Living a healthy lifestyle requires a lot of exercises. If you are a health buff, your favourite outfit must be a cotton shirt and leggings. Leggings are comfortable, easy to move in, and flexible. This attire often gets drenched in sweat which means frequent washing is needed.
If you work out often you might ask are leggings safe to put in a dryer?
With so many different brands of leggings out there, it is hard to know which ones you should hand wash was and air dry, or place in the dryer. Most brands including Lululemon are best NOT to put in the dryer as this can damage and stretch the fabrics. Each brand is different and is made from different materials and has different instructions for cleaning and drying.
This article aims to confirm if you can put leggings in the dryer. Depending on the brand, details will be discussed on what you can do.
Leggings Brands & Dryer Compatibility
Lululemon
Lululemon is a U.S. – Canadian company that makes athletic clothing. These include outfits for running, yoga, and other workouts that make you sweat. It is a reliable exercise attire that many love to wear.
Lululemon’s top item is Luon which is 86% nylon and 14% Lycra. It is preshrunk, stretchable, and absorbs sweat on your body effectively. With proper care, Lululemon leggings can last at least 2 years and 5 years maximum. That is great value for money even if this brand is a bit expensive.
Pros of using the dryer for Lululemon Leggings:
Lululemon is best in cold machine wash and air dry. There is no advantage in loading it into the dryer. But if by chance you need to, slow tumble drying can be considered.
Cons using the dryer for Lululemon Leggings:
Lululemon is made of elastic fibers that can be damaged with the heat of dryers. When it is loaded in the dryer, it will lose its flexibility. In worst cases, it can rip apart.
The best method of drying Lululemon Leggings:
Lululemon leggings are best dried via air drying. It is necessary to maintain the shape and fitting of the leggings.
Gymshrk
Gymshrk is a UK brand that makes workout clothes for men and women. Their gym clothes are durable, sweat-wicking, and flexible. Gymshrk fabric is a combination of elastane, polyester, and nylon. Its hugs the body in the right places and is comfortable to wear.
Pros of using the dryer for Gymshrk Leggings:
There is no advantage to putting Gymshrk Leggings into the dryer. The heat from the dryer can ruin them permanently.
Cons of using the dryer for Gymshrk Leggings:
Putting Gymshrk Leggings in the dryer at a high temperature can cause them to shrink or stretch. The shape and fit are compromised. It will be unflattering to wear.
Best Method of drying Gymshrk Leggings:
Preserving the original form of Gymshrk leggings, it is best to air dry them on a flat surface. By doing this, the body fit and color are preserved. You can use it for a long period and get your money’s worth.
Fabletics
Fabletics is a U.S. brand that makes activewear for men and women. The fashion line of Fabletics includes yoga outfits, leggings, joggers, and exercise shirts. Fabletics leggings are made from a combination of nylon and elastane. Some variants come in a nylon and polyester combination.
Pros of using the dryer for Fabletics Leggings:
Nylon and elastane do not react well to the high temperature of dryers. There is no advantage to doing this, so keep it out of the dryer.
Cons of using the dryer for Fabletics Leggings:
Nylon and elastane due to their flexibility hug the body effectively. However, the heat from the dryer can ruin the elasticity of the fabric. It will shorten the life span of your apparel.
Best Method of drying Fabletic Leggings:
Fabletic Leggings are best dried when hang up in the air. It helps the fabric to keep its shape. In some cases, gentle tumbling drying in low heat is acceptable. Just don’t do it often.
Aerie
Aerie is short for American Eagle Lingerie. It is a U.S. brand that makes leggings, bras, and underwear for women. Aerie leggings for gym wear are made of nylon and elastane. It has a nice fit, is very flexible, and is durable.
Pros of using the dryer for Aerie Leggings:
Aerie leggings are made of synthetic material, it is not advisable to put them in the dryer. As the heat can damage it.
Cons of using the dryer for Aerie Leggings:
Putting Aerie leggings in the dryer will shrink or loosen the fabric. The shape of the attire will be warped and the flexibility will be gone.
