Most Under Armour clothing can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. You can also hand wash them if you want to be a little gentler on the fabric. Avoid using fabric softener – it can reduce the fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking abilities.
You can let them air dry in a well-ventilated area or tumble dry on low heat.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Different Fabrics of Under Armour
Under Armour has several proprietary fabrics, which they use for their products. Here are some of them:
HeatGear
HeatGear is designed to keep you cool and dry throughout your workout. It’s also super breathable and allows sweat to easily come to the surface, which helps to regulate body temperature.

In addition to HeatGear, there is HeatGear Armour, a line of base layers that serves as a “second skin.” They’re soft and lightweight and provide just the right amount of support with high comfort levels.
On top of that, there is HeatGear Amourvent, the most breathable fabric that the company has ever put together. It features Mesh Technology, which is light, durable, stretchy, and fast-drying.
ColdGear
ColdGear allows athletes to stay active, even in cold weather. Not only is it designed to wick away moisture, which increases comfort levels, but it also helps to maintain your core body temperature.
In addition to regular ColdGear, there is ColdGear Infrared, a line of apparel that comes with a special thermo-conductive coating that helps to retain body heat.
UA Base
UA Base is unique in that it features a grid pattern, which traps body heat, and circulates it for lasting warmth, even in the coldest of conditions.
There are four different “gradings”: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0.
1.0: Designed for intense activity in cool conditions
2.0: Designed for moderate activity in cold conditions
3.0: Designed for intermittent activity in extremely cold conditions
4.0 Designed for the coldest of cold
UA Threadborne
Threadborne is one of their most comfortable fabrics. It’s nearly seamless and provides a soft, almost cotton-like feel against your skin.
Not only that but it’s also guaranteed to keep you cool and dry during your workout.
UA Storm
UA Storm is designed to keep you warm and dry in wet weather conditions. There are three levels of protection:
UA Storm 1: Fabric is water-resistant
UA Storm 2: Fabric is windproof and highly water-resistant
UA Storm 3: Fabric is both windproof and waterproof
How to Wash Under Armour Leggings, Yoga Pants, Tights and Shorts
Most, if not all of their bottoms can be machine washed with other activewear.
Step 1: Place Them In a Laundry Bag

Turn the bottoms inside out and place them in a laundry bag before putting them in the washer. The bag will act as a physical barrier, protecting the garments from wearing out during the cycle.
Step 2: Add Detergent

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and pour it directly into the drum. Do not add bleach or fabric softener.
Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle

Choose a delicate or gentle setting and run a cold wash cycle; that will minimize the amount of wear and tear on your leggings.
Step 4: Let Them Dry

Once the wash cycle is finished, take your leggings, tights, and yoga pants out of the washer and hang them up to dry. Alternatively, you can put them in the dryer on low heat.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bags
Avoid using dryer sheets as they will coat your clothes with potentially harmful chemicals.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Deep clean your Under Armour gear with our detergent designed for synthetic fabrics.

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Washing Instructions for Under Armour Tank Tops, Short and Long Sleeves
Pre-treating Under Armour Tops
For stained items, we recommend pre-treating them with ACTIVE Detergent before washing.
Supplies:
- Water
- ACTIVE Detergent
- White vinegar
Step 1:
In a large sink, mix some ACTIVE Detergent with cool water to create a soapy solution.

Step 2:
Place the items in the solution and let them sit for 20-30 minutes; that will help get rid of any smells.

Step 3:
Rinse the item thoroughly with cool water. Continue until there are no more soap suds, then proceed to launder the item as normal.

If necessary, you can also add half a cup of white vinegar for extra cleansing power.
Machine Washing Under Armour Tops
All of their tops can also be run through the wash. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bags

Step 1:
Turn your tank tops, short and long sleeves inside out and place them in their own individual mesh laundry bags, before loading them in the washer.

Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder. Skip the fabric softener and bleach.

Step 3:
Choose a gentle setting and machine wash with cold water.

Step 4:
Once the wash cycle is complete, take the tops out and hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated space.
While you can put them in the dryer, it’s best to air dry the tops as high heat can cause the fabric to deteriorate prematurely.
Hand Washing Under Armour Tops
If you want to be gentle with your tops, it’s best to wash them by hand.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Fill a tub or sink with water and mix in a bit of ACTIVE Detergent powder to create a cleaning solution.

Step 2:
Turn your tops inside out and place them in the sink, making sure all of the fabric is saturated with the mixture.
Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3:
Gently rub the fabric with your hands to remove any loose oils or dirt. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric as that can cause the material to stretch.

Step 4:
When you’re sure they are clean, rinse them with clean water.
Once all the soap is out, you can hang them up to dry.

