How to Safely Wash FP Movement Clothing

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.

Taking Care of FP Activewear Clothing

Their activewear is made of synthetic fabrics, which makes them more resistant to wear and tear. Having said that, they will wear out eventually with regular wear.

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

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.

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.

Note: You can wash FP leggings and tights with other activewear such as shirts, and shorts, – even your gym bag, as long as you separate everything based on color.

Zip up the laundry bag and place the leggings in the washing basin, along with the rest of your clothes. Next, grab your ACTIVE Detergent and add one scoop of the powder to the drum (or detergent drawer).

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.

Pro-tip: Avoid using fabric softeners. It might soften your FP leggings, but it’ll also coat them 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.

Remove the laundry bags once the wash cycle is finished. Take the leggings out and let them dry naturally on a clothesline or drying rack. Don’t use the clothes dryer.

Handwashing FP Leggings and Tights

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.

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.

After soaking, gently agitate the leggings with your hand to get rid of any loose grit or dirt that’s on the fabric. Once it’s good to go, rinse it with water. Press down on the leggings with your hand a few times to get rid of all the soap.

Make sure there’s no detergent left on the fabric and transfer it onto a clean countertop.

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

With sports bras, you always want to place them in a lingerie bag before washing them. Placing them directly in the washer will stretch out the elastic and ruin their fit.

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, especially if you work out regularly.

Tip: 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).

Zip up the lingerie bag and place it in the machine, along with the rest of your clothes.

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

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.

Wait for the cycle to finish before opening the door and removing your sports bras. Carefully take them out of the laundry bags and hang them up. Allow them to air dry for several hours. Never put them in the clothes dryer.

Hand Wash Your FP Movement Sports Bras

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.

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.

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.

Transfer the garment onto a countertop 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.