After a hot and sweaty workout, surely the last thing you want to do is put that same activewear set back on for round two.
But, apparently it’s not that bad for you after all.
A French study is ruffling some feathers over here in Australia, after claiming that rewearing your activewear isn’t as bad for you as you might think – and might actually be the right choice for the sake of the longevity of your clothes, and lowering your water bill.
And of course, we have a lot to say.
It’s just like jeans and bras! Or is it?
Earlier this year, the French government caused a stir with advice about how often you should wash your clothes, recommending that sports clothes in particular are worn up to three times before you wash them.
This sounds like my personal nightmare, so we looked to the experts to weigh in.
According to Dr Carolina Quintero Rodriguez, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Enterprise at RMIT University, the French recommendation has some valid points.
“This recommendation stems from legitimate environmental concerns – each laundry cycle consumes significant water and energy,” she said.
“Frequent washing can also degrade fabrics more quickly, contributing to textile waste.”
For some people, washing your workout clothes less often can be a game-changer, especially if you’re used to low-intensity exercise, or are wearing clothes that are made of natural fibers.
“Natural fibers such as cotton multiply fewer odor-causing bacteria than synthetics. So if you wear these fabrics to exercise in, they may last a few wears before needing a wash,” she said.
“Low-intensity activities that generate minimal or low sweat (including gentle yoga or walking), may [also] allow for more rewears than high-intensity workouts, as bacterial proliferation correlates directly with moisture levels in fabrics.”
It doesn’t work for everyone
Now, before you go stinking up your gym, it’s important to note that this hack doesn’t necessarily work for everyone.
If you’re doing high intensity workouts, or wearing synthetic fabrics, this could result in significant amounts of bacteria harboring after just one use – and more bacteria, means more of a smell.
Climate can also impact how much bacteria grows on fabrics, meaning here in Australia where even in winter it can be hot and humid, it’s harder to get away with wearing things like activewear multiple times.
You also shouldn’t be doing it if you have any kind of skin condition, or if you’re immunocompromised.
The Kidspot team weighs in
So, for curiosity’s sake, I decided to take it to the team, and ultimately, we think it’s better to be safe than stinky.
“I don’t use my active wear to exercise, because I’m lazy. But I still wash it after every wear. There’s no way the fabric can withstand my sweat, grubby toddler hands and dog fur. To each their own but pulling on activewear I’ve used without washing gives the same energy as putting on damp swimmers,” Lauren said.
“You’re asking the wrong person – I don’t even wear the same thing to bed two nights in a row!” said Nama.
“I only have one sports bra that I actually like (ya know?) so sometimes if I know I’m going to Pilates two days in a row and don’t have time to wash it, I will brave two days back to back. But everything else I would change,” Emily added.
“The thought of wearing something you have been sweating in is just gross to me. Also, YOU might be ok with being a grot, but have a think about those around you who will have to smell it throughout the whole class,” said Leah.
If in doubt, wash it!
