How to Wash Techwear Clothing: The Complete Care Guide for 2025

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Quick answer: wash it gently!

Wash techwear cold (30°C/86°F) on a gentle cycle with a mild liquid/tech wash. Zip/Velcro closed, turn inside out, run an extra rinse, then air-dry. For shells, a brief low-heat tumble (label permitting) reactivates DWR. Never use softener, bleach, hot water, or high heat.

Do this to keep waterproofing, breathability, and shape—then dive into the steps below for brand-specific tweaks and pro tips.

How to safely wash Techwear clothing: step by step

Caring for techwear doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these essential steps to keep your gear clean, functional, and looking sharp.

Step 1: Read the Care Label First

Every piece of techwear is built differently. Always check the label for brand-specific instructions before starting—this is your first line of defense against accidental damage.

Step 2: Prepare Your Gear

Empty all pockets, close zippers and velcro straps, and turn garments inside out. This protects coatings, reflective prints, and trims during the wash.

Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent

Skip regular laundry powder and softeners. Instead, use a mild liquid detergent—or even better, a specialized tech wash like Nikwax or Grangers that’s made for performance fabrics.

For pieces you wear every day, pairing a gentle wash routine with smart outfit rotation keeps fabrics fresh longer. If you need inspiration that still respects performance materials, explore our guide to everyday techwear and build a lineup that’s easy to care for.

Step 4: Set the Temperature & Cycle

Wash cold (30°C / 86°F) on a delicate or gentle cycle. High heat and harsh spins can shrink fabrics or break down waterproof membranes.

Step 5: Wash Separately or With Similar Fabrics

Keep your techwear away from lint-producing clothes like cotton towels. This reduces abrasion and preserves the sleek look of your garments.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Detergent residue can clog breathable membranes. Run an extra rinse cycle if needed to make sure your techwear comes out clean and functional.

Step 7: Dry with Care

Air drying is the safest option. Lay flat or hang, away from direct sunlight. For waterproof jackets, a quick tumble on low heat (if the care label allows) can reactivate the DWR coating.

The Golden Rules: Temperature, Detergent & Spin Cycle

• Stick to cold water unless otherwise stated.

• Always use a mild liquid detergent or technical wash.

• Choose a delicate spin cycle to reduce stress on fabrics.

Follow these three rules and you’ll already avoid 90% of common techwear washing mistakes.

Common Mistakes that damage your clothes (and how to avoid them)

• ❌ Using fabric softeners or bleach → clogs membranes and ruins coatings.

• ❌ Washing in hot water → leads to shrinkage and fading.

• ❌ Skipping zipper closure → causes snags and fabric tears.

• ❌ Overloading the washing machine → reduces cleaning efficiency and stresses seams.

🪐 Protect your investment—cleaning is just step one. Explore our range of techwear pants, jackets, and accessories built to last through every wash. 

How to wash different types of futuristic clothing

Type	Common Fabrics	Wash Temp & Cycle	Detergent	Pre-Treat / Special Steps	Drying	Avoid
Techwear Pants	Nylon, polyester, elastane blends; softshell	Cold (30°C / 86°F) on gentle or hand-wash	Liquid, fragrance-free; tech wash for DWR pants	Close zips; turn inside-out; spot-clean stains	Air-dry flat or hang; low tumble if label allows	Bleach, softener, high heat, overloading machine
Nike Techwear (e.g., Tech Fleece)	Poly/cotton blends, fleece	Cold (30°C / 86°F) gentle; wash inside-out	Mild liquid detergent; no brighteners	Zip up; dark wash with darks; mesh bag for knits	Air-dry; tumble extra-low if needed	Hot water, dryer heat, softener, ironing logos
Technical Jackets & Waterproof Shells	Laminates, PU membranes, ePTFE	30–40°C gentle, per care label	Tech wash (Nikwax, Grangers)	Close zips; rinse twice; re-proof DWR if needed	Air-dry; brief low tumble to reactivate DWR	Powders, softeners, stain removers, dry cleaning
Masks & Accessories	Neoprene, nylon, elastics	Hand-wash cold or delicate in mesh bag	Mild liquid detergent; tech wash for coated items	Remove filters; close velcro; spot-clean sweatbands	Air-dry only; reshape while damp	Bleach, wringing, high heat, ironing coatings

Recommended Products for washing Tech garments

Choosing the right detergent is just as important as the washing process itself. Here are the best products designed specifically to protect performance fabrics.

