Leggings are a wardrobe essential — perfect for workouts, travel, or lounging. But if you’ve ever noticed your favorite pair losing their softness, shape, or stretch, improper washing might be to blame. Learning how to wash leggings the right way keeps them looking new, fitting comfortably, and lasting longer.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the best way to wash, dry, and care for leggings — including what detergents to use, how often to wash them, and what to avoid. These tips apply to all types, including anti-cellulite leggings from Green Drop Compression.
Why Proper Washing Matters
Most leggings are made from performance fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. These materials stretch beautifully and wick away sweat — but they’re also sensitive to heat, harsh detergents, and friction. Washing them incorrectly can cause:
- Loss of elasticity (leggings become loose or saggy)
- Color fading and fabric pilling
- Odor retention from trapped sweat
- Weakened fibers that tear more easily
Taking a few simple precautions can dramatically extend the life of your leggings — and keep them as comfortable and flattering as the day you bought them.
How to Wash Leggings (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the most effective, fabric-safe way to wash your leggings without damaging their stretch or color.
Step 1: Turn Your Leggings Inside Out
Always flip your leggings inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from friction, pilling, and fading — especially important for dark or patterned leggings.
Step 2: Use Cold Water
Cold water prevents shrinking, protects elasticity, and helps maintain the fabric’s shape. Hot water can weaken the fibers and cause the waistband or seams to stretch out prematurely.
Step 3: Choose a Gentle Detergent
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent designed for activewear or delicates. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners — they can damage the stretch fibers (spandex) and reduce moisture-wicking ability.
Pro Tip: For performance or compression leggings, a detergent specifically made for athletic wear (like HEX or Rockin’ Green) helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria without harsh chemicals.
Step 4: Select a Gentle Cycle
Wash your leggings on a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce agitation. High-speed washing can stretch seams and cause micro-tears in the fibers.
If you prefer maximum care, hand washing is even better — simply soak leggings in cool water with a small amount of detergent, swish gently, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
Step 5: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place leggings in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from tangling or snagging with other clothing (especially zippers, hooks, or Velcro). This step is especially useful when washing compression or sculpting leggings.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure all detergent is rinsed out, especially if hand washing. Residual soap can irritate skin and break down the fabric over time.
Step 7: Air Dry Only (No Dryer!)
Always air dry leggings. Heat from dryers breaks down spandex and elastic fibers, leading to sagging and loss of compression. Hang them to dry indoors or lay them flat away from direct sunlight.
Never: Use a dryer, iron, or direct heat — it’s the fastest way to ruin your leggings.
How Often Should You Wash Leggings?
How often you wash leggings depends on how you wear them:
- Workout leggings: Wash after every wear to remove sweat and bacteria.
- Casual leggings: Wash every 2–3 wears unless they’re visibly dirty.
- Compression or anti-cellulite leggings: Wash after each full day of wear to maintain elasticity and hygiene.
Frequent washing isn’t harmful if you use gentle methods and avoid heat — in fact, it keeps the fibers fresh and odor-free.
How to Hand Wash Leggings
If you want to give your leggings extra TLC, hand washing is the safest method. Here’s how:
- Fill a basin or sink with cool water.
- Add a teaspoon of gentle detergent and mix well.
- Turn leggings inside out and submerge them.
- Gently swish them for 2–3 minutes — don’t scrub or twist.
- Rinse with cool water until detergent is gone.
- Gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring).
- Lay flat or hang to air dry.
This method preserves compression, stretch, and softness far longer than machine washing alone.
How to Remove Odor from Leggings
If your leggings have developed a stubborn odor, here’s how to eliminate it naturally without damaging the fabric:
- White vinegar soak: Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to a basin of cool water and soak leggings for 15–30 minutes before washing.
- Baking soda boost: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the wash cycle to neutralize odors.
- Avoid dryer sheets: They mask odor but don’t remove bacteria — and they coat fibers, trapping smells over time.
For performance or compression leggings, natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda help keep them odor-free without weakening elastic fibers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Leggings
Even the best leggings can lose their quality if washed carelessly. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:
- ❌ Using hot water — it breaks down fibers and ruins elasticity.
- ❌ Using fabric softener — it coats fabric, reducing moisture-wicking ability.
- ❌ Machine drying — heat destroys compression and shape retention.
- ❌ Washing with rough fabrics — denim and towels can cause pilling.
- ❌ Overloading the washer — reduces water circulation and proper cleaning.
Instead, wash leggings separately or with lightweight items like sports bras and athletic tops for best results.
How to Store Leggings After Washing
Proper storage helps preserve your leggings’ stretch and shape between wears:
- Fold instead of hanging to prevent stretching at the waistband.
- Keep them in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight.
- Don’t stack too tightly — compression fabrics need airflow to maintain elasticity.
Special Care Tips for Compression and Anti-Cellulite Leggings
Anti-cellulite and compression leggings are designed with advanced fabric technology to support circulation and smooth the skin’s appearance. To protect these benefits:
- Wash after each full wear to remove sweat and oils that can degrade fibers.
- Use cold water and a gentle detergent — never bleach.
- Avoid twisting or wringing; gently press water out instead.
- Air dry flat to preserve compression and shaping effects.
With proper care, your Green Drop leggings will retain their sculpting power and comfort for months — even years — of active use.
FAQs: How to Wash Leggings
Can you wash leggings in the washing machine?
Yes — as long as you use cold water, a gentle cycle, and skip the dryer. Machine washing on delicate with a mesh bag is perfectly safe.
Should I wash leggings inside out?
Absolutely. Turning leggings inside out protects the outer surface from friction, preventing pilling and color fading.
Can I use fabric softener on leggings?
No. Fabric softeners coat the fibers, making them less breathable and damaging stretch materials like spandex or elastane.
How do I dry leggings quickly?
Lay them flat on a dry towel and roll gently to absorb excess water. Then air dry in a well-ventilated area — never use a dryer.
Why do my leggings smell even after washing?
Odor-causing bacteria can get trapped in synthetic fibers. Pre-soak with vinegar or use a sports detergent designed for activewear to eliminate stubborn smells.
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Final Thoughts: Wash Smart, Wear Longer
Knowing how to wash leggings properly is the key to keeping them soft, supportive, and stylish for the long haul. By using cold water, gentle detergent, and air drying, you’ll preserve both the look and performance of your favorite pairs.
Whether you’re caring for everyday leggings or anti-cellulite compression leggings from Green Drop, proper washing keeps them fresh, flexible, and ready for anything your day brings.
Shop our collection of compression wear to experience the perfect balance of comfort, quality, and performance.