Sportwear Care Tips
for High Performance Fabrics

A little common sense and regular care can extend the life of high performance apparel. Here are some tips to help keep your apparel at peak performance. See a special caution regarding the use of fabric softeners.

• Always be sure to read and follow the care instructions on the garment label. Proper care will vary depending on the fiber content, and also on the finishes, linings, insulations, trims, and embellishments on the garment.
• Clean garments and gear regularly, and when it's needed. Built-up dirt can get ground deep into the fabric, making stains difficult to remove and can even damage the fabric.
• Treat stains as quickly as possible. Blot the stain and don't rub. Rubbing causes the stain to move deeper into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. If the stain remains after washing, try rewashing. Once a stained item is put in the dryer, the heat may permanently set the stain. For information on the removal of specific stains visit our link Stain Removal Guide.
• Sort and launder items made of natural and manufactured fibers separately. Natural fibers can release oils which can be attracted to and stain manufactured fibers like polyester and nylon.
• Use the delicate cycle for items with spandex, and don't use chlorine bleach. Bleach can damage spandex.
• Be sure to use the low heat setting for the dryer. Fabrics, linings, or insulations could shrink or be otherwise damaged from using too hot a temperature or from leaving garments in the dryer too long. Take items out of the dryer when they're slightly damp. If they are hot to the touch, you waited too long. Fibers such as acrylic, nylon, polyester, and polyolefin dry very quickly, and should be watched closely. Polyolefin can actually melt if the dryer temperature gets too high.
• Any rips, tears, or worn areas should be repaired. Letting even little things go will shorten the useful life of the item, and cause it to look old before it's time.

  Return to Top

  Caution Regarding Fabric Softeners: - Take a quick walk through a display of high tech apparel and you'll find a number of care labels that say "no fabric softeners". Many high performance fibers, microfibers and finishes allow the fabric to breathe and to transport moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. The material in a fabric softener attaches directly to the fabric and makes the fabric feel softer. However, fabric softeners can buildup over time, and can reduce the ability of the fabric to manage moisture and breathe.

  Frequent use of fabric softeners can also reduce the absorbency of cotton towels. The web site of Cotton Inc. provides the following tip for consumers: "Use fabric softeners occasionally. Overuse will cause your towels to stiffen and become less absorbent."

  Return to Top

-----------------------