5 tips for washing your leotards and tights without losing elasticity

Those who practice dance, gymnastics, or performing arts know it well: a good leotard is not just any garment. It's a second skin that needs to provide total freedom of movement, firmness, and breathability in every rehearsal.

However, sweat, constant friction, and, above all, incorrect machine washing are the main enemies of lycra and elastane's elasticity. Has it happened to you that a favorite leotard starts to loosen, lose its shine, or get covered in small "pills"?

At ODAKI, as manufacturers with decades of experience in textile manufacturing for movement, we share the 5 essential tips to prolong the lifespan of your dance garments.

1. Hand washing will always be king

Although the temptation to throw everything into the washing machine after rehearsal is great, the agitation and friction with other garments break down the elastane microfibers over time.

• The golden rule: Wash your leotards and tights in a tub with cold or lukewarm water (never hot, as heat melts elastic fibers).

• Use mild liquid detergent: Powder detergents often leave gritty residue in seams that cause itching and irritation during class.

2. Say a resounding NO to fabric softener

This is the most common mistake. Commercial fabric softeners work by leaving a chemical layer on the threads to give them softness. In sports and dance garments, that layer clogs the pores of the fabric, eliminating its breathability and causing the elastane to lose its stretch memory.

ODAKI Tip: If you want to naturally eliminate sweat odor, add a splash of white vinegar to the soaking water. It neutralizes bacteria without damaging textile fibers.

3. If using a washing machine, always use a delicates bag

If you need to use a washing machine due to lack of time, take these three essential precautions:

1. Turn the leotard inside out.

2. Place it inside a mesh or delicates laundry bag (this prevents straps from tangling or getting caught on zippers and clasps of other clothing).

3. Select the "Delicate" or "Hand wash" cycle with cold water and gentle spin.

4. Never wring out the garment by twisting it

Forcefully twisting the leotard to remove excess water is the fastest way to deform the neckline, leg openings, and main seams.

How to properly remove excess water?

• Gently press the garment against the sides of the tub.

• Place the leotard on a clean, dry towel, roll it up like a taco, and press lightly so the towel absorbs excess moisture.

5. Dry in the shade and say goodbye to the dryer!

The hot air dryer is the number one enemy of sportswear. Extreme heat destroys the elastic, causing the garment to become loose and shapeless.

• Dry it spread horizontally or hung halfway on a clothesline.

• Avoid direct clothespins/clips: If you use clothespins on the straps, you will leave permanent marks on the stretched fabric.

• Always dry it in the shade: Direct sunlight weakens colors (especially dark or pastel shades) and dries out the lycra.

Mexican craftsmanship made to last

At ODAKI, we use heavy-duty lycra and reinforced seams, specifically designed to withstand the rigorous use and frequent washes required by dance in Mexico.

If your leotards have lost their ideal fit or you need to renew your academy's wardrobe for the new season, explore our online store or visit us in Mexico City's Historic Center.

Those who practice dance, gymnastics, or performing arts know it well: a good leotard is not just any garment. It's a second skin that needs to provide total freedom of movement, firmness, and breathability in every rehearsal.

However, sweat, constant friction, and, above all, incorrect machine washing are the main enemies of lycra and elastane's elasticity. Has it happened to you that a favorite leotard starts to loosen, lose its shine, or get covered in small "pills"?

At ODAKI, as manufacturers with decades of experience in textile manufacturing for movement, we share the 5 essential tips to prolong the lifespan of your dance garments.

1. Hand washing will always be king

Although the temptation to throw everything into the washing machine after rehearsal is great, the agitation and friction with other garments break down the elastane microfibers over time.

• The golden rule: Wash your leotards and tights in a tub with cold or lukewarm water (never hot, as heat melts elastic fibers).

• Use mild liquid detergent: Powder detergents often leave gritty residue in seams that cause itching and irritation during class.

2. Say a resounding NO to fabric softener

This is the most common mistake. Commercial fabric softeners work by leaving a chemical layer on the threads to give them softness. In sports and dance garments, that layer clogs the pores of the fabric, eliminating its breathability and causing the elastane to lose its stretch memory.

ODAKI Tip: If you want to naturally eliminate sweat odor, add a splash of white vinegar to the soaking water. It neutralizes bacteria without damaging textile fibers.

3. If using a washing machine, always use a delicates bag

If you need to use a washing machine due to lack of time, take these three essential precautions:

1. Turn the leotard inside out.

2. Place it inside a mesh or delicates laundry bag (this prevents straps from tangling or getting caught on zippers and clasps of other clothing).

3. Select the "Delicate" or "Hand wash" cycle with cold water and gentle spin.

4. Never wring out the garment by twisting it

Forcefully twisting the leotard to remove excess water is the fastest way to deform the neckline, leg openings, and main seams.

How to properly remove excess water?

• Gently press the garment against the sides of the tub.

• Place the leotard on a clean, dry towel, roll it up like a taco, and press lightly so the towel absorbs excess moisture.

5. Dry in the shade and say goodbye to the dryer!

The hot air dryer is the number one enemy of sportswear. Extreme heat destroys the elastic, causing the garment to become loose and shapeless.

• Dry it spread horizontally or hung halfway on a clothesline.

• Avoid direct clothespins: If you use clothespins on the straps, you will leave permanent marks on the stretched fabric.

• Always dry it in the shade: Direct sunlight weakens colors (especially dark or pastel shades) and dries out the lycra.

Mexican craftsmanship made to last

At ODAKI, we use heavy-duty lycra and reinforced seams, specifically designed to withstand the rigorous use and frequent washes required by dance in Mexico.

If your leotards have lost their ideal fit or you need to renew your academy's wardrobe for the new season, explore our online store or visit us in Mexico City's Historic Center.