Separate by function
Wash activewear with other lightweight performance pieces. Keep it away from towels, denim, hook-and-loop closures, and rough hardware that may create friction or lint.
Flowella Field Manual
Technical apparel care, simplified
Product Care Guide
Keep performance tops, sports bras, leggings, weatherproof jackets, insulated layers, joggers, shorts, tanks, and coordinated sets performing at their best. This guide explains how to protect stretch recovery, moisture management, softness, shape, insulation, and weather resistance without relying on aggressive cleaning methods.
Essential Principles
Better care begins before the wash cycle.
Technical clothing is engineered differently from everyday cotton basics. Stretch fibers, brushed interiors, weather-resistant finishes, mesh panels, bonded seams, removable cups, and thermal structures all benefit from a gentler routine.
Turn garments inside out
The interior usually carries the most perspiration and body oils. Reversing garments improves cleaning while helping protect the outer surface, finish, and color.
Use less detergent
Excess detergent can remain trapped between technical fibers, reducing breathability and contributing to lingering odor. A small measured amount is usually sufficient.
Reduce heat exposure
High heat may weaken elastane, affect laminated details, shrink certain fibers, and damage water-resistant finishes. Cooler washing and gentle drying are safer.
Performance First
Protect the technology built into every layer.
Moisture-wicking yarns, four-way stretch constructions, compression panels, soft brushed linings, and weather-resistant shells depend on clean fiber channels and stable structures. The goal is not simply to make a garment smell fresh. The goal is to preserve how it moves, breathes, supports, insulates, and recovers.
- Close zippers and secure fasteners before washing.
- Remove sports bra cups when the care label recommends separate washing.
- Place delicate straps, mesh panels, and lightweight bras in a laundry bag.
- Empty all pockets and remove any paper, gels, or training accessories.
The Everyday Routine
A six-step care cycle for activewear.
Always review the sewn-in care label first. When the label provides stricter instructions, follow the garment-specific direction.
Air out
Avoid leaving damp apparel compressed inside a gym bag. Let moisture evaporate before placing the garment in a hamper.
Prepare
Turn pieces inside out, close zippers, secure fasteners, loosen drawcords, and inspect high-contact zones for stains.
Separate
Group similar colors and lightweight technical fabrics. Keep rough cotton towels, denim, and abrasive hardware in another load.
Wash cold
Choose a cold or cool gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Dry gently
Reshape the garment and air dry away from intense heat. Use low tumble only when the care label explicitly permits it.
Store clean
Fold stretch-heavy pieces, hang structured outerwear, and keep all apparel fully dry before placing it in a drawer or closet.
Wash Settings
Match the cycle to the garment construction.
Most Flowella-style performance pieces respond well to cool water and gentle movement, but jackets, thermal layers, bras, and compression garments may require additional preparation. Use this matrix as a practical starting point.
Product Type
Recommended Routine
Care Level
Performance Tops
Moisture-wicking tees, fitted long sleeves, and lightweight training tops.
Turn inside out. Machine wash cold with similar technical fabrics. Air dry or use low tumble only when permitted.
Gentle
Sports Bras
Supportive, seamless, molded, strappy, and removable-cup constructions.
Fasten closures, remove cups when directed, and use a wash bag. Cold gentle cycle or careful hand washing. Always air dry.
Delicate
Training Tanks
Lightweight tanks, mesh-backed styles, and breathable studio layers.
Wash cold with lightweight items. Use a mesh bag for fine straps or open-knit panels. Reshape before drying.
Gentle
Performance Leggings
Compression tights, brushed leggings, pocket leggings, and high-stretch styles.
Turn inside out and wash cold. Avoid towels, zippers, and abrasive surfaces. Fold to store instead of hanging for extended periods.
Gentle
Training Shorts
Stretch shorts, lined running shorts, bike shorts, and pocket styles.
Empty pockets, secure drawcords, and wash cold. Separate lined shorts from heavy garments that may distort lightweight inner layers.
Standard
Weatherproof Jackets
Rain shells, wind-resistant layers, and technical outdoor jackets.
