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Serious question… when was the last time you cleaned out your gym drawer? You really do put your fitness gear through it’s paces. All that sweating, washing and wearing will ultimately compromise your comfort and performance. Here's a handy guide to help keep your workout wardrobe in shape.
Compression Garments
Life span: Six months to one year
Designed to help increase circulation, compression tights, socks and sleeves may help speed post-workout recovery too, research suggests. Inevitably, though, they stretch over time and lose efficacy.
Time to toss? Compression clothes should have a super-snug, almost uncomfortable fit. If it’s getting easier and easier to slide them on or if fibres are coming out of the fabric, you’re probably not getting the full benefits.
Make ’em last: Wash after every (yes, every) wear, since body oils and dirt can compromise their compression. Don’t machine-dry and avoid wringing and twisting.
Sports Bra
Life span: One year (or less, if you’re doing high-impact workouts)
Supporting the girls is no easy task: The physical stress of stopping boob bounce degrades a bra’s elasticity.
Time to toss? You’re starting to chafe, the bra rides up when you raise your arms or your boobs move more during workouts.
Make ’em last: Cleaning by hand is ideal, but if you do use the machine, fasten hooks first, put the bra in a mesh washing bag, then drip-dry to avoid warping.Swimming Costume
Life span: Six months to two years
Pool chemicals break down the fibres, making your cozzie lose shape; this creates drag, which can slow you down.
Time to toss? Baggy crotch, faded spots or tiny white fibres popping out.
Make ’em last: Rinse with tap water post-swim. Squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry.
READ MORE: Finally, swimming caps for women with dreadlocks, braids and afros
Socks
Life span: One to three years
That thin fabric can hold up to your stepping and sliding only so long, leaving you prone to painful friction and blisters when it gives out.
Time to toss? They’re stretched out, you see holes in the heel or around the ball of your foot, or you get more blisters than usual.
Make ’em last: Wear them only during your workout. Dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage.
Moisture-Wicking Tops
Life span: Six months to five years plus
These shirts draw sweat away from your skin to help regulate body temp. Most synthetics are chemically treated or have technology woven in that lasts 25 to 50 washes.
Time to toss? It can be hard to tell, but gradually they’ll become less effective at keeping you dry.
Make ’em last: Follow washing directions religiously to prevent wicking power from fading prematurely.
Waterproof Jackets
Life span: Five years plus
A good topper can protect you in two ways: the layers block moisture so it can’t penetrate and they also prevent sweat from getting trapped. The result is breathability and dryness.
Time to toss? You’re sweating up a storm (because the coat is trapping moisture and heat), water seems to seep into the fabric, or the jacket is starting to smell (even when clean).
Make ’em last: Ideally, wash no more than twice a year to keep the chemical finish intact (but if the coat is visibly dirty, more cleaning is okay). Tumbledry in heat, which reactivates the surface repellent.
For more info visit Women's Health
