Caring for Technical Fabrics: Wash, Dry, Repeat

Performance fabrics are tougher than they look, but a few habits shorten their life more than anything you do on the trail.

Skip the fabric softener

Softener coats fibres and blocks the wicking that makes them work. A small amount of gentle detergent is all they need.

Wash cold, inside out

Cold water protects elastane and prints. Turning garments inside out reduces pilling on the face fabric.

Air dry when you can

High heat breaks down stretch fibres. Hang to dry and most pieces are ready by morning anyway.

For shells with a water-repellent finish, a short tumble on low heat every few washes revives the beading.

Hang them in a shaded, airy spot rather than on a radiator or sunny windowsill, since ultraviolet light can fade bright dyes and weaken fibres over time. If you do use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove items while they are still slightly damp so they finish drying naturally.

Waterproof shells need extra attention. The durable water repellent (DWR) finish that makes rain bead off your jacket wears away through washing, abrasion and body oils. When water stops beading and soaks into the face fabric, it’s usually time to refresh the coating. Wash the shell with a technical cleaner designed for outdoor gear, then tumble dry on low for about twenty minutes or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment can restore performance in minutes, giving your jacket a second life on wet trails.

Always store gear clean and completely dry, never stuffed into a damp backpack, where mildew can take hold. Hanging or loosely folding garments prevents creases and odours. Spending a few minutes after each outing to check seams, zips and stretch panels can catch small damage before it becomes a costly repair. With these simple routines, your favourite layers will keep performing season after season, whether you’re tackling mountain summits or weekend hikes.