Expert's verdict on how often you should wash your exercise clothes

How often do you wash your exercise clothes?

As activewear continues to find its way into every Aussie's wardrobe, many have wondered when it is best to throw it in the washing machine.

Earlier this year, the French government caused a frenzy after recommending getting up to three wears out of exercise gear before washing them, a notion not everyone agrees with.

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Dr Carolina Quintero Rodriguez, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Enterprise at RMIT University, says Aussies may need to wash their exercise more often for a unique reason.

While Rodriguez notes the French recommendation stems from legitimate environmental concerns, waiting three uses isn't practical for everyone.

Exercise clothing was previously made from natural fibres that allowed for breathability; now, it's made of high-performance synthetic fabrics.

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While the new fabrics are tailored to be moisture-wicking, odour-controlling, and temperature-regulating, synthetic fabrics often harbour bacteria.

"Synthetic performance wear, or any clothes you wear to do moderate or intense workouts, should be washed after each use," Rodriguez says while recommending a cold wash cycle.

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The expert explains that "people with skin conditions, compromised immune systems and those prone to skin infections," should exercise greater caution [when] rewearing gym clothes.

If you wear natural-fibre clothing, it will require less frequent washing than synthetic fibres, as there is a direct correlation between the amount of bacteria present and the intensity of the odour.

Low-intensity exercise usually allows you to re-wear gym clothes, as the French government advises you to wash gym clothes depending on how much you sweat.

Rodriguez adds, "Climate (temperature, humidity and airflow) significantly affects how much bacteria grows on fabrics. So it may be more reasonable to wash your clothes less in cooler months when you sweat less."

All in all, deciding how often to wash your exercise clothes depends on personal choice, striking a balance between exercise habits and environmental benefits.

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