Free People was founded in 1984 by Richard Hayne. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they opened their first boutique in New Jersey.
Since then, they’ve expanded significantly and have 130 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Table of Contents
ToggleTaking Care of FP Activewear Clothing
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan. This means washing your sports bra and leggings after each wear and not leaving them in a pile on the floor.
And if you’re machine washing, there are precautions that you want to take such as using a mesh lingerie bag, skipping the fabric softener, and not using too much detergent.
Materials Used by FP Activewear
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that was created as a silk substitute. It’s smooth and lightweight and is often used for various types of clothing—including activewear.
Not only is it resistant to water but it’s also resistant to abrasion. What’s more, is that it won’t retain body odors or oil stains due to its oleophobic nature.

Spandex
Spandex, also known as Lycra or Elastane, is a fiber that was invented in the late 1930s. Made of polyurethane, the material is super stretchy and can be stretched up to 5x its original length. It’s also resistant to sweat, abrasion, and oils.
Unlike other materials, though, it’s rarely used in clothing by itself. Instead, it’s combined with other fibers such as cotton, nylon, or polyester.
Polyester
Polyester is perhaps one of the most common materials used for activewear. For one thing, it’s durable – much more so than traditional fabrics.
It’s also lightweight, durable, and quick drying. Not to mention that it has a moisture-wicking finish. While it can be used by itself, it’s sometimes mixed with other fibers such as nylon and cotton.
How to Wash Free People Movement Leggings and Tights
Washing FP Leggings and Tights With the Machine
Their leggings and tights can be run through the wash with other activewear.
Step 1: Prep the Leggings

Before you start, turn the leggings and tights inside out.
That will protect the pattern and design and make them easier to wash by exposing the sweat, dirt, and oils that are on the inner layer, to the detergent.
Step 2: Use a Laundry Bag

Make sure nothing is left in the pockets and place the leggings in a mesh laundry bag – it will protect them against your other clothes if you’re washing a mixed load. Make sure it’s zipped up and load it into the washing machine.
Step 3: Add ACTIVE Detergent

Grab your ACTIVE Detergent and add one scoop of the powder to the drum (or detergent drawer).
Step 4: Run a Delicate Cycle

Set the washing machine to “delicate” or “gentle” and let it run. Always use cold water; warm or hot water can warp and damage fabrics.
Step 5: Air Dry the Items

Remove the items once the wash cycle is finished and let them dry naturally on a clothesline or drying rack. Don’t use the clothes dryer.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
Avoid using fabric softeners – it’ll also coat the fabric with a waxy substance that will trap sweat in the fibers. White vinegar is a better alternative – simply add one cup during the final rinse cycle.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Safely and thoroughly clean your FP Movement clothing with ACTIVE Detergent.

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Handwashing FP Leggings and Tights
You can also wash their leggings and tights by hand; you just need a large sink and some detergent.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Clean towel
Step 1:
Fill a large sink half-full with warm water. Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and agitate the water until the powder is dissolved and you have a sudsy solution.

Step 2:
Turn the FP leggings inside out and place them in the sink, making sure that the entire item is saturated with the solution.
Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3:
After soaking, gently agitate the leggings with your hand to get rid of any loose grit or dirt that’s on the fabric.

Step 4:
Rinse the leggings with water. If necessary, press down on the fabric with your hand a few times to get rid of the soap.

Step 5:
Make sure there’s no detergent left on the fabric and transfer it onto a clean counter top.
Using a towel, remove the excess water, then hang them up to dry. You can also lay them flat to dry on a clean, flat surface.

Washing Instructions for Free People Activewear Sports Bras
Washing sports bras require a bit of extra care as they tend to be more delicate than other garments.
Putting FB Activewear Sports Bras in the Washing Machine
Their sports bras can be put in the washing machine as long as you follow the proper steps.
Supplies:
- Lingerie bag
- Pillowcase (optional)
- ACTIVE Detergent

Step 1:
Place your sports bra in a lingerie bag – that will prevent it from stretching out during the wash cycle.
If you don’t have a lingerie bag, you can make do with a pillowcase. However, it’s highly recommended that you invest in a set of bags, especially if you work out regularly.

Step 2:
Make sure the lingerie bag is closed and load it into the machine, along with the rest of your clothes.

Step 3:
Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder and add it to the basin or detergent drawer. Avoid fabric softener and bleach.

Step 4:
Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle and proceed with a cold water cycle. Never use hot water – the heat can damage the delicate material.

Step 5:
Wait for the cycle to finish before opening the door and removing your sports bras.
Allow them to air dry for several hours. Never put them in the clothes dryer.
You can wash a sports bra with other types of clothing as long as you sort everything by color (ie. darks with darks, lights with lights).
Hand Wash Your FP Movement Sports Bras
You can also wash the sports bra by hand. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Clean towel
Step 1:
Fill a large sink two-thirds or one-half full with cool water.
Add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent and swirl the water with your hand a few times to dissolve the powder. You should get a soapy solution.

Step 2:
Carefully place the sports bra into the sink, pushing down on it gently so that it’s fully saturated with the soapy water.
Let it soak for at least 20 minutes.

Step 3:
Rub the fabric gently with your hand to remove any remaining body oils before rinsing it thoroughly with clean water.
You may want to squeeze it a few times to get rid of all the soap suds.

Step 4:
Transfer the garment onto a counter top once the water runs clear and blot the excess water with a towel.
Do not twist or wring the bra as that will stretch out the elastic.
Hang dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not use the clothes dryer.

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