Best Method of drying Aerie Leggings:
Aerie Leggings are best dried in the air by hanging them. It might take a long time, but it is also equivalent to using it for a long time.
Alo
Alo is an American lifestyle brand that specializes in sportswear. Its forte is yoga leggings that will help its patrons to do mindful movement and promote wellbeing. It is made up of 13% spandex and 87% polyester.
Pros of using the dryer for Alo Leggings:
Alo Leggings are not compatible with the heat from a dryer. It is best to stay away from it.
Cons of using the dryer for Alo Leggings:
Alo will lose its elasticity with high temperatures. It will weaken the fabric and lessen the life span. Plus the fitting will be hideous when the leggings are distorted.
Best Method Of Drying Alo Leggings:
Alo Leggings after gentle washing best to be left to dry in the open. Hang it to air dry and you can preserve its form and quality.
Lularoe
Lularoe is a U.S. company that makes clothing for women like leggings. This brand is known for its brushed poly spandex knit fabric. It is soft and stretchy, it is the reason why ladies love to wear it.
Pros of using the dryer for Lularoe Leggings:
Lularoe Leggings are made of synthetic material that becomes damaged in high temperatures. It is not recommended to be loaded in the dryer.
Cons of using the dryer for Lularoe Leggings:
Lularoe Leggings will experience rough and abrasive handling in the dryer. It will cause damage if the shape and flexibility are compromised.
Best Method Of Drying Lularoe Leggings:
Lularoe Leggings are best dried in the open air naturally. On some occasions, slow tumble drying with low temperature is acceptable. The lesser exposure to extreme heat, the longer the legging’s lifespan will be.
Athleta
Athleta is an American brand that makes sportswear for athletic women. It is associated with Gap, Inc., a reputable clothing business. Athleta has a patented fabric called Pilayo. It is a combination of 88% Nylon and 12% Lycra. It is sweat-wicking, flexible, and breathable making it a comfortable gym outfit.
Pros of using the dryer for Athleta Leggings:
Nylon and Lycra are not compatible with heated dryers. It is best to avoid them in general.
Cons of using the dryer for Athleta Leggings:
Nylon and Lycra will lose their flexibility when exposed to high heat. The attire will shrink or its stretchiness will disappear. In worst cases, it can rip or result in a poor fitting.
Best Method Of Drying Athleta Leggings:
Athleta Leggings are best left to drip dry. It is made to dry quickly in the open air, so you do not need to worry about the time. It is the best way to preserve its shape and durability.
Spanx
Spanx is an underwear maker that is founded in the United States. It makes products that enhance the figure of women. Their product line consists of leggings that are made from a mixture of nylon and spandex.
Pros of using the dryer for Spanx Leggings:
The combination of nylon and spandex is not ideal for dryer loading. If you want Spanx Leggings to continue complementing your curves, keep them away from the dryer.
Cons of using the dryer for Spanx Leggings:
Using the dryer for Spanx Leggings can cause the material to lose its elasticity. It will no longer hold the body effectively. It will no longer be able to highlight your curves and hide problem areas.
Best Method Of Drying Spanx Leggings:
Spanx Leggings are best gently washed in cold water. Then it should be allowed to be dried in the open air. It is the best method to maintain its quality so it can support your womanly curves for a long time.
Final Thoughts:
As reviewed, most fabrics used in leggings are nylon, polyester, elastane, and spandex. These materials are stretchable, moisture-wicking, durable, flexible, and hug the body tightly. Whenever worn, it is a given that it will be sweaty after. Regular washing is necessary and appropriate drying is key to prolonging its lifespan.
After gently washing these leggings, it is advisable to naturally let them drip the excess water and leave it in the open to dry. It is best to do this method, rather than using the dryer. Using the dryer is harsh as it has high temperatures that can ruin the form of these synthetic materials. So if you want to keep your leggings for a long time, then make sure to keep them away from the dryer.