Close all zippers and pockets. Use a technical detergent when recommended. Do not use softener. Follow label instructions for restoring the outer finish.
Special
Thermal Layers
Fleece-lined sets, insulated pieces, base layers, and brushed interiors.
Wash cool on a gentle cycle. Avoid overloading the machine so lofted or brushed structures can rinse thoroughly.
Gentle
Joggers and Sets
Performance joggers, coordinated separates, and mixed-fabric training sets.
Wash matching pieces together when possible to maintain consistent color aging. Reshape waistbands, cuffs, and hems while damp.
Standard
Fabric Intelligence
Care for the fiber, not only the garment.
Activewear frequently combines several fibers in one construction. When in doubt, follow the instructions for the most delicate component and avoid aggressive heat, chemicals, or friction.
Nylon blends
Durable and smooth, but still sensitive to high heat. Wash cold, avoid chlorine bleach, and keep away from rough hardware that can snag the surface.
Cool WashPolyester performance
Excellent for moisture movement and fast drying. Use a modest amount of detergent and rinse thoroughly to prevent residue and retained odor.
Low DetergentElastane and spandex
Responsible for stretch and recovery. Protect from high heat, repeated chlorine exposure, fabric softener, and prolonged stretching while wet.
No High HeatMesh structures
Lightweight and breathable, but more vulnerable to snagging. Use a wash bag, secure hooks and zippers, and avoid washing with abrasive garments.
Wash BagFleece and brushed fabric
Wash inside out with similar soft fabrics. Avoid high heat and excessive friction to help preserve the smooth interior and reduce surface pilling.
Low FrictionWeather-resistant shells
Standard detergent residue and softener can affect water repellency. Use the care label as the primary guide and select technical cleaning products when required.
Technical Care
Drying and Recovery
Shape retention is protected after the final rinse.
Wet fibers are heavier and more vulnerable to distortion. Remove garments promptly, avoid pulling from narrow straps, and support the full weight of bras, leggings, and knit layers as they are transferred from the machine. Smooth waistbands, align seams, and reshape cups or padded areas before air drying.
- Lay structured bras flat or hang from the center gore instead of the straps.
- Hang jackets on a broad hanger to support the shoulders and collar.
- Dry dark colors away from intense direct sunlight to reduce uneven fading.
- Never store a garment until every layer, pocket, cuff, and lining is fully dry.
Stain Response
Treat quickly, gently, and precisely.
Aggressive scrubbing can damage smooth technical surfaces and stretch fibers. Blot instead of rubbing, work from the outer edge toward the center, and test any treatment on a discreet area first.
Important
Do not combine cleaning chemicals. Avoid chlorine bleach unless the garment label specifically permits it.
SWEAT
Perspiration and body oils
Rinse the area with cool water and apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Allow it to sit briefly without drying, then wash according to the garment label.
MUD
Mud and outdoor soil
Let heavy mud dry, gently brush away loose material, then rinse from the reverse side with cool water before applying mild detergent.
OIL
Oil, lotion, and sunscreen
Blot excess product without spreading it. Apply a small amount of mild detergent, gently press it into the area, rinse, and repeat before drying if necessary.
MAKEUP
Makeup and tinted products
Lift excess product carefully. Use cool water and a mild detergent solution, working gently without scrubbing bonded seams, mesh, or brushed surfaces.
ODOR
Persistent odor
Rewash using a clean machine, cool water, and a reduced amount of detergent. Avoid adding more fragrance or softener, which may trap additional residue.
Drying and Storage
Preserve shape between every session.
The final stages of care have a major effect on waistband recovery, cup shape, insulation, outerwear structure, and the smooth appearance of technical fabrics.
Dry with minimal heat.
Air drying is the safest default for sports bras, leggings, compression pieces, weather-resistant jackets, and apparel with bonded or laminated details. Place garments in a ventilated area and avoid radiators, high-temperature dryers, and prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.
Store according to structure.
Fold leggings, sports bras, thermal layers, and soft performance sets to avoid stretching. Hang jackets and structured outer layers on broad hangers. Do not compress insulated pieces for extended periods, and keep every garment fully clean and dry.
