Quick answer
Wash your activewear bralettes and tops in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry them away from direct heat to preserve elasticity and color.
Why gentle care matters for activewear
Activewear fabrics are engineered for stretch, moisture-wicking, and support—but they’re also delicate. Harsh detergents, hot water, and high heat from dryers can break down elastic fibers, causing your bralette or top to lose its shape and support over time. Taking a few extra minutes to wash and dry them properly is the simplest way to get more wears out of each piece.
Step-by-step activewear care routine
- Check the care label first: Always read the tag inside your bralette or top. Most activewear recommends cold water and a gentle cycle, but some fabrics or trims may have specific instructions. Ignore the label and you risk shrinking or damaging the fabric.
- Turn garments inside out: Before washing, turn your bralette and top inside out. This protects the outside fabric from friction against other clothes and helps prevent pilling. Skipping this step can cause the outer surface to fade or fuzz faster.
- Use a mild, sports-specific detergent: Standard detergents often contain brighteners or enzymes that break down elastane. Choose a gentle, sports-specific or baby detergent that’s free of fabric softeners and bleach. Fabric softener coats the fibers and reduces moisture-wicking ability.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold water and the delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water can damage elastic fibers, and a normal cycle’s agitation can stretch out the fabric. If you’re in a hurry, a quick rinse cycle is better than a hot wash.
- Skip the dryer—air dry flat: Heat from a dryer is the fastest way to ruin elastic. Lay your bralette or top flat on a drying rack or a clean towel away from direct sunlight or radiators. Never wring or twist the fabric. Hanging a wet bralette by the straps can stretch them out over time.
Products mentioned
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Active Tank Bralette - Black: Designed for gym meets pizza nights and dog walks, this bralette is part of a collection created by a fitness instructor who knows the struggle of finding the perfect set. Because it’s built for real life, proper care helps the fabric keep its shape through workouts and everyday wear.
Active Tank Bralette - Black
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High Neck Zip Top - Black: Sleek, supportive, and versatile, this zip top is designed to crush your athleisure goals. The zipper and supportive construction require gentle handling to prevent snagging or stretching out of shape.
High Neck Zip Top - Black
