Tights are a wardrobe staple for many, but they can be notoriously delicate. Washing them correctly is essential to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking fresh and new. Here’s a guide to the best way to wash tights, ensuring they stay in top condition for as long as possible.
1. Start with the Right Prep
Before washing your tights, it’s important to take a few preparatory steps:
- Check for Snags: Inspect your tights for any small snags or tears. If you find any, try to mend them before washing to prevent further damage.
- Turn Them Inside Out: This simple step helps protect the outer surface of the tights, which is often more prone to pilling and wear.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Placing your tights in a mesh laundry bag will prevent them from getting tangled with other clothing items, which can lead to stretching or tears. This is especially important if you’re washing multiple pairs or mixing them with other garments.
2. Choose the Right Detergent
Tights are made from delicate materials like nylon, spandex, and other synthetic fibers, which require gentle care:
- Opt for a Mild Detergent: Choose a detergent that’s gentle and free from harsh chemicals or bleach, which can damage the fibers. A detergent specifically designed for delicates is ideal.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: While it might be tempting to use fabric softeners, they can break down the elastic fibers in tights, causing them to lose their shape and stretch over time.
3. Washing Methods: Hand-Washing vs. Machine-Washing
Both hand-washing and machine-washing are viable options for tights, but each has its pros and cons:
- Hand-Washing: This is the gentlest method and is highly recommended for delicate or high-quality tights. Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and gently agitate the water. Let the tights soak for about 10-15 minutes. After soaking, gently rub any areas that need extra attention, like the feet or waistband, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Machine-Washing: If you prefer the convenience of a washing machine, it’s best to use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Always make sure your tights are in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from getting snagged or stretched.
4. Drying the Right Way
How you dry your tights is just as important as how you wash them:
- Avoid the Dryer: Never put tights in the dryer, as the heat can cause them to shrink, lose elasticity, and deteriorate more quickly.
- Lay Flat to Dry: The best method is to gently squeeze out excess water (avoid wringing them out, as this can stretch the fibers), then lay the tights flat on a clean towel to dry. You can roll the towel with the tights inside to remove more water before laying them flat.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Dry your tights in a shaded area, as direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken the fabric.
5. Storing Tights Properly
Once your tights are clean and dry, storing them correctly will help keep them in good shape:
- Roll or Fold, Don’t Hang: Hanging tights can cause them to stretch out, especially at the waistband. Instead, gently fold or roll them and store them in a drawer or a dedicated compartment to avoid snags from other items.
- Separate by Denier: If you have tights of various thicknesses (deniers), it’s helpful to store them separately. This not only makes it easier to find the pair you need but also prevents thicker tights from stretching or damaging more delicate ones.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to care for your tights properly can make a big difference in how long they last and how well they retain their shape and appearance. Whether you choose to hand-wash or machine-wash, using gentle methods and products will help keep your tights looking new, wear after wear. So next time you’re doing laundry, give your tights a little extra TLC—they’ll reward you by staying a reliable part of your wardrobe for much longer.
