh it is really flattering, so maybe incorporate it a bit more in the tops/ shirts.
– Lastly, I would love to see flattering sweaters that are warm for those who run in the morning
Instagram: @jm_soccerpopster
I discovered your activewear collection just yesterday (as I started Beginner’s 2.0) and I am in love with it ! The giveaway set is mesmerizing. I think I would love myself in it 🙂
I would like to see more special collections of your sportswear, with green, yellow… Happy colors 😀 Because bright colors can brighten my bad days ^^
Thanks a lot for the great videos, advice and the motivation you give
Hey!! I absolutely love all of the pop flex outfits! They are so glamorous!!! I would love to see more mesh wear!! They look amazing! Aside from that all the previous collections are so incredible I can’t think of any way to improve them or anything that’s missing as they are all so perfect and gorgeous!!! Especially this giveaway set, it is to die for! Would even want to sleep in it!! Haha <3 thanks for being such an inspiration Cassey! 🙂 xxxxx
In the next popflex collection, I would like to see more innovative legging that you make, they are just so cute and amazing. Maybe if you did some space/galaxy inspired ones. Or maybe the new collections theme could be inspired by “around the world” since our community is growing even bigger all over the world. For example, I come from Slovenia (Europe) and I have many friends that are starting to do your workouts. So maybe a collection inspired by different cultures and countries would be something cute (this way you get also attention of travel bugs that like to wear comfortable clothes when on the road.). 😉
Another thing I would also be interested in are bags or backpacks designed by Blogilates. Those flanel backpacks that are so simple and became very popular could go with activewear and its theme as mermaid collection (they could match). As well as stronger-bigger bags or backpacks.
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next. <3
Sending you loads of love from Slovenia,
Anna
Heyyy… You are so pretty and I really look up to you. I have been reading your blog for a lot of time now and it never gets boring. I love yput collection but I haven’t been able to afford any of your even though I really want a set. Your instagram brought me here so I might be lucky enough to win. Keep on doing this great and inspiring job. So what I would like this new collection to have would not be much different from your last one. I just would like you to add a little bit more nude coloured clothes. I LOVE YOU
You look so good Cassey! Love all the helpful tips 🙂 xo Kelly http://lazygirlsguidetofitnessandbeauty.blogspot.com/
Hi Cassey!!! Quick question: I notice on the label of the POPflex active wear, that it says to hand wash. Your picture shows a washing machine. What do you recommend? I have been hand washing my clothes once a week, but it would be mighty nice to know if I put it in the washing machine, on delicate, that I wouldn’t ruin the clothes 🙂 Thanks for the post 🙂
Hi Elise,
Many washers have a “hand wash” or “delicate” setting. These are the closest settings to actually hand washing the clothes.
I would love to see some well tested and trusty hair-accessoires. And I’m not talking about pretty (even though that never hurts ;)) but ever since I cut my hair into a long bob it’s a nightmare to find hairbands that don’t slip and slide and keep everything out of my face without cutting of my circulation 🙂 Love the new collection! 🙂 Rock on with what you are doing 🙂
P.S. And for some weird reason I am obsessed with workout SOCKS 😀 Meirmaid socks? Yes please!
Wow, I’ve actually learned a lot from this one post! I’ll definitely not be using the dryer and not drying in sunlight and turning my clothes inside out!
Hi Cassey! I would love to see some tracksuit tops with zips that will match the mermaid leggings. Lots of love!
Super helpful, thank you!
http://poshpossibilities.blogspot.com/
The directions for a lot of the activewear says not to use any fabric softener. Is this particular Downy considered a softener?
Hi Cassey, Blogilates has transformed my life in many ways more than just physical. Every month that I complete your calendar, I gift myself with a reward. I’ve been wanting to use buy a Popflex outfit as a reward because a. I LOVE your clothes and b. because of you, I finally have the confidence to bare my midriff, but because of weird bra sizing (I’m a 32D), your bras and tops won’t fit me. I’d love to see more specific/customized bra/top sizing.
I would love to see more leggings. With and without mesh. I love the black from the mermaid collection! Maybe a few more solid, darker colors. What about shoes!?! That would be SO amazing ? Maybe a hidden pop pilates logo in the clothes? Or the back of the sports bra?!