Your running gear requires special upkeep to remain functional – and fresh-smelling, too. For instance, you’ll get better results spiffing up your stinky clothes by washing them in a small load that lets sudsy water swish around them. Here are a few more guidelines to help care for your running wear, as well as five apparel picks you might want to add to your running laundry list.
TECH TEES
Special Care
Skip the fabric softener. It can leave a coating that blocks your shirt’s ability to wick sweat.
Make It Last
If you want your shirts to stay fresh-smelling, hang ’em to dry. A dryer’s heat can bake off-putting odours into the fabric.
Clothes Call
The grid construction of the Saucony Hydralite Short Sleeve (A$49.95; NZ$59.90) wicks sweat but can also trap odor if not washed frequently. AUS & NZ saucony.com.au
SHORTS/SKIRTS
Special Care
Wash shorts and skirts in cold water. Hot water can set nasty smells into the material.
Make It Last
Throw them in the wash immediately after each run to stop odour-causing bacteria from settling in and spreading.
Clothes Call
The Skirt Sport Gym Girl Ultra Skirt (AUS & NZ A$79.95) is made of polyester and Lycra, so it dries quickly when laid out. AUS & NZ skirt sports.com.au
SPORTS BRAS
Special Care
Don’t put your bra in the dryer, as heat will accelerate the demise of the elastic threads.
Make It Last
Your bra losing its shape? After every run, give it a day off so its materials have time to regain their original shape.
Clothes Call
The Moving Comfort Juno(A$90; NZ$110) offers an excellent hold as long as the elastic in its key components is properly cared for. AUS & NZ movingcomfort.com.au
WOOL SOCKS
Special Care
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They make socks less odour-resistant.
Make It Last
Socks may look sharper, but don’t wash them in a detergent that contains bleach; it can dissolve and weaken the wool fibres.
Clothes Call
The Merino wool in socks like the Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light Micro (A$23.95; NZ$30) won’t shrink when put in the dryer. AUS linseatosummit.com.au/brands.php; NZ smartwool@britwyn.co.nz
SHOES
Special Care
Spruce up with a toothbrush. A machine wash can leave shoes with less bounce.
Make It Last
To maintain optimal cushioning, give shoes 48 hours to recover from a run. Use a second pair on alternating days.
Clothes Call
The exception to the no-washing-machine rule: the Vibram Five-Fingers (A$119; NZ$129) due to its minimal foam cushioning. AUS barefootinc.com.au; NZ libarefootinc.co.nz
