Old Navy leggings are a favorite for their affordable price, stylish fit, and comfort that works from gym sessions to casual errands. But like all wardrobe staples, keeping them in top condition requires proper care. With the right practices, you can extend the life of your leggings, preserve their color, and maintain their stretch. Here’s how to keep your Old Navy leggings looking and feeling fresh, wash after wash.
1. Read the Care Label First
Before tossing your leggings in the wash, always check the care label inside the garment. Old Navy provides fabric-specific instructions that help you avoid damage. Most of their leggings are made from a polyester-spandex blend, which benefits from gentle care.
2. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water can break down the elasticity in your leggings over time and cause colors to fade. Instead, use cold water and a mild detergent. This preserves both the fit and the color vibrancy of your leggings.
Pro Tip: Use a laundry bag for added protection, especially if washing with zippers or hooks.
3. Turn Them Inside Out
Always wash your leggings inside out. This protects the outer fabric from friction, which can cause pilling and fading. It also helps keep any printed or logo details intact.
4. Use Gentle Detergents
Avoid detergents with harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners. These can weaken the fibers and decrease the leggings’ stretch and softness. Look for gentle or sport-specific detergents designed for synthetic fabrics.
5. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners might seem like a good idea, but they actually leave a coating that can damage the fabric’s moisture-wicking properties and elasticity. For best results, skip it entirely when washing your leggings.
6. Air Dry When Possible
The heat from the dryer can shrink leggings or break down their elasticity. Instead, lay your leggings flat to dry or hang them. If you must use a dryer, select a low or no-heat setting to minimize wear and tear.
7. Avoid Over-Washing
Unless your leggings are sweaty or visibly dirty, you don’t need to wash them after every wear. Over-washing accelerates fading and fiber breakdown. Spot clean when needed, and wash only after a few wears if they remain clean.
8. Store Them Properly
Rather than tossing your leggings into a crowded drawer, fold them neatly or hang them to prevent wrinkling or misshaping. Avoid sharp clips or hangers that might leave marks.
9. Watch for Pilling and Stretch
If you start noticing pilling (small fabric balls) or overstretched areas, it’s a sign the leggings need a gentler care routine. You can gently remove pills with a fabric shaver, and rotate leggings to reduce wear on any single pair.
10. Separate by Fabric and Color
Washing leggings with rougher fabrics like denim or items with zippers can cause snags. Always wash leggings with other soft materials and sort by dark and light colors to avoid dye transfer.
Conclusion
Old Navy leggings are designed to move with you and last through countless wears — but only if you treat them right. By following these care tips, you’ll maintain their stretch, color, and comfort over time. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your favorite leggings fresh, durable, and ready for anything.
