Care of polewear and dancewear: how to preserve the shape, elasticity and premium look of the fabric
Polewear and dancewear are not just sportswear. They are used in demanding conditions: they stretch constantly, follow the movements of the body, adhere to the skin and support movement day after day, wash after wash.
Caring for garments is part of a more conscious relationship with clothing. From a slow fashion perspective, taking care of garments means valuing the work of design, the quality of materials and a more attentive connection with what we wear.
When a garment is designed to last over time, follow the body and maintain the quality of the fabric, the way it is treated becomes fundamental. Careful maintenance is not only a technical matter, but also a gesture of respect toward the material, the design and the body itself.
→ Incorrect care can damage even the highest-quality garment after only a few washes.
In this article you will discover:
◊ how to properly wash and dry dancewear
◊ what should absolutely be avoided
◊ how to care for different materials
◊ and how to recognize when a garment has reached the end of its life
Why polewear and dancewear require special care
Unlike everyday clothing, dance garments:
◊ contain a high percentage of elastane
◊ stretch and continuously return to their original shape
◊ are designed to fit the body perfectly
◊ are washed frequently due to direct contact with the skin and repeated training sessions
Incorrect care can cause:
→ loss of elasticity
→ deformation of internal elastic microfibres
→ a less precise fit and a silhouette that loses definition
→ fabric that no longer appears smooth and uniform
✦ Proper maintenance helps preserve that “second-skin” feeling the design was created for, together with the visual quality of the fabric.
How to properly wash polewear and dancewear
Hand wash or machine wash? 🧼
✦ Hand washing is always the best option, especially for more delicate pieces.
✦ Machine washing is possible if:
◊ a delicate program is used
◊ the temperature does not exceed 30°C
◊ the spin cycle is minimal or absent
✦ Turn garments inside out before washing:
◊ helps preserve the surface of the fabric
◊ reduces friction during washing
✘ Intensive washing programs accelerate the wear of elastic fibres.
Water temperature 💧
✦ Cold or lukewarm water (up to 30°C). High temperatures can weaken elastic microfibres and compromise the material’s ability to maintain its shape
✘ Hot water damages elastane and affects the garment’s shape
What to wash garments with 🥼🩴
✦ Separately
✦ With other soft and elastic garments
✘ Towels
✘ Jeans
✘ Garments with zippers, velcro or rigid accessories
→ Rough fabrics and metal parts can damage the surface of the garment.
Recommended detergents 🦋
✦ Liquid detergents for delicate garments
✦ Specific detergents for sportswear
✘ Powder detergents
✘ Bleach
✘ Fabric softeners
→ Important: fabric softener creates a film on the fibres that over time makes the material less elastic and less defined in shape, especially in velvet fabrics.
How to properly dry polewear and dancewear
Drying is one of the most critical steps.
Avoid:
∅ tumble dryers
∅ radiators
∅ wringing or twisting the fabric
Recommended:
→ gently remove excess water with your hands
→ lay the garment on a towel
→ air dry away from heat sources and direct sunlight
Flat drying is ideal to maintain the original shape of the garment. Proper drying allows the fibres to relax naturally and maintain a smooth and harmonious surface.
Care according to material
Lycra / biflex / microfiber 🪶
Highly elastic, body-fitting fabrics that retain their shape when properly cared for
→ wash in cold water
→ minimal spin cycle
∅ prolonged soaking
∅ fabric softener
Mesh 🕸
Very delicate fabric
→ hand wash
→ minimal friction
∅ spin cycle
∅ washing with other garments
Velvet 🪸
Sensitive to pressure and heat
→ hand wash only
→ dry flat
∅ spin cycle
∅ ironing
Jersey 🪽
Soft, fluid and comfortable on the skin
→ delicate washing
→ dry on a towel
∅ pulling the fabric while wet
Tops and lightweight semi-transparent garments 🪡
Breathable fabric, extremely pleasant on the skin, light and natural in appearance
→ hand wash or delicate cycle
→ cold water
→ dry flat
∅ wringing
∅ high temperatures
Caring for garments after training
Avoid:
∅ leaving garments closed in the bag
∅ storing them while damp
∅ postponing washing for several days
Better:
→ remove garments from the bag immediately after training
→ allow them to air out
→ if possible, rinse quickly in cold water
This helps preserve:
◊ the freshness of the fabric
◊ the color
◊ the structure of the fibres
How to remove magnesium chalk marks from polewear
Chalk marks on dance garments are generally easy to remove. Magnesium chalk is a mineral powder that contains no oils, so it does not penetrate deeply into the fabric fibres.
To remove it properly:
◊ shake the garment or remove the powder with a soft brush before wetting it
◊ rinse or wash the garment in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C) with a delicate detergent
◊ if light marks remain, gently rub the area with a small amount of soap
For more visible marks on dark fabrics, you can gently dab the area with a solution of water and vinegar (1:1), then rinse.
Common mistakes in caring for dance garments
◊ washing with towels
◊ using fabric softener
◊ water that is too hot
◊ intensive spin cycles
◊ drying on a radiator
◊ wringing the fabric
Even one of these mistakes can compromise the fit and appearance of the garment over time. With time, every fabric tells its story. Careful maintenance allows that story to last longer, preserving both the aesthetic quality and the tactile experience.
How to understand when a garment should be replaced
Even with proper care, fabrics eventually wear out.
Signs to observe:
→ the garment no longer keeps its shape
→ the material appears “relaxed”
→ waves or deformations appear
→ the garment no longer provides the feeling of a second skin
In these cases, the garment no longer performs its function as intended.
➺ Frequently Asked Questions
✷ Can polewear and dancewear be washed after every training session?
| Yes, and it is recommended, as long as the proper washing instructions are followed. |
✷ Can a laundry bag be used in the washing machine?
| Yes, it is a good solution to protect garments. |
✷ Can dancewear be dried in the sun?
| It is not recommended. Drying in the shade is preferable. Direct sunlight can: → fade the fabric → dry out the fibres → reduce elasticity |
✷ Can vinegar or baking soda be used?
| No, they may damage elastic fibres. |
✷ Why is fabric softener not recommended?
| Fabric softener can create a film on elastic fibres, reducing the fabric’s breathability and its ability to maintain shape. |
Taking care of what you wear
Proper care of dancewear helps to:
✦ maintain shape and elasticity
✦ preserve a smooth and high-quality fabric surface
✦ extend the lifespan of garments
✦ ensure comfort, freedom of movement and a more conscious relationship with what you wear
Taking care of garments also means extending their life and appreciating the design and materials with which they were created.
