Organic Basics is a sustainable brand that’s known for its ethically made bras, tees, denim, dresses, and activewear. Not only that, but they also sell beanie hats, scarves, gloves, and more.

More About Organic Basics Clothing

Organic Basics was founded by Mads Fibiger, Christoffer Immanuel, and Alexander Christiansen in 2015. Tired of buying and throwing away underwear after a few months, they sought out to create their own brand, one that would offer sustainable and better-made basics.

Aside from their online shop, you can find their products at various retailers including Simons, Altitude Sports, MEC, among others.

What Kind of Sports Apparel Do They Sell?

Organic Basics offer a variety of activewear including leggings, sports bras, tights, and tank tops. They also have a swimwear collection that consists of bikinis and one-pieces.

It depends on what you get but on average, you can expect to spend around $100 per item. There are starter packs that you can get that’ll save you a bit of money (up to 20%), though. For example, they sell sports bras and legging packs. For more information, check out their site.

Tip: You can get 10% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. All you have to do is enter your email address on their site and press subscribe.

Taking Care of Organic Basics Clothing

Their clothing is high quality but it can still wear out with regular use. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to prevent that from happening. For starters, you don’t want to leave your clothes in a heap on the floor. Make a habit of washing them as soon as possible—or at the very least, air them out. That way, your sweat won’t wreak havoc on the fabric.

Need some help with the specifics? That’s why we’re here. Keep reading for everything that you need to know about how to wash Organic Basics clothing!

What Materials Do They Use?

Recycled Nylon

Recycled nylon is made from pre- and post-consumer materials such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, and discarded carpets. As with regular nylon, it’s strong and tough. Not only is it abrasion resistant, but it also has excellent elasticity. If anything, that’s what makes it so great for activewear and other apparel.

Elastane 

Elastane, also known as spandex, is a stretchy fiber that’s often used to make form-fitting garments such as activewear and dancewear. Similar to nylon, it’s both durable and strong. The only thing is that it tends to stick to your body. Also, it must be woven with other fibers; it can’t be used alone for clothing.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester, aka rPET, is made from post-consumer bottles and other single-use plastics. Strong and resilient, it’s just as good as virgin polyester, however, it takes much fewer resources to make. Not only is it great for insulation, but it also retains its shape well. It also dries quickly, which makes washing it a breeze.

Organic Basics Leggings: Two Ways to Wash Them Properly

The easiest way to wash their leggings is to throw them into the washer. For those who want to be extra gentle on the items, you can wash them by hand—either way works.

Option 1: Using the Washing Machine For Your Organic Basics Leggings

Make sure that everything is out of the pockets and turn the leggings inside out. That’ll prevent the outer layer from rubbing against other garments. And if you can, place them in a laundry bag. It’ll act as an extra barrier so that the item won’t get damaged during the wash cycle. For example, it’ll keep it from snagging on other garments. That way, your leggings will look new for longer.

Tip: You can wash their leggings with other clothes such as tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, even swimwear. The only thing that you have to be careful with is the colors. Make sure you’re not mixing darks with lights and you should be fine.

Zip up the bag fully and toss it in the washing machine. If you’re washing a mixed load, put in the rest of your clothes. Place them in their own laundry bags, if necessary. Next, add your detergent. We recommend using one scoop of ACTIVE detergent powder (you can add more if you’re washing an XL load). When in doubt, check the packaging on the product.

Don’t use any bleach or softeners. Both can damage your leggings. For example, the latter will coat the item with a wax-like substance that’ll trap both dirt and sweat in the fabric. If necessary, you can add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar instead; that’ll act as a natural softener and deodorant. 

Once everything is in the washer, set your settings. For leggings, it’s best to use a delicate setting with minimal spin as that’ll be gentler on the fabric. And don’t use hot water. Always use cold water. It might not be as effective at sanitizing but it’ll keep your leggings looking new.

Let the washer run. Retrieve your leggings once it’s come to a stop and allow them to dry on a clothesline/hanger or drying rack. Do not use the clothes dryer; the tumble dry option will permanently stretch out and warp the material. Also, don’t leave your leggings out in direct sunlight—the UV rays can cause the dyes to fade. 

