Think fabric softener makes your leggings last longer? It’s actually ruining them 😬 

Let's break it down. 

 

It might make your clothes smell amazing and feel soft but fabric softener is actually one of the worst things you can use on your activewear.

Here’s why 

 It coats the fabric
Fabric softeners leave a thin, waxy layer on your leggings. This coating blocks the moisture-wicking technology designed to pull sweat away from your skin meaning you’ll stay damp and uncomfortable during workouts.

 It ruins elasticity
Activewear relies on stretch fibers like spandex (or elastane). The chemicals in softeners break these fibres down over time, leading to sagging waistbands and leggings that lose their shape faster.

It traps odours
The coating locks in sweat and bacteria instead of letting your leggings breathe  which is why even freshly washed gear can still smell after a few wears.

 It shortens the lifespan of your activewear
That buildup weakens the fibers, dulls the color, and causes pilling. Your leggings won’t look or feel new for long.

What to do instead:

Wash in cold water with a gentle, sportswear-safe detergent.

Skip the softener completely.

Air dry instead of tumble drying to preserve stretch and shape.