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Cómo cuidar adecuadamente tu ropa deportiva

Your favourite pieces deserve better than early retirement. Here’s a few simple DIY habits that can keep them looking good and lasting for the long run.
7 de diciembre de 2025
Your gear works hard, and it has more life in it than you may expect. A little mindful care can help your activewear hold onto its quality, colour, and shape, allowing it to last many more workouts. Inspired by PUMA’s RE:HACK initiative, here are six simple ideas to reduce wear and tear (and keep that beloved sports bra in the rotation just a little longer).

1. Wash Smarter (Not Harder)

Treat your activewear to gentle care so the fibres live longer.

  • Try to wash less often by letting items fully air dry between workouts instead of tossing them straight into the washing machine or laundry basket.

  • When you do wash, always use cold water. Hot water can weaken spandex and technical fibres, making leggings and sports bras lose their stretch that much sooner.

  • Air dry whenever possible, or use a low heat setting to avoid damage.

  • Try gentle or sport-specific detergents or make your own: a mix of baking soda, washing soda, and grated castile soap cleans well without being too harsh.

  • Use mesh laundry bags for delicates to prevent pilling, stretching, and entanglement.

  • Wash your activewear separately from heavy laundry to prevent rubbing and snags.

  • Turn everything inside out to protect printed logos and soft outer surfaces from friction damage.
  • 2. Address the Odour in the Room

    Keeping odour under control helps prevent overwashing and early disposal.

  • Boost your clean with essential oils. Experiment with tea tree or lemon oil in sprays or soaks to break down stubborn odours. Spot-clean sweat zones so you don’t have to fully wash your gear every time you use it.

  • Every now and then, pre-soak your garments in a mild water and vinegar solution to break down sweat buildup.

  • Try freezing your activewear as a temporary hack to reduce odour between washes.
  • 3. Reduce Wear & Tear

    How you handle your activewear affects longevity just as much as washing routines.

  • Use a towel or mat when sitting or training on rough surfaces like concrete to avoid abrasion and pilling.

  • Be careful with velcro – like on shoes, gloves, or equipment – because it can instantly fuzz up your leggings and bras.

  • Rotate your gear. Synthetic fibres need recovery time from stretching and perspiration, so give them a day or two to bounce back after heavy use.

  • Stop wearing your activewear everywhere (if you can help it). Swap into regular clothes when you are finished training.
  • 4. Repairs & Fibre Maintenance

    Quick, simple fixes can keep your gear looking (nearly) as good as new.

  • Carefully remove pilling using a razor or fabric shavers; always pull the fabric taut to avoid cuts.

  • Reinforce loose seams and tears early with a small line of stitching. This can prevent waistbands or straps from fully failing and holes from spreading.

  • Restitch or replace minor elastic issues. Repairing the elastic extends the life of a garment without needing to replace it.
  • 5. Store Your Activewear Thoughtfully

    Proper storage protects stretch, shape, and fabric quality over time.

  • Fold your leggings instead of hanging them. Hanging can cause them to stretch out, especially at the waistband.

  • UV rays weaken fibres and make the colours fade, so make sure to store your favourite items out of direct sunlight.

  • Avoid overcrowding and allow proper airflow in your drawers so that moisture and bacteria don’t get trapped.
  • 6. Buy Better to Wear Longer

    A long-lasting wardrobe starts with mindful purchases.

  • Choose pieces made from durable, high-quality fabrics that can handle frequent movement, washing, and long-term wear.

  • Opt for timeless designs that won’t fall out of style.

  • Pay attention to construction details like reinforced seams, secure stitching, and supportive elastic, which signal a garment is built to last.
  • For more tips to keep your beloved PUMA pieces alive and kicking, check out the RE:HACK podcast:

    CATch up ahora habla más idiomas 

    Para dar la posibilidad al mayor número de personas de conectar con nosotros y formar parte de nuestro mundo, ahora ofrecemos CATch up también en alemán, francés y español. Ten en cuenta que las traducciones son automatizadas y, por lo tanto, pueden contener errores.

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