Fabric & Care
Activewear Care Guide
Lisboa Fit Editorial Team · Published 15 April 2026 · Updated 26 July 2026 · 2 min read
Technical fabrics are engineered systems. Treat them like cotton and they will behave like disappointment.
Before the wash
Turn every piece inside out — this protects the outer face from abrasion and cleans the side that touches your skin. Close all zips and fasten hooks. Separate technical knits from towels, denim and anything with velcro.
The wash itself
Cold to 30°C, gentle cycle, mild liquid detergent, no fabric softener and no bleach. Softener leaves a coating that blocks moisture wicking; bleach destroys elastane. Use half the detergent you think you need — excess residue is a leading cause of odour retention.
Actionable tips
- Mesh bags for crop tops and strappy pieces.
- For stubborn odour, soak for 30 minutes in cold water with a cup of white vinegar, then wash as normal.
Drying
Hang or lay flat away from direct sun and radiators. Never tumble dry. Technical fabrics dry in a fraction of the time cotton needs, so there is no reason to use heat.
Storage and rotation
Fold and stack; hanging stretches waistbands. Rotate between several pairs so elastane has time to recover fully between wears.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fabric softener on activewear?
- No. It coats technical fibres, blocks moisture management and traps odour.
- What temperature should I wash leggings at?
- Cold or 30°C on a gentle cycle. Heat degrades elastane and shortens the life of compression.
- How do I remove odour from workout clothes?
- Soak in cold water with white vinegar for 30 minutes, then wash inside out with a mild detergent and air dry.
Shop the story
Every piece mentioned in this guide lives in the Lisboa Fit collection. Explore leggings, crop tops, tennis sets or browse the full shop and best sellers.
