How to Wash Skatie Swimwear & Activewear

Skatie is an apparel brand that’s known for their swimwear and activewear, most of which are created from recycled materials. Not only that, but all of their products are cut, sewn, and packaged in Los Angeles.

More About Skatie

Skatie was founded by Mandi Glynn and Skatie Noyes Hutchinson in 2016. Design majors, the two built the brand from the ground up and eventually launched via social media. Since then, they’ve added numerous products to their collection including tops, sweats, and more.

As of 2023, their products are only available from their official website. They don’t have any physical stores nor do they sell through other retailers.

What Kind of Swimwear and Activewear Do They Sell?

Skatie offers a variety of swimsuits including one-piece suits and bikinis. And if you want, you can narrow their products based on the coverage provided.

That’s not all, they also sell activewear such as leggings, shorts, sports bras, tank tops, and more. Their prices are quite reasonable as well. Depending on the product, you can expect to spend around $50 to $120 per item. While shipping isn’t free, you can save 10% on your next order by signing up for their email list.

Taking Care of Skatie Products

Wash your swimwear and activewear after each wear; that’ll get rid of any sweat or oils that are on the fabric so that your items will last longer. The last thing that you want is to let them ‘soak’ in sweat. Not only will they start to smell bad, but sweat can also degrade the fabric.

There are certain things that you want to consider, however, when it comes to washing swimsuits and activewear. In other words, don’t throw everything into the washer blindly—there are certain things that you want to do and certain things that you want to avoid and we’ll be going over them below.

What Kind of Fabrics Do They Use?

Before we go into the actual washing instructions, let’s take a look at the fabrics that they use for their swimwear and activewear.

Nylon

Nylon is a  fabric that’s initially created as a synthetic substitute for silk. Not only is it super stretchy, but it’s also resistant to abrasion and static. Plus, it’s water-resistant. Unlike other fabrics, it doesn’t absorb moisture or water. Rather, it rests on the surface before evaporating. This makes it the fabric of choice for swimwear.

Spandex

Spandex is a synthetic fiber that’s touted for its elasticity. Lightweight, it’s often incorporated in activewear such as leggings, shorts, and sports bras. On top of that, it’s durable, strong and resistant to perspiration. The only thing is that it’s sensitive to heat. For this reason, it should never be washed with hot water.

Polyester

Polyester has great durability. Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also wrinkle and abrasion-resistant. Plus, it has moisture-wicking properties. In other words, you won’t have to worry about feeling clammy while wearing it; the sweat will automatically be brought to the surface, where it can then evaporate.

How to Wash Skatie Swimsuits

It’s best to wash their swimsuits—both their one pieces and bikinis—by hand as that’s gentler on the fabric. With that said, you can also put them in the washing machine; you just have to take the proper precautions. Anyway, we’ll be going over both methods below.

Washing Your Skatie Swimwear By Hand

Rinse the swimsuit with cool water before washing it; that’ll remove any sweat, body oils, or chemicals that might be on the fabric. If you want, you can even jump into the shower with it on (just make sure that the water isn’t hot). Or even better, soak it in cool water for 15-20 minutes.

From there, create a bath. Fill a small sink with cool water and add half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent. You can help it dissolve by agitating the water with your hand—you should end up with a sudsy solution.

Turn the swimsuit inside out (both the top and bottom pieces if you’re hand washing a bikini) and immerse it in the soapy water. Swish it through the liquid a few times and let it soak for up to 30 minutes.

Drain the sink and refill with cool water. Rinse the garment by pressing it up and down with your hands (you can also rinse it by holding it under running water). Continue to rinse the item until it’s free of detergent.

Gently press the excess water out of the bathing suit. Never wring it like a rag—that will damage and stretch out the elastic fibers. You can blot it with a clean towel instead, if necessary. From there, lay it flat and allow it to air dry. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight. Also, never use the clothes dryer; the heat will ruin the suit.

