Let’s be honest. Kids’ leotards can get put through a lot.
Between practice, competitions, stretching, washing, and everything else that comes with being a busy gymnast, it’s no surprise that leotards can start to show some wear. But with the right care, a good quality leotard should last a long time.
For growing kids, we believe a leotard should last longer than their growth spurt.
If your child is outgrowing their leotard before the leotard itself starts wearing out, that’s a good sign. But if a leotard is falling apart before your child has even grown into the next size, there could be a problem with the quality or there may have been a manufacturing issue.
At CLASH, we work hard to make sure our leotards are made with great materials and the quality you can count on. We want your child to be able to wear their leotard again and again without it falling apart before they are ready for a new one.
Of course, every kid is different. Some kids grow like weeds, and some take their sweet time. We get it! 😂
So, How Should You Wash a Leotard?
Every leotard brand may have slightly different care instructions, so it’s always a good idea to check the tag or the instructions that came with your leotard. But for the most part, taking care of a leotard is pretty simple.
Hand Washing Is Best
If you have the time, hand washing is the best option. Use cold water and a gentle detergent. After washing, don’t twist or wring the leotard out. Instead, gently squeeze out the extra water. Then hang it up to dry out of direct sunlight. The sun can cause colors to fade over time, especially with bright or darker colors.
Skip the Harsh Softeners
Fabric softener might seem like a good idea, but it’s not great for leotards. Harsh softeners can break down the fibers in the fabric and make them weaker over time. Since leotards need to stretch and move with your gymnast, keeping those fibers strong is important. Your leotard doesn’t need a bunch of extra products. Simple is usually better.
We Know Hand Washing Isn't Always Realistic
We get it. Parents are busy. Between school, work, gymnastics, practices, meets, and trying to get everyone fed and out the door, hand washing every leotard isn't always going to happen. If you need to use the washing machine, that’s okay. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water, and when the wash is done, hang the leotard to dry. Just avoid tossing it in the dryer.
Avoid the Dryer
Heat and all the extra movement from a tumble dryer can be tough on the fibers of a leotard. Over time, that can cause the fabric to wear out faster. Hanging your leotard to dry takes a little longer, but it can help keep the fabric, colors, and details looking better for much longer.
Please Don't Iron Your Leotard
This one is an easy one: don't iron it. The heat from an iron can cause colors to fade or even transfer. It can also damage special details, prints, and embossments on the leotard. The same goes for putting it in the dryer. When it comes to heat, your leotard is better off without it.
What About Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning isn't the best choice for most leotards either. There really isn't a need to put your leotard through all of that. A gentle wash and air drying are usually all it needs.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Leotards aren't cheap, and we know that. When you're spending your hard-earned money on a leotard for your child, you want it to last.
The good news is that taking care of a leotard doesn't have to be complicated.
Remember these simple rules:
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Hand wash when you can.
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Use cold water.
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Use a gentle detergent.
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Don't use harsh fabric softeners.
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Never wring or twist the leotard.
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Gently squeeze out extra water.
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Hang or line dry.
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Keep it out of direct sunlight.
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Skip the dryer.
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Don't iron it.
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Avoid dry cleaning.
And most importantly, start with a good quality leotard.
At CLASH, we care about making leotards that can keep up with your gymnast. We choose quality materials and pay attention to the details because your child should be able to get plenty of wear out of their leotard before they grow into the next size.
Take care of your leotard, and hopefully it'll be your gymnast's growth that tells you it's time for a new one — not the leotard falling apart.
