Quick answer
Wash your Cerise speedsuit after every ride in cold water on a gentle cycle with a technical detergent, skip fabric softener, air-dry it away from direct sun, and store it flat or folded loosely so the mesh and compressive panels keep their shape.
Why the Cerise needs a different routine
The Cerise combines three distinct materials: an ultra-light mesh across the chest, a ribbed aerodynamic fabric on the sleeves, and a compressive lower section. Each responds differently to heat, agitation, and chemicals. Hot water and tumble drying can degrade the mesh's open structure and relax the compression, while fabric softener coats technical fibers and reduces their ability to manage sweat.
That means a one-size-fits-all laundry approach won't do. Treat the suit as a technical garment, not a jersey: keep temperatures low, avoid mechanical stress, and let it air-dry. The payoff is a speedsuit that continues to fit and breathe as intended.
The five-pocket detail and what it means for washing
The Cerise's innovative five-pocket rear configuration is designed to carry ride essentials without bouncing. Those pockets add seams and layered fabric that can trap grit and salt if you don't rinse thoroughly. Turn the suit inside out before washing so water flushes through the pocket seams, and check the pockets for gels, wrappers, or debris before the suit goes in the machine.
Step-by-step Cerise speedsuit care
- Pre-rinse and empty pockets: Turn the suit inside out, empty all five rear pockets, and rinse it in cool water to flush out sweat and road grit before washing. Check pocket seams for trapped debris; a quick pre-rinse prevents salt buildup that can stiffen fabric.
- Wash cold on a gentle cycle: Use a front-loading machine on a delicate or hand-wash cycle at 30°C (86°F) or lower with a small amount of technical detergent. Place the suit in a mesh laundry bag if your machine has a high-spin agitation. Never use fabric softener or bleach; both damage technical fibers and reduce moisture management.
- Skip the spin and rinse well: Set the spin speed to low or skip the spin cycle entirely. Make sure the rinse water runs clear so no detergent residue remains in the padding or mesh. Residual detergent attracts dirt and can irritate skin on long rides.
- Air-dry flat and away from sun: Lay the suit flat on a clean towel or drying rack, reshape the compressive lower and sleeves, and let it air-dry in a shaded, ventilated spot. Avoid direct sunlight and radiators. Never tumble dry; heat breaks down mesh and compression.
- Store loosely folded or hanging: Once fully dry, store the Cerise folded loosely in a drawer or hanging on a wide, padded hanger. Avoid compressing it under heavy gear or storing it damp. A dry, breathable storage spot prevents mildew and keeps the mesh from creasing permanently.