Five ways to make your kit last longer

The most sustainable garment is the one you keep wearing. Technical fabrics are tougher than they look, but a few small habits make a big difference to how long they last. Here are five that we follow ourselves, along with the reasons behind them.

None of them is complicated, and none requires special equipment. They simply ask for a little attention at the point where most damage is done: in the wash and in the drying.

1. Wash cooler and less often

Most training kit comes clean at 30 degrees. Cooler washes protect stretch fibres and colour, and save energy too. Heat is the enemy of elastic, because it breaks down the fibres that give a garment its stretch and recovery.

Wash less often when you can. A top that has been worn for a short, easy session and aired afterwards often does not need a full wash. Hang it up somewhere with good airflow and wear it again. Washing less means less wear on the fabric, less water and less energy.

2. Skip the fabric softener

Softener coats fibres with a thin film. On cotton towels that feels pleasant, but on technical fabrics it can block the channels that move sweat away from your skin and reduce breathability. It can also trap odours. A mild detergent is all you need, and a small amount is enough.

If a garment has begun to hold odour, try soaking it in a solution of water and white vinegar before washing. It breaks down residues without damaging the fibres.

3. Close zips and fasteners

Fastened zips and hook-and-loop tabs stop snagging on other garments in the drum. An open zip is a small saw, and a few washes with it can pull threads and tear delicate fabrics. Turn garments inside out as well. It protects prints, reflective elements and the outer surface from abrasion.

Use a laundry bag for very delicate pieces, such as ultra-light vests and anything with fine mesh.

4. Dry flat or hang

High heat is hard on stretch fabrics. A tumble dryer shrinks, distorts and ages fibres quickly. Let garments dry naturally, hanging them up or laying them flat, away from direct heat and strong sun. Technical fabrics dry fast, so it rarely takes long.

If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove garments while they are still slightly damp.

5. Repair before you replace

A loose seam or a small hole is usually an easy fix. A few stitches in the right place can add years to a garment’s life. Learn a basic running stitch, or find a local tailor or repair service. Most small problems are cheap and quick to repair.

Repair is also a good way to learn what fails. If the same seam gives way again and again, that is useful feedback, and we want to hear it. Tell us through the contact page, and our designers will take a look.

A few extra habits

Rinse sweaty garments promptly, particularly after salty, hot sessions. Do not leave wet kit in a bag, where bacteria and mould can take hold. Wash dark and light colours separately, because dyes can transfer. Store garments clean and dry, and avoid hanging heavy items on stretch fabrics that could pull them out of shape.

Why it matters

The simplest way to reduce the impact of a garment is to wear it for longer. A garment that lasts twice as long has half the impact per wear, and the effect is bigger than most of the other choices a customer or a brand can make. That is why durability is a core part of our sustainability roadmap, and why we test our garments for hundreds of washes.

When a garment finally reaches the end of its life, look for a textile recycling scheme or a repair-and-reuse programme in your area. Do not throw it in the bin if there is an alternative.

Tell us what works

If you have tips for keeping technical clothing in good shape, we would like to hear them. We share the best ones with our community, and your experience helps us design clothing that lasts.

Treat your kit like equipment

Think of your training clothes the way a cyclist thinks of a bicycle or a runner thinks of shoes: as equipment that works best when it is looked after. A few minutes after a session, hanging a top to dry, closing a zip or rinsing salt from a jersey, adds up to months of extra life over a year. It also means the garment feels better when you put it on, because fabric that has been cared for stays soft, stretchy and fresh.

Common questions about washing technical kit

Can I use a normal detergent?

Yes, in a small amount. Choose a mild, liquid detergent without added softeners or bleach. Biological powders can be harsh on some stretch fibres, so check the care label.

What about stains?

Treat them early with cool water and a little detergent worked gently into the fabric. Avoid hot water, which can set stains, and strong bleach, which damages fibres.

Should I use a tumble dryer for a quick dry?

If you must, use the lowest heat and remove garments while slightly damp. Better still, hang them in a well-ventilated room. Most technical fabrics dry within hours.

How do I get rid of smells?

Wash promptly after use and avoid leaving damp kit in a bag. If smells persist, a soak in cool water with a splash of white vinegar before washing often helps. Avoid scented softeners, which mask the problem and clog the fabric.

When a garment reaches the end of its life

Even well-cared-for clothing wears out. When that happens, try to give it another use before it is thrown away. Old tops make good cleaning cloths. Garments in reasonable condition can be passed on to someone who can use them. Many areas have textile recycling points, and some shops accept used clothing for recycling. Check what is available near you.

About JISDO

JISDO Sportswear designs performance apparel for athletes and everyday movers. Media enquiries: hello@jisdo.com.