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How to Wash Uniqlo Activewear

August 8, 2024

Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing apparel company that sells outerwear, loungewear, maternity wear, intimates, and more. They also offer accessories such as hats, gloves, scarves, slippers, bags, and belts. One that sets them apart from other brands is that they regularly do collaborations with designers and artists.

More About Uniqlo

Uniqlo was founded in 1949 by Tadashi Yanai. Known as Ogori Shouji at the time, the company mainly sold men’s clothing. It wasn’t until 1984 that they opened their first unisex casual wear shop.

By then, they’d changed their name to “Unique Clothing Warehouse.” It was eventually changed again to what it is today in 1988 after a staff member misread the “C” as a “Q”.

about uniqlo

Fast forward to 2025 and they’ve expanded tremendously. Nowadays, they operate in many countries around the world including Australia, France, Hong Kong, Canada, United States, France, India, and Indonesia, to name a few.


What Kind of Activewear Do They Sell?

Uniqlo has a sport utility wear collection for men, women, and kids that includes sweatpants, hoodies, tank tops, leggings, shorts, joggers, swimwear, and more. Their AIRism line is also a popular option for those who work out as it has the ability to release trapped moisture.

One thing that the brand is known for is their prices. That is, most of their products are on the affordable side. For instance, you can get a pair of leggings or a hoodie for under $30.  There are also sales that you can take advantage of. For those who shop online, they do offer free shipping on your first order (otherwise, you get free shipping if your order is over $99).


Caring For Your Uniqlo Activewear

In general, all activewear should be washed after each wear and that includes Uniqlo’s. Assuming that you were exercising, your clothes have probably come into contact with sweat and the last thing that you want to do is leave it on there; it’ll quickly turn into a smelly mess. If anything, this is especially true for close-fitting garments such as base-layers and leggings.

Keep in mind, however, that there’s a certain way to wash these types of clothes. You can easily ruin the fabric if you do it incorrectly. Don’t worry, though, if you don’t know how to wash them properly because that’s what we’ll be going over in this post.


Uniqlo’s Innovative Fabrics

Uniqlo has developed several high-tech fabrics for their products. We’ll be going over some of their signature innovations below.

HEATTECH

Their HEATTECH line is designed to keep you warm in cold temperatures. Made from specially-designed fibers, the fabric is capable of retaining heat by preventing it from escaping your body. In addition to that, it’s able to create heat by absorbing moisture from your body.

AIRism

airism

Their AIRism line is designed to keep you cool in warmer temperatures. Made from their “cupro” fabric, it’s highly breathable, which makes it ideal for physical activities.

Not only does it absorb moisture but it’s also able to release it into the air, which keeps the fabric smooth and dry.

Dry Stretch

Their Dry Stretch line is unique in that it’s able to dry perspiration instantly. What’s interesting is that it was originally developed by Adam Scott, a brand ambassador, and golfer who wanted a pair of pants that he could wear on the golf course.

DRY-EX

DRY-EX is a highly functional fabric that’s designed to absorb and wick away perspiration. It features ventilating panels and is fitted with odor-neutralizing and anti-microbial properties, which makes it suitable for workouts. With it, you’ll know that you’ll feel fresh while you’re on the move.

UV Protection

Their UV protection fabric is capable of blocking up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays. According to their website, the protection that it provides lasts 40 times longer compared to bare skin. At the same time, it’s incredibly lightweight so that you won’t find it to be a burden on your skin.


How to Wash Uniqlo Leggings

Using the Washing Machine

Uniqlo leggings can be run through the wash with other activewear.

Step 1: Turn Them Inside Out and Use a Laundry Bag

clothes in laundry bag

Empty the pockets and turn the leggings inside out; that will prevent the outside layer from wear and tear. Not only that but it’ll also expose the inside, which is often exposed to sweat.

Once you’ve done that, place them in a laundry bag and load them into the machine.

Step 2: Add Detergent

active detergent

After loading all of your garments, add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent (more if you’re washing a particularly large load). Avoid using fabric softener; it will hinder the fabric’s ability to absorb and release moisture.

Step 3: Run a Delicate Cycle

washing machine settings

Choose a delicate wash cycle and make sure to wash with cold water; hot water can damage the high-tech fabrics.
Once the cycle is finished, retrieve your leggings. Don’t leave them in for long periods of time, otherwise, they’ll get smelly due to the humid environment.

Step 4: Let Them Dry

drying rack

To dry the fabric, hang the leggings up in a well-ventilated room indoors. Using the dryer is not recommended as the extreme temperatures can damage the fibers.

Supply:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Laundry bags

You may have to presoak the leggings first if there’s a stain or if they’re excessively dirty. Just let them sit in a sink of water and detergent before washing.

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Washing Your Uniqlo Leggings at the Sink

While there’s nothing wrong with machine washing your leggings, it is gentler to wash them by hand.

Supplies:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Water

Step 1:

Bring the leggings to a sink and set them aside.

Create a bath by filling it with tepid water and add half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Mix and combine until it becomes sudsy.

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 2:

Turn the leggings inside out and place them in the soapy mixture.

Don’t forget to empty the pockets if there are any.

Swish the item through the solution to help work the soap into the fabric, then let them sit for 15 minutes.

soapy water in tub

Step 3:

Drain the sink and refill it with clean water, then use it to rinse the item.

You can gently rub the fabric against itself to facilitate the process.

rinse with water

Step 4:

Once it’s soap-free, place it on a clean towel. Gently press out the excess water with your hand, it will be absorbed by the cloth underneath.

lay towel

Step 5:

Place the leggings in a well-ventilated area so they can air dry. Do not tumble dry if you want them to last.

drying rack 1

Washing Uniqlo Wireless Bras

Machine Washing Your Uniqlo Bras With Other Clothes

Their wireless bras are machine washable. In fact, you can wash them together with your other clothes.

Supplies:

  • Lingerie bag
  • White vinegar (optional)
  • Drying rack
sports bra laundry bag

Step 1:

Place the bra in a lingerie bag and load it into the washer.

Using a bag will prevent it from snagging on your other items.

washing machine setting

Step 2:

Choose a cold wash setting and run a gentle cycle.

Remember to skip the fabric softener; bleach should also be avoided.

Detergent is all that you’ll need, though, you can add some white vinegar is smell happens to be an issue.

air dry

Step 3:

Run a gentle cycle. Once it’s finished, take the bra out of the washer and let it dry on a rack.

Do not tumble dry – the high heat will damage the elastic.

Never put your bra directly in the washer without using a lingerie bag – the elastic will stretch out.

Hand Washing Your Uniqlo Bras at the Sink

Their wireless bras are super easy to wash by hand. It’s also the best way to ensure that they last a long time.

Supplies:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Clean towel (optional)
  • Drying rack

Step 1:

Fill a sink with warm water and mix in half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to create a bath.

Make sure the powder is completely dissolved before placing the bra in the solution.

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 2:

Gently massage the fabric in the water to help loosen any oils or dirt, then let it soak for 15-20 minutes.

how to hand wash clothes

Step 3:

Rinse the bra thoroughly with cool water until there are no soap suds left on the fabric.

rinse with water

Step 4:

Press the excess water out of the bra, then allow it to air dry on a drying rack.

You can also use a clean towel to absorb the excess moisture.

drying rack 1

Do not put them in the dryer; these bras are delicate and will warp if they’re exposed to extreme heat.

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Picture of 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.

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