Leggings gained a lot of positive attention during the past decade as a wardrobe staple. They are comfortable, flattering, and easy to pair with many tops and shoes. However, keeping your favorite leggings in good condition for long can be challenging. Here are some useful tips that can help you with it.
Wash Less Frequently
One of the biggest mistakes people make with leggings is over-washing them. Constant washing, especially in warm or hot water, is harsh on the spandex fibers and causes them to break down more quickly. Clothing experts typically recommend washing leggings after every 3-4 light wears, unless they are visibly dirty or smelly. This allows the fibers to retain their shape better over time.
Wash in Cold Water
When it is time to wash your leggings, always use cold water. Warm and hot water can damage the elasticity of the spandex, causing leggings to stretch out, and become loose and baggy in the knees or rear. Wash leggings in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve the integrity of the fabric. This is true for both machine and hand washing.
Air Dry Only
The heat and turbulence of machine drying can be very damaging to the spandex fibers in leggings. It accelerates breakdown of elasticity and causes pilling of fabric over time. Always line dry your leggings naturally to help them hold their shape and color for as long as possible. Lay flat or hang to dry.
Use Laundry Bags
If machine washing, place leggings inside a mesh laundry bag before adding them to the washing machine. This protects the fabric from catching, pulling or snagging on other items like buttons, zippers and embellishments in the wash. A laundry bag reduces pilling and damage to the leggings during the wash process.
Spot Treat Stains
Don't let stains set in leggings fabric. This can make it harder to remove later. Spot treat any stains like makeup, food, grass or dirt stains as soon as possible with stain remover sticks or spray before washing. Catching them when fresh will help avoid permanent discoloration or residue.
Store Properly
Don't toss leggings in a pile or drawer when not wearing them. Fold them smoothly along the seams and store them in a dark drawer or closet. This helps the fabric avoid creases or indentations that can turn into holes or tears over time. Avoid hanging leggings on hooks for long term storage, as the weight can deform the waistband and crotch area.
Inspect Before Wearing
Always give your leggings a quick inspection before stepping into them. Check for any holes, runs, weak seams or thinning fabric - especially in the inner thighs and behind the knees, which see a lot of friction. Catch any small issues early before they develop into bigger problems requiring repairs or replacement.
Remove Pills Promptly
Pilling often occurs in between the inner thighs of leggings. Remove any small pills quickly with a sweater comb or fabric shaver. Letting them build up causes excessive friction and damage to fabric. Regularly de-pill to make leggings last and retain a smooth look.
Consider Reinforcing Vulnerable Areas
If you experience consistent friction and wear in certain spots like inner thighs or behind the knees, you can reinforce those vulnerable areas before holes develop. Simple tricks include sewing small patches of fabric on the inside or applying clear nail polish to slightly stiffen the fabric. This strengthens weak spots prone to wear.
Get Durable Leggings from Us and Take Good Care Of Them
If you wish to buy leggings that can last for many years, you should shop for them from us at Legs Allure. Our Premium Membership lets you buy them at a price that you can afford. We offer premium leggings, and you don’t need to worry too much about their durability. But if you can follow these tips, you can continue to use them for many years.