Putting Your Skatie Swimsuit In the Washing Machine

Note: Rinse your swimsuit with cool water before putting it in the washer.

Turn the swimsuit inside out and place it in a laundry bag (the top and bottom pieces can go in the same bag for bikinis). Close it, and put it in the washing machine. Add a couple of towels to balance the load if you’re washing the suits by themselves, otherwise, add the rest of your laundry (you can wash their swimsuits with other activewear such as tights or tank tops).

Measure out a scoop of ACTIVE detergent and add it to the drum or dispenser. Skip the fabric softener—it’ll only trap in sweat and oils. If necessary, you can add a cup of white vinegar instead to soften your bathing suits.

Select a gentle or delicate wash setting with minimum spin and run a cold water cycle. Let the washer run and retrieve your bathing suit once it’s finished. Don’t use the dryer. Lay flat to dry instead. Alternatively, you can spread the suit out on a drying rack. Make sure to keep it away from the sun as its rays can cause the fabric to deteriorate.

Washing Skatie Leggings Properly

Machine Washing Your Skatie Leggings 

Empty the pockets and turn the leggings inside out; that’ll prevent the outer layer from pilling and fading during the wash cycle. Next, place them in a mesh laundry bag (a pillowcase will do in a pinch)—that’ll ensure that they won’t snag on your other items.

Tip: You can wash Skatie leggings with other activewear such as tank tops, sports bras, shorts, etc. Just remember to sort the colors before putting them in the washer.

Close the mesh laundry bag and put it in the washing machine. Add the rest of your clothes (if you’re washing a mixed load) and pour in one scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Skip the fabric softener; it’ll cover your clothes with a wax-like substance, which will trap in sweat and dirt.

Select a gentle setting with little to no spin and run a cold water cycle. Avoid hot water; the heat can damage the leggings’ synthetic fibers.

Allow the washing machine to run. Wait for it to finished before opening the door and retrieving your leggings. Instead of putting them in the dryer, drape them across a laundry rack and allow them to air dry. You can also hang them up on a clothesline (away from direct sunlight).

Washing Your Skatie Leggings By Hand

Prepare a bath (you can do it in either a sink or a tub). Fill it half-way with cool water and add in 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Mix the powder by swishing the water with your hands. From there, turn your leggings inside out and place them in the sink; the entire item should be immersed in the soapy water.

Leave the leggings in the sink and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Gently swish them through the solution a few times. Drain the dirty water afterward and refill the sink with clean water. Use it to rinse the leggings; there shouldn’t be any soap suds leftover when you’re done. If necessary, you can also hold the paints under running water.

Gently press out the excess water with your hands. Never wring or twist the material—that’ll permanently stretch out and damage the item. And like we said earlier, you don’t want to put the leggings in the dryer (intense heat is a no-no). Rather, let them air dry in a well-ventilated area on a clothesline or a laundry rack.

The Easiest Way to Wash Skatie Sports Bras

Are Skatie Sports Bras Machine Washable?

Their sports bras can be put in the washing machine as long as you take the proper precautions. This means turning them inside out and placing them in a mesh laundry bag. Any removable pads should be taken out and washed separately.

Place the sports bra in the washing machine along with the rest of your activewear. Add one scoop of ACTIVE detergent and select a delicate setting (a normal cycle will be too rough on your bras). Make sure to use cold water. Let the wash cycle run and retrieve your sports bra once it’s complete. Skip the dryer. Let it air dry on a rack or clothesline instead.

Hand Washing Your Skatie Sports Bra 

As always, you want to begin by preparing a bath. Fill a washtub or sink with tepid water and mix in 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE detergent to create a sudsy solution. Turn your sports bra inside out and submerge it in the soapy water.

Soak it for up to 30 minutes. Give it a few swishes through the water and rinse it thoroughly under running water afterward. Continue until the water runs clear; there shouldn’t be any soap filter left on the fabric.

Let the sports bra air dry on a clothesline or laundry rack.