Caring for your cycling gear properly will extend its life and maintain its performance, fit, and quality. It’s important to consider these instructions carefully. While we stand behind the quality of our apparel, not adhering to these instructions will void our warranty against manufacturing defects.
Washing Instructions
- We strongly recommend washing your new gear before wearing it:
You’ll find that your apparel will soften, and fit & comfort will improve after washing - especially with bibs & shorts. - Machine wash cool, 86°F (30°C) with like colors:
Cooler temps maintain better longevity for your apparel. Like colors, especially lights, will remain more vibrant when washed with like colors. - Use mild detergent. Do not bleach or dry clean:
Strong detergents & bleach can break down the fibers and elastane in the garment, dramatically reducing its life. - Close all fastenings:
This goes also for other garments mixed in with your cycling apparel. Velcro closures or clasps can catch on stitching or trim and damage your garments.
Drying Instructions
- Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry:
Do not put your cycling apparel in the dryer. Even on low heat. Don’t do it. Using heat/tumble dry will reduce the longevity of the garment significantly, since each garment contains a high level of elastane (Lycra) which will become fatigued and brittle with heat, reducing their ability to be compressive and eventually breaking the fibers. Drying your garments in direct sunlight is also not advised, since UV rays can fade and break down fabrics as well.
Additional Considerations
- Do Not Use Fabric Softener:
We do not recommend using fabric conditioners or softeners on our products. Adding fabric softener or dryer sheets to your laundering process can increase softness but it achieves the improved hand feel by depositing waxy agents on the surface of the fabric. This waxy residue left behind on your clothes may: impair moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabrics from doing their job; inhibit odor control; reduce the longevity of spandex; and worst of all, stop your DWR from performing its job. -
DWR Revival:
Many of our waterproof/breathable jackets & vests are treated with a Durable Water-Repellant finish (DWR) which keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so the breathable barrier can do its job of keeping you comfy and dry.
Remember, in order for the DWR treatment to function correctly the garment must be clean. Be sure to wash your waterproof/breathable garments and regularly replenish their water-repellent coating.
After many uses and washings, your waterproof/breathable garment will require more than a simple washing and drying to revive the DWR finish. When water no longer beads up on the garment, it’s time to turn to a spray-on solution which you can find at your favorite outdoor gear shop.