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How to Wash Spanx Shapewear & Clothing

June 29, 2023

Spanx is an apparel company that specializes in underwear. They also sell a variety of clothing including leggings, shaping briefs, activewear, bras, and swimsuits.

While they’re mostly known for their women’s products, they have also been producing men’s apparel since 2010.

More About the Company

spanx sara blakelyThe brand was founded by Sara Blakely, a former cast member at the Walt Disney World Resort, in 2000.

She invested her entire life savings to create an initial prototype, which she eventually began to sell out of her apartment.

It proved to be a big success. Within just a few months, she managed to land deals with Saks, Bergdorg Goodman, and Bloomingdales.

A decade later, the first brick-and-mortar store opened in Tysons Corner in Virginia.

Since then, more than 10 different locations have opened across the country.

Not only that but their products are also available at numerous retailers including Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Target.

Types of Fabric Used by Spanx

Their underwear is typically made of nylon, which is known for its moisture-wicking abilities. Some of their products also contain spandex and elastane, both of which add stretch to the garment.

Take Spanx bodysuits, for example, they are typically made out of nylon and elastane, though the exact composition differs from suit to suit.

Some designs also contain spandex, which provides a comfortable stretch.

Their tanks and camis, on the other hand, are made of cotton and polyester, which makes them more breathable.

As for their leggings, they are mostly made out of nylon, with bits of spandex, elastane, and polyester added in between. They also offer faux leather leggings that are made of faux leather material.

Benefits of Nylon

  • Durable and tough despite being relatively thin
  • Not prone to wrinkling and shrinking
  • Resistant against chemicals and oils
  • Dries very quickly
  • Incredibly lightweight

Benefits of Spandex

  • Very lightweight
  • Comfortable to wear even for long periods of time
  • Durable and strong
  • Increases the movability of the wearer
  • Increases stability of clothing

How to Wash Spanx Shapewear

There are a couple of ways to wash Spanx shapewear – you can either run them through the washer or wash them by hand. Here’s how.

Machine Washing Your Spanx Shapewear

washing instructions for spanx shapewearStart by placing the garments in a mesh laundry bag. That will prevent them from rubbing against your other clothing, which can cause the fabric to wear out prematurely.

Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the tub and start a gentle cycle with cold water.

Do not use hot water – the heat can shrink the nylon over time.

Tip: Do not use fabric softener with Spanx Shapewear – the chemicals will prevent the nylon and spandex from pulling perspiration away from the skin.

Similarly, you also want to avoid using bleach. Non-chlorine bleach, however, can be used occasionally.

Take the shapewear out of the washer once the cycle is finished.

Don’t put them in the dryer as nylon can wrinkle in hot temperatures. Not only that but the heat can warp the fabric permanently.

Let them air dry in a well-ventilated room instead – it shouldn’t take more than a few hours to dry completely.

Hand Washing Your Spanx Shapewear

Washing your Spanx shapewear by hand is much gentler on the fabric.

Start by filling a sink with warm water.

Measure a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent and pour it into the water, mixing to dissolve the powder.

Once the powdered detergent is completely dissolved, place your shapewear in the solution. For the best results, soak them for 15 to 30 minutes.

Using your fingers, gently rub the fabric to remove any loose dirt or debris. For stubborn stains, add some extra detergent and scrub at the spot.

Rinse them thoroughly with water after washing to remove the soap residue.

Gently press out the excess water and let it air dry in a well-ventilated room.

Never wring or twist them like towels – that will damage the fabric, causing it to wear down preaturely.

How to Clean Different Types of Spanx Leggings

Their leggings are similar to their shapewear in that they’re also made from technical fabrics, meaning they can also be put in the washer.

Or if you want, you can wash them by hand. Either way works, though the latter will be a bit gentler on the fabric.

Machine Washing Spanx Leggings

how to wash spanxTheir leggings are similar to their shapewear in that they’re also machine washable.

First things first, sort them based on color. For example, dark Spanx faux leather leggings should be washed separately from brightly-colored ones.

Turn the leggings inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag. Make sure the bag is zipped up all the way and throw it in the washer.

As per the official website, machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Once the wash cycle is finished, take the leggings out and hang them up to dry.

Hand Washing Spanx Leggings

As always, you want to start by filling a sink with water. Next, add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture.

Turn the leggings inside out and place them into the sink, making sure they’re completely covered with the solution.

how to hand wash spanxAllow them to soak in the soapy water for at least 15 minutes.

Gently rub the fabric with your hands to remove any oils and debris and rinse them under clean water to wash away the soap.

Carefully press out the excess water from the fabric and let it air dry. Do not tumble dry.

Washing Instructions for Other Spanx Activewear – Sports Bras and Tops

Machine Washing Spanx Sports Bras and Tops

Their sports bras, tops, and other activewear can be washed similarly to their leggings.

In fact, you can even wash them in the same load, granted you put them in individual laundry bags.

Once you’ve got them in the bags, throw them in the washer and add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. The key is to use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.

Let the wash cycle run.

When it’s finished, take out the activewear and hang them up so that they can air dry. For example, you can drape the sports bras over a drying rack.

Avoid putting them in the dryer – you don’t want to expose your Spanx activewear to unnecessary heat.

Hand Washing Spanx Sports Bras and Tops

how to wash spanx sports brasFill a sink two-thirds full with warm water and mix in a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Gently agitate the water with your hands to dissolve the powder.

Turn the sports bras inside out (and remove any padding, if necessary) and place them in the solution – the fabric should be completely immersed.

Tip: You can wash sports bras and tops at the same time as long as they’re of similar colors. Avoid mixing darks with lights as that can cause dye transfer.

Let the sports bras and tops sit in the soapy mixture for 20 to 30 minutes – that will give the detergent time to work out any residues and grime.

Rinse the garments with clean water afterward. Gently press out the excess water and hang tehm up to dry.

Best Laundry Detergent For Spanx Products

ACTIVE Detergent is the best option for Spanx products and for good reason – it’s specially formulated for technical fibers, such as the ones used by the brand.

It features a plant-based formula that is capable of eliminating dirt, oils, and residues, meaning your activewear will come out clean and fresh each time. Not only that but it’s also hypoallegernic, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

How to Wash Spanx Products – FAQs

Can you put Spanx underwear in the washing machine?

Yes, their undergarments can be machine-washed. Just remember to put them in a mesh laundry bag, otherwise, they can wear out prematurely.

Should you put fabric softener when you’re washing Spanx leggings?

No, avoid using softener when you’re washing their leggings – or activewear in general. They will coat the fabric with a waxy residue, which will prevent sweat from escaping to the surface.

If necessary, you can soften your leggings with white vinegar instead. Simply add one cup during the final rinse cycle. It’ll soften the fabric and help get rid of any odors.

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Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.

Comments (2)

  • Lisa Reply

    Do I take the padding out of my best of both worlds reversible bra when I was it?

    June 19, 2023 at 3:14 pm
  • Sammy Reply

    I am a firm (haha) believer in your product. I am thankful I found the men’s t-shirts! After losing over 100lbs Spanx help me shape and couture my excess skin. The only question I have why after 2-3 washed they start having a yellowish color. How do I prevent and also regain the white color?

    November 20, 2021 at 9:51 am

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