Long-Term Performance
Small habits create a longer product life.
A consistent care routine helps technical apparel maintain fit, support, hand feel, color, finish, and everyday reliability through repeated training and recovery.
Wear More
Care Better
Care Better
Rotate high-use essentials
Alternating between several bras, leggings, and tops allows elastic fibers to rest and recover between workouts and wash cycles.
Limit abrasive contact
Rough benches, backpacks, hook-and-loop straps, and textured surfaces may cause pilling or pulls on smooth performance fabric.
Rinse after pool exposure
Chlorinated water can weaken stretch fibers. Rinse garments promptly in cool clean water and wash according to the label.
Address minor damage early
Repair loose threads, damaged zipper pulls, or opening seams before they develop into larger structural problems.
Category Reference
Care priorities across the Flowella wardrobe.
Each category has a different performance role. Use these concise priorities alongside the instructions printed on the individual garment.
Performance Tops
Prioritize odor release, breathability, color stability, and smooth surface care.
Sports Bras
Protect elastic support, straps, cups, closures, mesh, and bonded constructions.
Training Tank Tops
Reduce snagging and maintain lightweight drape, fine straps, and ventilation panels.
Performance Leggings
Protect stretch recovery, compression, waistband shape, pockets, and smooth finishes.
Training Shorts
Secure drawcords, empty pockets, and protect lightweight liners from rough fabrics.
Weatherproof Jackets
Preserve weather resistance, taped areas, zippers, coatings, and structured shells.
Thermal Layers
Maintain insulation, brushed softness, loft, warmth, and efficient moisture release.
Performance Joggers
Reshape cuffs and waistbands while damp and avoid heat that may affect recovery.
Performance Sets
Wash coordinated pieces together when possible to maintain consistent color aging.
Care Questions
Frequently asked product care questions.
Every answer below is collapsed by default. Open only the question you need and always compare the guidance with the care label attached to your garment.
01 Can I wash performance apparel with regular clothing?
Lightweight technical apparel can usually be washed with similar soft garments, but it should be separated from towels, denim, heavy cotton fleece, exposed zippers, hooks, and hook-and-loop fasteners. These items may create lint, abrasion, snagging, or uneven movement during the wash cycle.
02 Why should fabric softener be avoided?
Fabric softener can leave a coating on technical fibers. That coating may interfere with moisture movement, breathability, odor release, absorbency, and certain weather-resistant finishes. A mild detergent and thorough rinse are usually better.
03 How often should sports bras and leggings be washed?
Wash garments after high-sweat sessions or when they have absorbed perspiration, body oil, sunscreen, or outdoor soil. Lightly worn layers may be aired between uses when appropriate, but damp apparel should not remain compressed in a gym bag.
04 Can activewear be placed in a tumble dryer?
Air drying is the safest general option. Some garments may permit low-temperature tumble drying, but high heat can affect elastane, bonded details, molded cups, insulation, coatings, and overall shape recovery. Follow the sewn-in care label.
05 How can persistent odor be removed from technical fabric?
First confirm that the washing machine is clean and not overloaded. Rewash the garment in cool water with a small measured amount of mild detergent. Avoid adding more softener or fragrance, because residue can remain trapped between the fibers.
06 How should removable sports bra cups be cleaned?
When removable cups are designed to be taken out, gently remove them before washing. Hand wash or place them in a protective bag according to the care label, reshape while damp, and allow them to dry completely before reinserting.
07 What is the safest way to wash a weatherproof jacket?
Empty all pockets, close zippers and fasteners, loosen drawcords, and review the care label. Use a technical cleaner when recommended, never use fabric softener, and follow the label directions for drying or restoring the water-repellent finish.
08 Should performance leggings be folded or hung?
Folding is generally preferred for high-stretch leggings because extended hanging may place unnecessary weight on the waistband. Store them clean, fully dry, and loosely folded without sharp compression.
Flowella Support
Need guidance for a specific garment?
Include the product name, material details, care-label instructions, and a clear description of the issue. Our customer support team is available to help you select the safest next step.
