Should You Put Leggings In The Dryer Or Hang To Air Dry?

Leggings are everywhere; they are versatile, comfortable, and flattering, and they come in tons of styles and colors. They can be the perfect accessory under a dress or just worn as casual pants with a t-shirt. If you're a legging worshiper like millions of others, then you will want to keep your leggings looking their best for as long as possible and make sure that you take care of them properly. One question that comes up a lot is whether you should put your leggings in the dryer or air dry them? We have searched the internet for you, and we have the answer you need!

Experts agree that you should not put your leggings in the dryer. The fabric that leggings are made from can be compromised in the dryer, so air drying your leggings is the best bet. 

Leggings are a great staple in any wardrobe, and if you dry them correctly, there's no telling how long they will last. Keep reading and learn how you can make your leggings go the distance!

Avoid Putting Leggings in the Dryer

Leggings are probably the most popular article of clothing out there, and if you're like most of us, you have a few favorite pairs that you would love to keep forever. Although they might not last forever, there are some steps you can take to properly care for them so they will last as long as possible.

It's always wise to err on the side of caution when putting clothing in the dryer, and leggings are no exception. No matter what brand you wear, if you check the label on leggings, they will all tell you not to dry them in the dryer. Instead, you should always air dry your leggings to keep them in their absolute best shape. Air drying will take longer than using a dryer, so it's important to wash and dry your leggings well in advance of when you will need them since this is not something you can do in a hurry.

There's no doubt that putting your leggings in the dryer is a bad idea, but you might be wondering why? The reason for this is because leggings are made from stretchy fabrics such as spandex and olefin, and when these types of fabrics are exposed to heat, they can be permanently damaged. Your leggings could actually lose their stretch in the dryer and might not ever look the same on you.

How Do You Air Dry Leggings?

There are several different ways to air dry your leggings, and all of them will work well. For the best results, you should remove your leggings from the washer as quickly as possible once the wash cycle is completed.

Once you hang or lay your leggings out to dry, it will take several hours before they will be ready to wear, so make sure you aren't in a hurry or you will be wearing them wet! You can also try and speed up the process by placing your drying leggings next to or under a fan. Pay close attention to the care instructions on the label since some brands will tell you to lay the garment flat when drying.

Use A Drying Rack

Drying racks are great for drying leggings. You can drape your leggings over the rack or lay them flat to dry. The racks can be folded up when not in use, so they are convenient for people who don't have full-sized laundry rooms.

This laundry rack is waterproof and can be folded up flat when you are finished drying your clothes.

Click to see this product on Amazon.

Hang Them Inside To Dry

In addition to a drying rack, you can hang your leggings to dry inside. One simple way is to use a hanger. Drape your leggings through a hanger and then hang them somewhere so they are away from other clothes and any items that might prevent them from drying properly. A good place for hanging your clothes to dry is on the shower rod; however, you'll want to make sure that your bathroom is not too hot or damp when you are air drying your leggings.

You can also buy an indoor clothesline like the JOOM Retractable Clothesline. With an indoor clothesline, you have a convenient place to hang your clothes to dry, and this product is great because it can easily be taken down and stored when it isn't in use.

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

Hang Them Outside To Dry

Many people like drying their clothes outdoors in the fresh air, and if you prefer this method, you can absolutely dry your leggings this way. Obviously, high heat isn't good for your leggings, but if it isn't excessively hot outside and the sun isn't beating down on your clothing, hanging your leggings on a clothesline outside is a great way to dry them.

How Do You Dry Leggings Quickly?

So what to do if you need your leggings in a hurry and you just don't have the time to air dry them? Although it is definitely not recommended, if you absolutely must have your leggings as soon as possible, you can put your leggings in the dryer on the lowest heat for the least amount of time possible. Take them out of the dryer as soon as you can, and avoid making a habit out of doing this.

Can You Tumble Dry Leggings?

Tumble drying your leggings is not a good idea. Look at any of the care labels on your leggings, and they will all tell you to air dry the garment. Don't ignore the care label--air drying is best. Not to mention, leggings can be expensive, and putting them in the dryer is the fastest way to ruin them and waste your money. Avoid tumble drying at all costs!

Do Leggings Shrink In The Dryer?

Experts agree, not only can the dryer ruin the fabric of the pants, but it can also shrink your leggings. Whenever you expose fabrics like spandex to heat, any number of things can happen, and shrinkage is just one of them. It's also worth noting that if you attempt to purposely shrink your leggings in the dryer since there's no way of knowing if the heat will actually shrink them or just ruin them completely.

Why Can't You Put Lulus In The Dryer?

A popular brand of leggings on the market today is Lululemon. Lulu--like most other brands-- does not recommend putting their leggings in the dryer. The care labels on Lulu leggings specifically state that you should air dry and lay them flat. They advise this because the fabric can either shrink or become misshapen from the dryer, and since these leggings are on the pricey side, it's a good idea to follow the care guidelines on the garment.

Long Lasting Leggings

If you want your leggings to last as long as possible, you should keep them out of the dryer! The dryer is just not good for leggings, and if you ignore the advice of the experts who all agree that air drying is best, the quality of your leggings will suffer. For more legging style tips, click on these great articles!

Can You Wear a Dress with Leggings?

Should Leggings Be Skin-Tight?