Nikwax Tech Wash: When and How to Use It

Nikwax Tech Wash is the industry standard for cleaning waterproof and breathable clothing. Unlike normal detergents, it removes dirt and body oils without stripping away the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.
➡️ When to use: whenever your jacket stops beading water or after heavy use in rain or sweat.
➡️ How to use: add the recommended amount into the washing machine, cold or warm cycle, no fabric softener, then air dry. For maximum results, pair with Nikwax TX.Direct to reproof the garment.

Grangers Performance Wash: A Reliable Alternative

Grangers Performance Wash is another top choice, often praised for its eco-friendly, bluesign®-approved formula. It’s designed to clean technical clothing while maintaining breathability and water resistance.
➡️ When to use: regular maintenance of pants, jackets, and softshells—especially if you want a sustainable option.
➡️ How to use: pour directly into the detergent drawer, wash at 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle, and allow the garment to air dry. Grangers also offers 2-in-1 formulas that clean and reproof in one wash, saving time.

SUPERX and Other Specialized Detergents

SUPERX and other niche detergents are tailored for brands like Nike Tech Fleece and other synthetic blends. They’re effective at removing sweat, odor, and stains without damaging elastane, fleece, or reflective prints.
➡️ When to use: for everyday washing of fleece, pants, or hybrid fabrics that need gentle but powerful cleaning.
➡️ How to use: dilute according to the label, use cold water, and avoid mixing with harsh cleaners or bleach. Perfect for techwear basics that need frequent care without losing performance.

🪐 Protecting your gear starts with the right wash. After cleaning, keep your look sharp with our collection of techwear jackets, pants, and accessories—built to last in any condition.

Advanced tips to extend the life of your wardrobe

Washing is only half the battle. To truly get the most out of your investment, these advanced care strategies will help preserve performance and style over time.

Reproofing and restoring waterproof layers

Over time, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) on jackets and pants wears down. Luckily, you can restore it at home:

• Spot test first: sprinkle a few drops of water on the fabric. If it soaks in instead of beading, it’s time to reproof.

• Wash with tech detergent: always start with a clean surface before reproofing.

• Apply reproofing treatment: use a spray-on or wash-in product (Nikwax TX.Direct, Grangers Repel). Sprays allow for targeted application, while wash-in covers evenly.

• Heat activation: a gentle tumble dry or warm iron (check the label first) helps bond the treatment to the fibers.

• Repeat when needed: frequency depends on use—urban wear may last months, heavy outdoor wear may need reproofing after every season.

Shells stay happy when you clean with tech detergent and reactivate DWR—then back them up with gear designed for real weather. If you’re upgrading, compare fits and features in our roundup of waterproof techwear jackets before your next wash cycle.

Air Drying vs. Tumble Drying: What’s really safe?

Drying is just as crucial as washing. Done wrong, it can undo all your care:

• Air drying: safest option. Hang or lay flat in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade fabrics and weaken coatings.

• Tumble drying on low heat: recommended for some waterproof garments, as the heat reactivates DWR finishes. Always check the care label first.

• Never high heat: shrinks fleece, weakens elastane, and can delaminate waterproof membranes.

• Hack for faster drying: roll the garment in a clean towel to absorb excess water before hanging.

Cold washes and low heat protect insulation and laminates—especially in winter. If you need cold-season armor that’s easier to maintain, check the durability notes inside our buyer’s guide to winter techwear.

Long-Term storage tips to avoid erosion

How you store techwear matters as much as how you wash it:

• Always store clean: dirt and sweat left on fabrics can attract bacteria and degrade coatings.

• Keep it dry: moisture breeds mold and odors. Make sure gear is fully dry before putting it away.

