Soft leggings are a wardrobe staple for everything from yoga to lounging to running errands. Their buttery texture and stretchable fit make them an instant favorite, but that comfort can fade quickly without proper care. If you want your soft leggings to feel brand new even after dozens of wears and washes, follow these expert care tips.
Why Soft Leggings Require Special Care
Soft leggings, especially those made from brushed, buttery fabrics like Nulu™, Spacedye, or Powervita™, are more delicate than traditional workout gear. These materials can pill, stretch out, or lose their softness if exposed to harsh laundry routines or abrasive surfaces. Proper care preserves both comfort and performance.
Step 1: Always Check the Care Label
Before anything else, check the tag. Different brands may use proprietary fabrics that require specific washing instructions. Ignoring this can reduce the life of your leggings and cause them to lose their plush feel.
Step 2: Turn Inside Out Before Washing
Turning leggings inside out helps protect the outer surface from friction and fading. It also ensures that sweat and body oils are properly rinsed from the interior, keeping them fresher longer.
Step 3: Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
Why cold water? It helps maintain elasticity and prevents shrinking. A gentle cycle reduces wear and tear caused by aggressive tumbling, especially for soft, stretchy fabric blends.
Tip: Wash your leggings with similar fabrics — not with towels, jeans, or anything with zippers or velcro that could cause snagging.
Step 4: Use Mild Detergent Only
Harsh detergents with bleach or fabric softeners can break down the fibers in soft leggings. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free detergent, ideally one formulated for activewear or delicates.
Step 5: Skip the Dryer — Always Air Dry
The heat from dryers can degrade elastic fibers and fade colors. Lay your leggings flat or hang them to dry instead. This keeps them feeling smooth, stretchy, and like-new longer.
Step 6: Avoid Fabric Softener
Though it may sound counterintuitive, fabric softeners can coat soft fabrics and cause them to lose breathability and stretch. Your leggings will feel softer naturally if you care for them properly.
Step 7: Store Properly
Avoid balling them up in a drawer. Fold your leggings or hang them neatly to prevent creases and stretching. Keeping them organized also helps maintain their shape over time.
Bonus Tip: Wash After Every 2–3 Wears
You don’t need to wash soft leggings after every single wear (unless they’re sweaty). Overwashing can wear down fabric faster. Instead, air them out between wears and wash after 2–3 uses for optimal longevity.
Final Thoughts
Soft leggings are an investment in both comfort and style — and with the right care, they’ll stay feeling brand new for years. From using cold water and gentle detergent to skipping the dryer, small steps make a big difference. Treat them kindly, and your favorite pair will continue to hug you in all the right ways without losing that ultra-soft magic.
