Can Leggings Go In the Dryer?

Hate laundry day? You’re not alone. Many of us dread this chore and want to get it done as quickly as possible. Or maybe, we really want to wear an item of clothing immediately after washing it. That’s why dryers can be so handy.

But when it comes to leggings: Should they go in the dryer? If not, why? What’s the worst thing that could happen? Read on to get all your answers...

In Short: Leggings in the Dryer is a No-No

The hard rule is that leggings (or yoga pants) should NOT go in the dryer. Indeed, they’re one of a number of more fragile items that can be seriously damaged by the extreme heat of your dryer.

If you’re curious, here’s a list of common items that you should avoid putting in the dryer:

• Anything with spandex, including leggings, yoga pants, sports bra etc. This includes all activewear or athletic apparel
• Lingerie
• Swimwear
• Pantyhose and tights (not the same as leggings, but similar in this regard)
• Silk and lace; whether it’s a delicate blouse or your fancy lingerie
• Reusable shopping bags, backpacks and lunch bags (though they should be washed frequently)
• Running shoes: The heat can ruin the adhesives that keep the shoe and sole together
• Knitted items, including wool sweaters and cardigans, which can shrink dramatically
• Anything with fur or faux fur trim, or made of fur or faux fur
• Anything with beading or sequins, which can melt, snag or break in the heat of the dryer

It’s always important to check the washing instructions on all your garments so you’re following the recommended care to get the greatest longevity out of your favorite items.

Instead: Air Dry Your Leggings or Yoga Pants

The very best way to care for your leggings is to wash them in cold water and then air dry them, preferably laying them flat to dry so they do not stretch out while drying. You’ll be surprised how fast they dry - sometimes in under an hour!

What Can Happen When Leggings or Yoga Pants Go in the Dryer…

Okay, at some point in our lives we all make this mistake when emptying the washing machine: We end up tossing something in the washing machine that we meant to separate. 

Does it mean you’ve automatically destroyed your leggings if this happens? Not necessarily.

But you should rescue them from the dryer as soon as you realize your mistake. Why? Because the dryer can do serious damage. And while your leggings may survive one dryer cycle, it’s wear and tear you want to avoid inflicting on them. 

Worst case scenario, here’s what can go wrong:

Leggings Can Shrink in the Dryer

The heat of the dryer (or of a hot water wash or an iron) can cause shrinkage in leggings. Generally, leggings come with instructions to “lay flat to dry” so you’re not supposed to put them in the dryer at all.

If this happens once, you may notice your leggings are a little snugger after. With wear, they should return to their original size. But do try to avoid repeating the mistake too many times or you might do serious damage. It’s also worth noting that they may not shrink equally all over. 

You may end up with too-short legs or a waist that pinches, but have bagginess in other areas.

Leggings Can Lose Elasticity in the Dryer

Spandex clothing is more likely to lose elasticity as it ages than to shrink. Every time you wear your leggings you stretch them. And as they relax and mold themselves to your body and movements, they’ll eventually stop bouncing back to their original shape. This is the unfortunate truth of any clothing with elastication; it eventually gives out.

However, heat can really speed up that process. It seems at odds with the last point about shrinkage. The heat of the dryer can cause material to shrink, but it can also cause elastic to snap. You’ll sometimes be able to see this with the naked eye; little elastic “stubble” will appear on the garment. When the elastic breaks, the item can not return to its original shape. It’s just like a rubber band that has lost its elasticity. It will become baggy and ill-fitting.

They Become Transparent

If your leggings shrink in the dryer and you stretch them again when you wear them, they may start to become transparent. Stretching leggings that are too small is a sure way to make them more see-through.

Leggings should NEVER be see-through; they should be completely opaque. But old leggings can start to become opaque when they haven’t been properly cared for, or when they’ve been worn threadbare.

The Damage Gets Worse the More You Repeat it

You may not think you’ve damaged your leggings with one dryer cycle. And although you might get away with one time, repeating this behaviour will definitely start to show. So, even if you get away with the dryer once, don’t be emboldened to continue to ignore the care instructions.

But What If You Want Leggings  to Shrink?

As mentioned, leggings or yoga pants will get baggy over time. So you might think: “Nothing to lose, might as well try to shrink them in the dryer.” 

Unfortunately, it’s not that straightforward. After all, it’s unlikely that your leggings are equally loose all over. Maybe they’re loose around the butt or knees, but fit perfectly on the waist…

If you're trying to shrink leggings with a dryer cycle, you can’t target specific areas of the garment. You might find the waist you didn’t want to change shrinks too much. Meanwhile, the baggy ass and knees might still be baggy. Point is: You’ll be lucky if you get the specific kind of shrinkage you want. Odds are you’ll end up with something just as ill-fitting, but in new ways.

Other Care Instructions for Leggings

Beyond avoiding the dryer, there are some other recommendations for caring for your leggings:

Wash Your Leggings As Frequently as Underwear 

Leggings are worn right next to the skin (and the groin). What’s more, workout or gym leggings are designed specifically to be moisture wicking. Those damp, sweaty fabrics are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and odor.  So wash your leggings gently, but frequently.

I usually think about it the same way I think about my bras: If I work up a sweat, 1 wear and it gets washed. If I’m pretty sedentary, 3 wears is fine. Also, don’t let a stale sweaty garment just sit in your laundry hamper or workout bag for a week (even a quick hand-wash can be a great solution).

Wash Leggings on a Cold Water Cycle

Hot washing machine cycles are great for tough fabrics that can really take it, and need a very thorough clean. But most garments with stretch need a gentler touch so opt for a cold water cycle on your washing machine.

This is because elastics can break under high temperatures (a hot wash can be just as damaging as a hot dryer). As well, it could just overall make your beloved leggings look a little grubby. So stick with the cold wash cycle or delicate cycle for your leggings

Protect Them From Getting Tangled in the Washing Machine

You don’t want your leggings to get stretched in the machine. So try to wash leggings with items of a similar weight (t-shirts, underwear etc.) If you do wash them with larger or heavier items (bedding, towels, sweaters), consider popping them in a mesh bag so they don’t get knotted up with these items.

Skip the Fabric Softeners

Fabric softener will leave a very noticeable residue on the top of your leggings. This residue can also dull and discolor your leggings. If you use softener in your laundry, make sure you separate the items you want to use softener on from your synthetics before you pop them in the machine.

Lay Leggings Flat to Dry

When clothing is wet, it weighs more. That means hanging leggings when they’re wet can stretch them out more. Instead, lay leggings flat to dry. You’ll be surprised how quickly leggings dry! 

Care Instructions for Knix Leggings

Here are our official guidelines for washing Knix leggings:

• Machine wash cold
• Do not bleach
• Do not iron
• Do not dry clean
• Lay flat to dry

Taking the time to care for your leggings (and other synthetics and delicates) will ensure they last longer!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.