HOW TO LOOK AFTER SPORTSWEAR

Every cyclist knows that a successful ride is the product of preparation. From fuelling your body to adding those last-minute tweaks to your bike, every thought counts. The process of taking care of your kit makes no exception: with the right care, your kit will last longer – and help you to ride further.

We pay close attention to the details, so we’ve shared some in-depth advice on taking care of your sportswear.

WASH IT OFTEN

We know that it’s easy to get home from a big day out and forget about your kit. Don’t leave sweaty bibs or jerseys lying around, though. If you can’t put them straight in the washing machine, try to rinse them with water. 

You could rinse your kit in the shower, or hold it under the tap to save time. Just don’t leave it piled up in the laundry basket, where bacteria quickly develops from dirt and sweat, leaving an unpleasant odour on your kit. The longer you leave your kit dirty, the worse it gets.

WASH CONSCIOUSLY

Along with knowing about the specific fabrics on your sportswear, you should try to treat every piece with care. Low-energy, low-intensity washing not only boosts the longevity of your kit but makes a better choice for the environment too.

Lightweight, high-performance materials are delicate, but conscious care will protect them. Before you put sportswear in the washing machine, turn it inside out. Make sure that the zippers on jackets and gilets are zipped up. These simple steps help your kit to look and feel new for longer.

Above all, the way you wash your kit is so important. Whether it’s your Nomad bib shorts or your favourite base layer, you should try to:

  • KEEP IT COOL

  • High temperatures are harmful to technical garments. We recommend 30°C or cooler, if possible. Lower temperatures help to maintain the integrity of important features on your kit, including the grippers that hold shorts and jerseys comfortably in place. Delicate fibres could start to melt in warm water.

  • SELECT A LOW SPIN SPEED

  • You don’t need a fast spin cycle to wash sportswear. Lightweight fabrics won’t cling onto moisture – and a slower spin speed still delivers a sufficient clean. We recommend using the ‘sport’ cycle on your washing machine.

  • CHOOSE MILD DETERGENT

  • Gentle, liquid detergents offer a hygienic clean. There’s no need to use more than the recommended amount since all detergent is highly concentrated. Try to choose an eco-friendly detergent with non-toxic ingredients. If possible, choose a brand with B Corp Certification.

  • AVOID FABRIC CONDITIONER

  • Don’t use fabric conditioner. This product leaves an invisible waxy film on sportswear, which affects the breathability of the fabrics. If your jersey loses its breathability and moisture-wicking ability, it becomes more prone to odours.

  • KEEP IT PROTECTED

  • Abrasive materials might scratch or damage delicate fabrics. You can protect your kit by trying not to let it catch against rough surfaces, like stone walls. When you’re out riding, try to secure your bike bags underneath your saddle and point them away from you.

    In the washing machine, the velcro on your gloves might scratch against your jersey or bibs. To shield your sportswear, you can either wash it separately or use a laundry bag. At Tactic, we use Guppyfriend laundry bags.

  • OUR BONUS TIP: AIR DRY IN THE SHADE

  • You should never use the tumble dryer for any kit that you wear next to your skin. The heat not only damages fibres but might permanently embed oils or dirt. Hang your kit to dry, preferably in a shady spot to prevent colours from being bleached by the midday sun.

WATERPROOF KIT: ADVICE AND CARE

Waterproof layers need extra attention. 

Tactic bib tights and our Skut Wind Jacket are treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which prevents full saturation on rainy rides. This treatment needs to be reapplied around once every season, or as soon as you notice your kit getting soaked instead of ‘beading’ raindrops on the surface.

You should keep your waterproof kit as clean as possible, with regular gentle washes. When it comes to tumble drying, there’s one exception: waterproofs need a quick, low-heat cycle in the dryer to renew the DWR coating.

MAKE IT LAST

We want to help you get the most out of your kit. 

Following these essential tips helps you to look and feel fresh. By taking good care of your kit, you’re making a better choice for the planet. When you make it possible to wear your favourite garments every day, you won’t need to replace them.

At Tactic, we want to promote a circular economy. We’re using more recycled materials than ever before, paying close attention to where our fabrics come from. We also offer repairs to our clients, giving used kit a new lease of life.

Taking careful, conscious care of sportswear is a shared responsibility. We’re doing our bit for the environment, starting in the factory, and we trust you to make it last.