Care Tips to Keep Your Plus Size Workout Leggings Durable and Comfortable

Plus size workout leggings are a must-have for movement, confidence, and everyday style. Whether you’re doing squats at the gym, stretching in yoga, or lounging at home, you want your leggings to last and stay as comfortable as the first wear. However, many leggings lose their shape, pill, or fade quickly due to improper care. This guide shares the best care tips to keep your plus size workout leggings durable, soft, and supportive—wash after wash.


Why Proper Care Matters

Workout leggings—especially in plus sizes—are built with technical fabrics that need special attention. These fabrics often include spandex, polyester, and nylon blends, designed for stretch, support, and sweat-wicking performance.

Neglecting proper care can lead to:

  • Thinning or see-through fabric
  • Saggy waistbands
  • Pilling and lint buildup
  • Loss of compression and elasticity
  • Unwanted odors or mildew

By learning how to clean and store them correctly, you’ll extend the lifespan of your favorite pairs and get more value out of your investment.


Tip #1: Always Read the Care Label

Before tossing your leggings in the wash, check the manufacturer’s label. Brands vary in how they design their materials, so following the specific instructions ensures you don’t shrink, stretch, or damage the fabric.

Common care symbols you may see:

  • Machine wash cold: Helps maintain fabric strength and color
  • Do not bleach: Prevents fiber damage and discoloration
  • Tumble dry low or line dry: Preserves elasticity
  • Do not iron: Most leggings don’t respond well to high heat

Tip #2: Wash in Cold Water Only

Hot water can break down the elastic fibers in workout leggings, especially if they contain spandex or elastane. Cold water is gentler and still effective at removing sweat, dirt, and bacteria.

Best practices:

  • Use a gentle cycle
  • Wash with like colors to avoid bleeding or fading
  • Turn leggings inside out to protect the outer surface

Tip #3: Use a Mild Detergent

Harsh detergents with strong chemicals, fragrances, or bleach can ruin the integrity of technical fabrics. Instead, opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent designed for activewear or delicates.

Avoid:

  • Fabric softeners (they coat the fabric and reduce breathability)
  • Dryer sheets (they reduce moisture-wicking abilities)

You can also add a splash of white vinegar to your wash cycle to fight odors naturally and help soften fabric without residue.


Tip #4: Air Dry Whenever Possible

Dryers may be convenient, but high heat can destroy elastic fibers, causing leggings to stretch out and lose shape over time.

Drying tips:

  • Hang or lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated area
  • Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade color and weaken fibers
  • If you must use a dryer, choose low or no heat settings

Tip #5: Wash After Every Use—Even If You Didn’t Sweat

Even light activity leaves behind body oils, bacteria, and skin cells that can build up and cause odor or fabric wear over time. Washing your leggings after each wear keeps them fresh and helps them maintain stretch.

For heavy workouts or hot weather, consider using a pre-soak or activewear rinse before machine washing to lift out stubborn odors and sweat buildup.


Tip #6: Use Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags are your leggings’ best friend. They protect your activewear from:

  • Getting twisted or stretched during the cycle
  • Rubbing against rougher fabrics like denim or zippers
  • Tangling with bra hooks or drawstrings

Just place your leggings in the bag before tossing them in the washer—simple but effective!


Tip #7: Store Them Properly

Once your leggings are clean and dry, proper storage keeps them in shape.

Avoid:

  • Hanging them on wire hangers (can stretch the waistband)
  • Balling them up or stuffing them in drawers (causes wrinkling and misshaping)

Instead:

  • Fold them neatly or roll them to save space
  • Store in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight or moisture

If you wear leggings frequently, organizing by activity type or compression level can also make choosing a pair faster.


Bonus Tip: Rotate Between Multiple Pairs

Wearing the same leggings every day increases the wear and tear on those fibers. To keep each pair lasting longer, rotate between multiple leggings throughout the week.

This gives the fabric time to rest and regain its shape between wears—especially helpful for compression leggings.


Final Thoughts

Your plus size workout leggings work hard for you—give them the care they deserve! By following these simple tips, you’ll preserve their comfort, elasticity, color, and performance for many workouts (and laundry days) to come.

Whether you’ve invested in premium brands or found your go-to pair on a budget, the right care routine can turn any pair into a long-lasting staple. Treat your leggings well, and they’ll return the favor—mile after mile, stretch after stretch.