How to Wash Running Shorts and Tights Without Ruining Them

Quick answer

Wash running shorts and tights after every wear in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry them away from direct heat. Use a small amount of mild detergent, skip fabric softener and dryer sheets, and turn compression tights inside out to protect the stretch fibers. This routine removes sweat and bacteria without breaking down the fabric or elastic.

Why running gear needs a different laundry routine

Running shorts and tights are not made like cotton t-shirts. They rely on technical fabrics and stretch fibers that break down faster with heat, harsh chemicals, and abrasion. Hot water and high-heat drying are the two most common reasons running clothes lose their shape, develop a permanent smell, or start to pill. The good news: a few small changes to your normal laundry routine will keep your gear performing and looking better for many more miles.

Sort and prepare before washing

Separate your running gear from heavy items like jeans, towels, and jackets with zippers or velcro. Those rough surfaces can snag lightweight fabrics and stretchy knits. Turn every pair of shorts and tights inside out so the outer surface is protected and the inner lining gets the deepest clean. Close any zippers and fasten hook-and-loop closures to prevent them from catching on other garments. If a piece has a liner or built-in brief, check for debris or chafing cream residue and rinse it out before it goes in the machine.

Choose the right water temperature and cycle

Cold water is the safest choice for all technical fabrics. It prevents shrinkage, reduces color fading, and protects elastane fibers that give tights their compression. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin speed. If your machine has a hand-wash or sportswear setting, that is ideal. For very delicate items or pieces with a lot of mesh, a mesh laundry bag adds an extra layer of protection. Never wash running gear with heavy items on a normal cycle; the agitation alone can cause pilling and stretched seams.

Use the right amount of the right detergent

A small amount of mild liquid detergent is all you need. Too much detergent leaves residue that traps odors and can irritate skin. Avoid detergents with bleach, brighteners, or enzymes designed for heavy stains; those can degrade technical fabrics over time. Fabric softener and dryer sheets are especially harmful because they coat the fibers, reducing moisture-wicking ability and trapping bacteria. If your gear has a persistent smell, use a dedicated sports detergent or add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar neutralizes odor without leaving a scent.

Drying: air dry is almost always best

Heat is the enemy of stretch and fit. Whenever possible, hang your running shorts and tights to air dry. Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them over a shower rod. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, which can fade colors, and never place them on a radiator or heater. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove items while they are still slightly damp. Tumble drying on high heat will shorten the life of any compression garment.

Storing your gear between runs

Once your gear is clean and completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not leave damp running clothes in a gym bag or hamper; that is the fastest way to grow mildew and set in odors. If you sweat heavily during a run, rinse your shorts and tights in cold water as soon as you can, even if you plan to wash them later. A quick rinse before the laundry pile makes a noticeable difference in how fresh they stay.

Step-by-step washing routine

1. 1. Pre-treat and sort: Turn all shorts and tights inside out. Close zippers and fasten any hook-and-loop closures. Keep technical fabrics separate from heavy items like jeans or towels. Common mistake: skipping the inside-out step, which leaves sweat and bacteria against the fabric and exposes the outer surface to snags.
2. 2. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Select a delicate or sportswear cycle with a low spin speed. If your machine lacks a gentle cycle, use a mesh laundry bag. Checkpoint: water should be cold to the touch. Hot water breaks down elastane and causes shrinkage.
3. 3. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets: These products coat technical fibers and reduce their ability to wick moisture. If odor persists, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. Common mistake: using too much detergent. Excess suds trap odor and can irritate skin.
4. 4. Air dry away from heat: Hang or lay flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods and never place gear on a radiator. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove items slightly damp. Checkpoint: stretch should return to its original shape after drying. If it feels stiff or brittle, heat damage has already occurred.
5. 5. Store clean and dry: Once completely dry, store in a cool, dry place. Never leave damp gear in a gym bag or hamper. Next step: if you sweat heavily, rinse your gear in cold water immediately after your run, even if you plan to wash it later.

Product care notes

• Mens Custom North Idaho Blaze Constrictor Half Tights: The Men's BOA Constrictor Half Tight is made from a signature DriTex blend for moisture management and breathability, with a pocket-free design. The DriTex fabric responds well to cold-water washing and air drying; heat or fabric softener can reduce its moisture-wicking performance and compromise the compression fit.
• Women's Short Sleeve Raglan Tee Slim Fit - Charcoal: The Women's Short Sleeve Raglan Tee Slim Fit is designed as an everyday tee that can go from the track to the trail to the gym. Because it is worn for both workouts and casual use, it may need more frequent washing; follow the same cold-water, gentle-cycle routine to protect the slim fit and color.