Fashion
This Is The Right Way To Clean Leggings
Leggings are probably the one item in most of our closets that we get the most use out of, so that means you want them to last as long as possible (read: be able to withstand wearing them literally every single day). But do you know how to clean your leggings? If you aren't sure, it's time to learn the proper way so that you keep your leggings in the best shape as they can be.
Leggings are an incredibly versatile, let alone comfortable, item. You can simultaneously wear them to work out, to lounge around the house, to run errands, or even dress them up and wear them as pants (don't judge, we all do it), so that means you end up wearing them almost on a daily basis. But leggings aren't sturdy and tough like your jeans are, so the delicate nature means they can't be beat up as much if you want them to last. However, you are wearing them a lot, so you do want to make sure you're cleaning them regularly. What's a girl to do?
If you aren't entirely sure how to care for your leggings, worry not — I spoke with Talia Petersen from the brand Talia, which features some seriously cute leggings (all hand-crafted in Peru!) to find out exactly how to care for them so they stay in like-new shape way longer.
Here are six things you should remember when properly cleaning your leggings:
1. You Can Wash Them
Lucy Legging, $60, Wear Talia
Don't worry about avoiding the washing machine — according to Petersen, it's totally safe to wash leggings. "I recommend washing most items in cold water to preserve their shape. Most items women wear do not tend to get that dirty, so the quick cycle and a gentle detergent should always do the trick," she said.
2. ...But Avoid The Dryer
The washing machine isn't the issue, it's actually the dryer, which can fade colors and change the shape or size of your clothing. To avoid that, Petersen recommends hanging leggings to dry, but there is one time you may want to use the dryer. "The only exception to this recommendation is when leggings need a good shrinking. In that case, pop them in the dryer for 10-15 minutes once they are 80% air-dried," she said.
3. You Don't Have To Dry-Clean
Angela, $90, Wear Talia
If your leggings label says you need to dry-clean them, you don't actually have to pay for that. Instead, Petersen says you can hand-wash. "For me, cleaning involves water and soap, period."
4. Wash Them Frequently
Bryn Legging, $100, Wear Talia
If you think you can get by not washing them just because they don't look dirty, you're wrong. "I wash my leggings every second wear at a maximum, but most often they are washed after every wear. Leggings are an item that is obviously worn very close to the skin and, well, lady parts, so they should be washed every wear or every other wear to keep things hygienic!" Petersen said.
5. You Can Spot Clean
If you get a stain while you're wearing them, you don't have to pop them in the wash right away. "Stains and spots on leggings can be treated with the same products that are used on regular laundry stains," Petersen said.
6. Wash Leggings With Darks
According to Petersen, "Washing all of your dark garments together is a sure-fire way of keeping them color-true longest. Because most dark garments release dye when washed, I wash new and old darks together so they old items can get a little bit of that dye." So if you want to keep them looking new, wash your leggings with other dark items.
To find the perfect pair of comfy leggings, head over to Talia's website at weartalia.com. You can enter promo code TALIAlovesBUSTLE for 30 percent off your entire online order!
Images: Wear Talia; Target; Alina Kostrytsia/Moment/Getty Images
