WHY CARE MATTERS

Every cyclist knows that a good ride starts long before you clip in. Preparation, attention to detail and consistency make the difference. Taking care of your kit is no exception.

With the right care, your sportswear will perform better, last longer and age more gracefully. It’s not just about keeping garments clean - it’s about protecting fabrics and technical features so they can do their job ride after ride.

Caring properly for your kit benefits performance, by preserving breathability, elasticity and fit, durability, by slowing down material fatigue and wear & the planet, by reducing unnecessary replacement

Care is part of the product lifecycle. And when done right, it multiplies the life of what you already own.

DAILY CARE ESSENTIALS

Good habits make a real difference - and they’re simpler than you think.

  • WASH IT OFTEN

  • Don’t leave damp, sweaty kit sitting in the laundry basket. Sweat and dirt allow bacteria to develop quickly, causing odours that become harder to remove over time. If you can’t wash it straight away, rinse it with water and let it dry. The longer sportswear stays dirty, the harder it is to restore.

  • WASH CONSCIOUSLY

    • Turn garments inside out
    • Zip up jackets and gilets
    • Separate delicate items
    • Low-energy, low-intensity washing not only extends the life of your kit, but is also a better choice for the environment.

  • KEEP IT COOL

  • Wash at 30°C or cooler. High temperatures damage technical fibres, reduce elasticity and weaken grippers and performance fabrics.

  • LOW SPIN SPEED

  • Lightweight sports fabrics don’t need aggressive spinning. Use a low spin speed or the sport/delicate cycle.

  • MILD DETERGENT ONLY

  • Use gentle, liquid detergent and the recommended dose. Avoid bleach, whitening agents and harsh chemicals. Fabric performance lasts longer with non-toxic formulas. If possible, choose a brand with B Corp Certification.

  • NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER

  • Fabric conditioner leaves a waxy film that blocks breathability and moisture-wicking, leading to odours and overheating.

  • DRYING

  • Air dry in the shade whenever possible. Heat damages fibres and can permanently trap oils and dirt - especially on garments worn next to the skin. Avoid tumble drying unless explicitly recommended.

PROTECTION & USE

Most wear comes from friction, not riding.

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.Avoid abrasive surfaces, keep Velcro away from delicate fabrics, secure saddle bags properly and use laundry bags for sensitive items.

WATERPROOF KIT CARE

Tactic bib tights and the Skut Wind Jacket feature a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. To maintain performance:

  • Wash regularly and gently to prevent dirt from blocking breathability
  • Reapply DWR once per season or when water stops beading
  • Use tumble drying only as an exception, on low heat, to reactivate the DWR coating

Proper care preserves waterproofing without compromising comfort.

MAKE IT LAST

At Tactic, we don’t design products to be replaced quickly. We design them to last, be used, and be cared for.

Our garments are not planned for obsolescence. When you invest in Tactic, you’re choosing long-term performance - not temporary solutions. We deliberately avoid construction techniques that prioritise appearance over durability. Our antibonding approach may look less “fancy”, but it offers:

  • Greater resistance to wear and misuse
  • Better long-term structural integrity
  • Easier repair when needed

Sometimes, less visual impact means more real-world durability. Our garments are tested through years of real use. Buying better and caring better isn’t a compromise.  It’s a smarter way to ride - for performance, for value, and for the planet.