Option 2: Washing Your Organic Basics Leggings The Traditional Way By Hand

Fill a sink or small tub with cool water. Measure half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent and pour it in. You may need to add more if you’re hand washing multiple items at once.

Turn the leggings inside out; make sure there’s nothing left in the pockets. Submerge the garment in the soapy solution—it should be completely covered by the water. Swish the item a few times using gentle movements. Avoid twisting or scrubbing actions as that can damage or stretch the fabric.

Soak the leggings for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the sink or tub and refill it with fresh rinse water. Push the leggings up and down to remove the soap suds. Repeat until all of the detergent has been rinsed off. Repeat the above steps with clean water if necessary.

Gently press out the excess water and place the leggings on a towel. If you want, you can also roll up the towel up with the pants inside. After that, place them on a laundry rack to dry. Avoid direct heat (ie. clothes dryer).

Organic Basics Swimwear: Should You Hand Wash Them Or Put Them in the Washer?

Generally speaking, it’s best to handwash your bikinis and swimsuits. That doesn’t mean that you can’t put them in the washer, though. You can, there are just a few things that you want to be careful of.

Option 1: Hand Washing Your Organic Basics Swimwear In a Tub or Sink

Tip: Rinse your bathing suit with cold water as soon as you take it off. You don’t want to let any sweat, oils, or chemicals settle on the fabric as they can damage the fabric.

Fill a sink or tub with cold water and add half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent—it’s specifically designed for synthetic fabrics such as the ones used in their suits. Wait until the powder’s dissolved and place the garment in the sudsy solution.

Swirl the suit around a few times as it’s submerged; you want the detergent to permeate all parts of the fabric. Once you’ve done that, let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes (leaving it in for too long can cause the colors to fade).

Rinse the suit with cool, clean water afterward—it should run clear once all of the detergent is gone. Transfer it onto a clean towel on a flat surface and press down to remove the excess water. Or if you want, you can roll it up in a clean towel. Never wring or twist.

Finally, lay it flat so that it can air dry. Never put a bathing suit in a dryer.

Option 2: Machine Washing Your Organic Basics Swimwear

Turn your bathing suit inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag. This is especially important if your suit has strings—it’ll keep them together so that they won’t get tangled or caught in parts of the machine.

Place the zipped bag into the washer. Add the rest of your laundry if you’re washing it with other items, otherwise, throw in a couple of towels; they’ll help balance the weight so that the washer will run more smoothly.

Measure and pour in one scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Choose a cold setting and run a delicate/gentle wash cycle. Wait until it’s finished before retrieving your bikini or one piece. Place it on a clean, flat surface and allow it to air dry. Avoid hanging it up on a hanger as it can alter the shape of the garment. And remember not to dry it in direct sunlight—the UV rays can cause the colors to fade prematurely.

Organic Basics Sports Bras: Washing Them So That They’ll Last

Option 1: Machine Washing Organic Basics Sports Bras

Protect your sports bra by putting it in a mesh laundry bag. It’ll prevent it from getting snagged on the agitator, which can damage the fabric. Also, make sure to turn it inside out—that’ll protect the outer layer. Make sure that the bag is zipped up and throw it in the washer. Add one scoop of ACTIVE detergent (or more if you’re washing several items at once) and run a delicate cold water cycle.

Towel press the bra afterward to remove the excess water. Then place it on a laundry rack to dry. Don’t wring them out, or worse, put them in the clothes dryer.

Option 2: Washing Your Organic Basics Sports Bras

Fill a clean bathroom sink with cool water. Don’t use hot water—it can warp and break down the elastics in the fabric. Add half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent and agitate to create a lather.

Place the sports bra in the sink and swirl it around a few times in the solution. Gently rub the material between your hands to work in the soap suds. From there, let it soak for up to 30 minutes. Rinse the bra afterward with cool water until it runs clear. Press out the excess water and lay it on a flat towel—you can use it to remove any remaining water. Finally, let it air dry on a rack.