You invested in high-performance activewear. The last thing you want is for it to pill, lose its stretch, or fade after a dozen washes. Nylon/spandex blends are engineered for durability and four-way stretch — but they need the right care to stay that way. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why Nylon/Spandex Blends Need Special Care

Nylon is prized for its strength, abrasion resistance, and quick-dry properties. Spandex (also called elastane or Lycra) provides the stretch and recovery that lets performance fabric move with your body. The problem: heat is the enemy of both. High wash temperatures and dryer heat degrade the elastane fibers over time, causing the fabric to lose its shape and snap-back. Harsh detergents and fabric softeners compound the damage by breaking down the fiber structure and coating the fabric in a residue that traps odor.

The Right Way to Wash Performance Activewear

• Wash cold. Always use cold water (30°C / 86°F or below). Cold water is gentler on elastane and prevents color fading in darker colorways like our Black Urban Flex Cargo Joggers.
• Use a gentle cycle. High-agitation cycles stress the seams and fabric structure. Gentle or delicate cycle only.
• Turn garments inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction and keeps colors vibrant longer.
• Use a sport-specific or gentle detergent. Look for detergents labeled for activewear or technical fabrics. Avoid anything with bleach or optical brighteners.
• Skip the fabric softener. Softener coats synthetic fibers and reduces moisture-wicking performance. It also traps odor-causing bacteria over time.
• Wash with similar colors. Especially important for lighter colorways like Khaki or Navy — wash darks with darks.

Drying: The Most Important Step

This is where most people go wrong. The dryer is the single biggest threat to nylon/spandex activewear. Even a low-heat setting generates enough heat to break down elastane over repeated cycles. The result: fabric that no longer bounces back, waistbands that sag, and leggings that bag at the knees.

The rule: always air dry. Hang your activewear or lay it flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight. Direct sun can fade colors and degrade synthetic fibers over time. Most performance pieces dry quickly — within an hour or two at room temperature.

 

Dealing with Odor

Synthetic fabrics can hold onto odor even after washing. A few strategies that work:

• Soak in a solution of cold water and white vinegar (1 cup vinegar per gallon of water) for 30 minutes before washing. Vinegar neutralizes odor-causing bacteria without damaging the fabric.
• Don't leave sweaty activewear balled up in a gym bag. Bacteria multiply fast in warm, damp conditions. Air out your gear as soon as possible after training.
• Wash promptly after heavy sessions. The longer sweat sits in the fabric, the harder it is to remove.

Pilling: How to Prevent It

Pilling happens when friction causes short fibers to tangle into small balls on the fabric surface. To minimize it: wash inside out, use a mesh laundry bag for smaller items, and avoid washing activewear with rough fabrics like denim or towels.

 

Storage Tips

Fold rather than hang. Hanging stretches the waistband and shoulder seams over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you're storing seasonal pieces, make sure they're fully clean and dry before putting them away — even trace amounts of sweat can cause fabric degradation and odor over time.

Quick Reference: 

ANUBIS ATHLETICA

PERFORMANCE CARE

Your performance apparel is engineered for comfort, stretch, and durability. Proper care helps preserve its fit, moisture-wicking performance, and premium appearance for years to come.

---

✓ RECOMMENDED CARE

🧺 Wash Cold
30°C / 86°F (or colder)

🌀 Gentle Cycle
Reduce stress on seams and performance fibers.

↩ Turn Inside Out
Protects the outer fabric and helps preserve color.

💧 Use a Gentle or Sport Detergent
Formulated for technical fabrics and synthetic fibers.

🌬 Air Dry
Hang or lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.

---

AVOID

✕ Tumble Dry
Heat damages elastane and reduces stretch recovery.

✕ Fabric Softener
Leaves residue that reduces moisture-wicking performance.

✕ Bleach
Can weaken fibers and cause color fading.

✕ Drying in Direct Sunlight
Extended UV exposure may fade colors and shorten fabric life.

---

BUILT TO PERFORM.

BUILT TO LAST.

Take care of your gear, and it'll take care of you.

Browse our full range of performance activewear — built to last when you treat it right.