How to Care for Your Legging Shorts to Make Them Last Longer

Legging shorts are a staple in many people’s wardrobes, offering comfort, flexibility, and versatility. Whether you’re using them for workouts, casual outings, or lounging at home, you want to make sure they last. Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring your legging shorts remain in great condition, retaining their shape, elasticity, and color. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to care for your legging shorts to maximize their lifespan.

1. Wash Legging Shorts Gently

Why It’s Important

Washing legging shorts correctly is one of the most important steps in preserving their fabric and elasticity. Harsh washing can cause fabric breakdown, color fading, and loss of stretch, making them less comfortable to wear.

Tips:

Turn them inside out: Before tossing your legging shorts in the laundry, turn them inside out. This protects the outer layer from friction and wear caused by contact with other fabrics.
Use a gentle cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate wash cycle to prevent unnecessary damage to the fabric. This reduces the chances of pilling and stretching.
Wash with like fabrics: Avoid washing your legging shorts with rougher fabrics, such as towels or denim. These materials can cause friction, leading to wear and tear.

2. Choose the Right Detergent

Why It’s Important

The detergent you use can significantly impact the longevity of your legging shorts. Harsh detergents can break down fabric fibers and fade the color, while gentle, mild detergents help preserve the material.

Tips:

Use mild detergent: Opt for a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals. Some detergents are formulated to protect fabrics, which is especially important for spandex, polyester, or elastane blends.
Avoid fabric softeners: While fabric softeners can make clothes feel soft, they often contain chemicals that can break down the elastic fibers in activewear, reducing their stretch and lifespan.

3. Air Dry Instead of Using a Dryer

Why It’s Important

High heat from the dryer can be damaging to your legging shorts, particularly those made of stretchy or synthetic materials like spandex, nylon, and polyester. Heat can break down the elasticity, leading to sagging or loss of shape.

Tips:

Lay flat to dry: After washing, lay your legging shorts flat on a clean towel or drying rack. This helps maintain their shape and prevents any stretching or warping.
Avoid hanging them: Hanging your legging shorts by the waistband can distort the fabric and cause them to stretch unevenly.
Air dry indoors: If drying them outside, make sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.

4. Spot Clean When Needed

Why It’s Important

If you don’t have time for a full wash, spot cleaning your legging shorts can keep them fresh without putting them through a full cycle. This helps preserve the fabric and color while minimizing wear and tear.

Tips:

Use a mild stain remover: Gently blot the stain with a soft cloth and a mild stain remover or a mix of water and a small amount of soap. Be sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
Avoid rubbing: Rubbing the fabric too hard can damage the material, causing pilling or stretching. Instead, blot and dab to lift the stain.

5. Store Legging Shorts Properly

Why It’s Important

How you store your legging shorts can impact their shape and fabric quality. Proper storage prevents unnecessary wrinkles, stretching, and fading.

Tips:

Fold or roll: Instead of cramming your legging shorts into a drawer, fold or roll them to avoid unnecessary creasing or stretching.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your legging shorts in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or damp environments, which can cause fabric degradation or mold.
Use garment bags: For long-term storage, especially for delicate fabrics, use a breathable garment bag to protect your legging shorts from dust, dirt, and snags.

6. Avoid Over-Washing

Why It’s Important

While it’s tempting to wash your legging shorts after every use, over-washing can break down the fabric’s fibers, leading to a shorter lifespan. Legging shorts, especially those designed for low-impact activities, don’t necessarily need to be washed after every wear.

Tips:

Wear them more than once: If your legging shorts are clean and odor-free, you can get away with wearing them a few times before washing.
Use a fabric freshener: If you want to refresh them between wears, try using a fabric freshener spray that removes odors and refreshes the material without the need for a full wash.

7. Rotate Your Legging Shorts

Why It’s Important

Wearing the same pair of legging shorts every day can cause them to wear out quickly, as constant stretching and washing take a toll. Rotating your activewear gives each pair time to rest and recover, helping them maintain their elasticity.

Tips:

Have a few pairs: It’s always a good idea to have multiple pairs of legging shorts for rotation. This reduces the frequency with which each pair is washed and worn, extending their overall lifespan.
Mix up your fabrics: If you have legging shorts in various materials (nylon, polyester, cotton, etc.), rotating fabrics helps maintain your workout wardrobe’s functionality and durability.

8. Repair Small Damages Quickly

Why It’s Important

Catching small tears or snags early can prevent them from getting worse and turning into bigger issues. Addressing these repairs promptly ensures that your legging shorts last longer and stay in good condition.

Tips:

Sew small tears: If you notice a small tear or hole, sew it up with a needle and thread as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
Use fabric glue for minor repairs: If you don’t want to sew, fabric glue can help temporarily bond fabric together to stop a tear from growing.

Conclusion: Keep Your Legging Shorts in Great Shape

Caring for your legging shorts properly ensures that they stay comfortable, durable, and stylish for years to come. By following these tips—washing gently, air-drying, avoiding over-washing, and storing them correctly—you can make sure your legging shorts continue to perform at their best. With a little attention to detail, your favorite pairs will stay in top condition, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. Whether for workouts or casual wear, maintaining your legging shorts will ensure they stay as functional and flattering as the day you bought them.