Do Workout Leggings Shrink?

Athleisure wear is typically designed with high-quality performance fabrics that, when improperly cared for, will wear down or warp over time. One question you may have when purchasing new leggings is, "Will they shrink?" This depends on two factors – the fabrics your leggings are designed with and how you care for them. If you typically throw all of your laundry in the dryer, then yes, it is likely your leggings will shrink. This is especially true if your leggings are made of fabrics that offer compression like ours here at Bombshell. However, you can easily prevent shrinkage and extend the lifespan of your new leggings and other workout apparel by proper care routines. Follow this guide for Bombshell Sportswear leggings and other apparel, as well as any other specialty workout clothing you may own.

Wash in Cold Water

Our leggings are made with a blend of fabrics, like spandex and polyester, for a sculpted look that offers excellent compression and comfort. Because they're high-quality performance fabrics, they can easily be warped in the wash if run on a regular or heavy-duty cycle. Using a delicate fabric bag, you'll want to wash your leggings in cold water on the delicate cycle. If you don't already have one, now is the time! A mesh bag will limit the stretching of the fabrics while in the washer. Using hot water may seem like a good idea to rid your workout clothing of bacteria and odors, but it will cause damage to the fabrics. Not only is using cold water beneficial for your leggings, but it's also more eco-friendly than using hot water.

Make it a habit to separate your workout apparel from your other laundry. This way, you can wash your leggings, sports bras, tees, and other performance gear together.

Don't Machine Dry

Machine drying can have a major impact on your leggings, as well as other types of clothing. You've probably experienced the misfortune of drying a favorite shirt and pulling it out to find it's become way too tight to wear comfortably. The same can happen to your leggings. The high heat damages the fast-drying fabrics of the pants, causing them to shrink. Plus, it can also remove the high-tech features of your leggings, like moisture-wicking properties and sleek compression.

As a general rule, you should only air dry your leggings. This is not to say you need to hang them! Instead, lay them flat in a dry and dim room where they can dry undisturbed and away from direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can dry your leggings too quickly, causing the fabric to shrink. If you own any other workout clothing made of similar fabrics, do the same with these. You'll increase the longevity and preserve the fit of them this way, making the purchase even more worthwhile.

You might find yourself in a situation where you just don't have time for your leggings to air dry. In this case, we recommend a very short period in the dryer. Switch the setting to low heat and allow the cycle to run for 5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on them and absolutely do not allow the dryer to run a cycle over 15 minutes. After 5 minutes, the fabric should be mostly dry.

Taking care of your leggings to prevent shrinkage is easy, taking only a few additional steps outside of your normal laundry routine. With premium leggings, you don't want your investment to go to waste by accidentally shrinking them. For specific instructions on how to care for Bombshell Sportswear leggings, click here (https://www.bombshellsportswear.com/pages/garment-care). We offer guidelines on washing and drying at home, as well as dry cleaning.