Washing UA Sports Bras
Machine Washing Under Armour Sports Bras
Their sports bras can be put in the washing machine as long as you follow the proper steps.
Supplies:
- Lingerie bag
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Drying rack

Step 1:
Secure all loose ends, including velcro straps or hook-and-eye closures, and place the bra in a mesh laundry bag.

Step 2:
Place the bag in the washer and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder to the drum.

Step 4:
Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle and run a cold water wash.
Wait for the cycle to finish before retrieving the bras. Instead of using the dryer, let them air dry on a drying rack.
For bras with removable padding, we recommend washing them separately.
Hand Washing Under Armour Sports Bras
Hand washing is the best option if you want your sports bras to last a long time.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Fill a sink two-thirds full with warm water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture.

Step 2:
Once it’s thoroughly combined, place your sports bras in. Remove any padding, if necessary.

Step 3:
Let the sports bra soak in the detergent solution for at least 20 minutes before rinsing clean with water.

Step 4:
Allow the sports bra to air dry afterwards on a drying rack. Do not use the dryer.

How to Clean Under Armour Underwear
Their underwear can be put in the washing machine along with other delicate items, as long as you’ve separated the colors.
Supplies:
- Lingerie bag
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Drying rack

Step 1:
Place the undergarments in a mesh lingerie bag – that will prevent them from losing their shape – then load them into the washer.

Step 2:
Pour one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder into the drum.

Step 4:
Run a gentle wash cycle. We recommend using a cold wash setting as you don’t want to expose delicates to heat.
Once the washing is complete, let the garments air dry.
How to Wash Under Armour Clothing – FAQs
Can you wash Under Armour clothes with regular laundry?
Yes, you can wash Under Armour clothing with other laundry as long as you stick to similar colors. Just avoid washing them with items that have zippers, as they can snag or damage the fabric.
Does washing Under Armour clothing shrink it?
Under Armour clothing generally won’t shrink when washed properly. This means using cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid the dryer as high heat can cause some fabrics to shrink or lose their shape.
Can you use fabric softener on Under Armour clothes?
No, you shouldn’t use fabric softener when washing Under Armour clothes. It can coat the fabric and interfere with its moisture-wicking and breathable properties.
Can ColdGear Under Armour shirts go in the washing machine?
Yes, their Coldgear line can be machine washed in cold water.
Does fabric softener ruin HeatGear and ColdGear?
Yes, it’s best to avoid fabric softener on Under Armour HeatGear and ColdGear as it can coat the fibers and interfere with the fabric’s moisture-wicking, breathability, and performance properties.
What should you use instead of fabric softener on Under Armour activewear?
White vinegar is a safe alternative. It will help remove detergent residue, leaving the fabric feeling softer. Simply add ½ cup to the rinse cycle.
How do you get the sweat smell out of Under Armour shirts?
To remove sweat smells from Under Armour shirts, soak them in cold water with ACTIVE Detergent for 30 minutes before washing. For stubborn odors, add white vinegar to the wash or soak.
How often should you wash Under Armour compression gear?
Under Armour compression gear should be washed after every workout to prevent sweat, body oils, and bacteria from building up in the fabric.
How do you remove deodorant buildup and white marks from Under Armour shirts?
To remove deodorant buildup and white marks from Under Armour shirts, gently rub the affected area with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash with ACTIVE Detergent on a cold, gentle cycle.
Can you wash Under Armour clothes in hot water?
No, you shouldn’t wash Under Armour clothes in hot water, as the heat can cause the fabric to shrink or lose its shape.
How do you wash an Under Armour hat or cap without ruining the shape?
We recommend hand washing it in cold water with a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Gently scrub the dirty areas before rinsing thoroughly, and let it air dry. Avoid the washer and dryer.
Can you wash an Under Armour backpack in the washing machine?
Most Under Armour backpacks should be hand washed rather than machine washed. Wipe them down with ACTIVE detergent and cold water, focusing on dirty areas. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and let the backpack air dry.
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Comments (6)
How do I launder an UA Coldgear Infrared jacket?
Hi my shirt gets bad odor when I sweat even it is anti odor. How do I get rid of it. Does it have something to do with washing?
Hi Micee! Have you tried using ACTIVE Detergent? Our enzyme formula is designed to target sweat and other residues that are embedded into the fabrics. This removes odors at the source instead of just temporarily covering them up like other detergents!
I have a hoodie which is the “Storm” material brand. This is ‘Water resistant” which makes is almost impossible to get stains out of the material. What would you suggest to use to get stains out? It is a light green color so stains are very noticeable.
Hi Tami! That’s a tough situation. One method would be trying to clean the stains with a mild dish soap. For spot treating stubborn stains, we recommend mixing a small amount of Activewear Detergent powder in a bowl with some water to create a paste. Apply that paste to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing the area with cold water.
If possible, first try testing this method on a stain in an inconspicuous area to ensure the detergent doesn’t affect the color of your hoodie. Good luck!
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