Activewear Care: Lululemon Edition

If you're like us, your Lululemon clothes are your go-to gear for workouts, yoga classes, and even lounging at home. But if you're spending hours breaking a sweat, your Lululemon gear might not stay as fresh as you'd like. The secret to keeping your leggings, tops, and sports bras looking and smelling fresh is all about proper care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to care for your Lululemon clothes, how to remove stubborn odours, and extend the life of your favorite athletic wear.

9 Easy Ways To Care For Your Lululemon Through Your Laundry Routine

Step 1: Don’t Throw Your Sweaty Clothes in a Ball!

We get it. After a hot yoga class or intense spin session, the last thing you want to do is handle your sweat-drenched gear. But don’t toss your sweaty clothes into a ball in your laundry basket! Air-dry your Lululemon clothes as soon as possible or wash them immediately. Allowing the sweat to sit for too long can lead to odour buildup, which is tougher to remove the longer it sits.

Step 2: Wash Lululemon Clothes Inside Out

When it comes to caring for your Lululemon clothes, washing them inside out is key. Why? The inside of the fabric (where sweat and body oils are absorbed) is the most vulnerable to wear and tear. Turning your clothes inside out protects the outer layer of fabric, helping to preserve the design and overall quality. This simple trick keeps your Lululemon gear looking fresh, so it lasts longer and stays in tip-top shape.

Step 3: Wash with Similar Fabrics (Avoid Cotton!)

One important tip to remember when washing your Lululemon gear is to wash it only with similar fabrics. Mixing cotton with moisture-wicking fabrics like Lululemon's Luon, Luxtreme, or Nulu can lead to pilling and reduce the moisture-wicking properties of your clothes. Stick to washing your Lululemon gear with other athletic wear made from similar synthetic fabrics to maintain its quality and prevent any damage.

Step 4: Use a Detergent Formulated For Activewear

To keep your Lululemon clothes in great condition and eliminate odours at the root, you need to choose the right detergent. But regular laundry detergent often falls short when it comes to truly removing odours from your workout gear. That’s where a product like NakedAF comes in. NakedAF is designed specifically to tackle stubborn smells by attacking the odours at the source. By adding a product like NakedAF to your laundry routine, you’ll not only extend the life of your Lululemon clothes but also make sure they stay fresh and free from lingering sweat smells.

Step 5: Pre-Soak for Stubborn Smells

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, those hot yoga odours just won't budge. If you’re dealing with particularly pungent smells, give your Lululemon gear a pre-soak. Fill a basin with hot water and add NakedAF or another powerful odour-removing product. Let your clothes soak for about 30 minutes before tossing them in the washing machine. This will help eliminate any deeply embedded odours and give your clothes a fresh start.

Step 6: Wash in Cold Water to Preserve Fabric Quality

Lululemon clothes are made from high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics like Luon, Luxtreme, and Nulu. These materials are built for performance, but washing them incorrectly can lead to shrinkage, fading, or stretching. Always wash your Lululemon gear in cold water to preserve the fabric’s elasticity and color. Cold water also prevents any potential damage to the fibers, keeping your clothes looking new for longer.

Step 7: Skip the Fabric Softener

We know, fabric softeners smell great, but they can be harmful to your Lululemon gear. Most fabric softeners contain oils that coat the fibers of the fabric, which can clog up the moisture-wicking properties of your Lululemon clothes. Skip the softener to ensure your clothes maintain their moisture-wicking abilities and stay breathable, even after multiple washes.

Step 8: Air Dry (or Low Heat in the Dryer)

We get it: you’re in a rush, and throwing your Lululemon gear in the dryer seems like the easiest option. But heat from the dryer can weaken the fabric, cause pilling, and shorten the lifespan of your clothes. To preserve your gear, air-dry your Lululemon clothes by laying them flat or hanging them up to dry. If you must use the dryer, keep it on a low heat setting to prevent damage.

Step 9: Store Your Lululemon Clothes Properly

Once your Lululemon gear is clean, store it properly to keep it in top shape. Avoid stuffing your clothes in a drawer or cramming them into your gym bag. Instead, hang your leggings and tops in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps to maintain the fabric’s elasticity and prevent any unwanted stretching.

Bonus Tip: Know the Fabric!

Different types of fabric require different care, and Lululemon is known for using a range of high-performance materials. Knowing which fabric your clothes are made of can help you better care for them:

• Luon: Soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, but sensitive to heat. Always wash in cold water and air dry.
• Luxtreme: Known for its sleek feel and durability. This fabric is perfect for high-performance activities and holds up well with regular washing.
• Nulu: Super soft and lightweight, commonly used for leggings and tops. Like Luon, this fabric benefits from cold water washing and air drying to maintain its shape and feel.

For more information on caring for your Lululemon gear, check out their official care guide here.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Lululemon Investment

Lululemon gear is an investment in your fitness wardrobe, and proper care is essential to getting the most out of it. By following these simple steps—washing inside out, using odor-fighting detergents, and avoiding heat—you can extend the life of your Lululemon clothes and keep them smelling fresh and ready for your next workout.

Sources:

• Lululemon Official Care Guide
  Learn more about how to properly care for your Lululemon gear with Lululemon's official washing and care instructions.
  Lululemon Wash and Care

• The Science Behind Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
  A comprehensive look into how moisture-wicking fabrics like Luon, Luxtreme, and Nulu work, and why proper washing is essential to maintain their performance.
  The Science of Fabric Care

• Fabric Care for Athletic Wear: Tips for Keeping Gear Fresh
  Tips on how to care for athletic clothing, including the importance of washing clothes with similar fabrics to preserve quality.
  Athletic Wear Fabric Care

• Best Practices for Removing Odours from Workout Clothes
  Expert advice on removing odours from workout clothes, and why high-quality detergents and pre-soaks are effective.
  How to Remove Odours from Workout Clothes