• Use hangers for jackets: helps maintain shape and prevents creases in waterproof membranes.

• Fold pants neatly: avoid cramming them into tight drawers to preserve seams and fabric tension.

• Store in a cool, dark space: direct sunlight fades colors, while heat can damage laminates and elastics.

• Avoid plastic bags: they trap moisture. Instead, use breathable garment bags if you want extra protection.

🪐 Taking care of your techwear is about more than just cleaning—it’s about longevity. Explore our durable techwear jackets, pants, and accessories that are built to last, wash after wash.

Why Techwear needs special care

Techwear is engineered gear. Understanding its unique materials and the risks of poor maintenance will help you keep every piece performing at its best.

What makes technical garments different (waterproof, breathable, durable)

Unlike regular fashion, techwear uses advanced textiles designed for performance:

• Waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex and PU coatings keep you dry while staying lightweight.

• Breathable laminates allow heat and moisture to escape, preventing that heavy, sweaty feeling.

• Durable synthetics such as nylon and elastane blends resist abrasion, stretching, and urban wear and tear.

These innovations are what make techwear stand out—but they’re also what make it more delicate in the wash. A single mistake can break down coatings or compromise the structure.

Performance starts with design. If you want to understand which constructions survive real-world washing and wear, meet the innovators shaping the scene in our feature on the best techwear designers.

Why regular detergent can ruin your gear

Traditional detergents are made for cotton, not performance fabrics. Here’s why they’re dangerous:

• Harsh chemicals and softeners clog breathable membranes and strip water-repellent finishes.

• Powder detergents leave residue that blocks pores, making gear less effective.

• Fragranced products can leave films that attract dirt faster.

➡️ The result? Jackets stop repelling water, pants lose their structure, and your investment starts to look and feel cheap. Using a dedicated tech wash prevents this silent damage.

Choosing gentle formulas isn’t just about longevity—it’s about footprint. Learn how mindful materials and care routines work together in our deep dive on sustainable techwear, from fibers to aftercare.

The emotional side: Protecting your Investment in performance clothing

Techwear isn’t fast fashion—it’s a serious investment. Each jacket, pair of pants, or accessory represents:

• Cutting-edge design that merges utility with style.

• High-performance fabrics that took years of innovation to perfect.

• A personal statement about your lifestyle and identity.

Letting all of that fade due to careless washing is like leaving a high-performance car out in the rain with no cover. By treating your clothing with care, you’re not just cleaning it—you’re preserving the performance, the look, and the statement it makes about you.

🪐 Your techwear deserves better than regular laundry care. Keep it looking and performing like new with our premium jackets, pants, and accessories—engineered for the long run. 

FAQ

Is tech wash really necessary?

Not always—but it’s highly recommended. Regular detergents can strip water-repellent coatings, clog membranes, and shorten your gear’s lifespan. Tech washes are designed to clean without damaging performance fabrics, making them worth it for jackets and pants.

Should I wash techwear inside out?

Yes. Washing inside out protects outer coatings, reflective prints, and zippers from abrasion. It also helps detergents reach sweat and oils trapped on the inner lining.

At 30 or 40 degrees—Which is better?

30°C (86°F) is the safest choice for most techwear. 40°C (104°F) can be used only if the care label allows it, usually for heavier-duty fabrics. Hotter cycles risk shrinking, delaminating membranes, or damaging water-repellent finishes.

Will techwear shrink in hot water or the dryer?

Yes—especially fleece and cotton blends like Nike Tech. Synthetic shells won’t shrink much, but heat can damage waterproof membranes. Always stick to cold washes and air drying unless the label states otherwise.

How do I remove stains from Nike Tech Fleece?

Spot clean with diluted mild detergent and cold water before washing. Avoid bleach or stain removers, which can fade fabric. For oily stains, a small amount of gentle dish soap works well.

Can I hand wash techwear or use a washing machine only?

Both methods work. Hand washing is safest for delicate items like masks, accessories, or fleece prone to pilling. For larger items, use a washing machine with a delicate cycle, cold water, and a mild detergent.

How often should you wash techwear?

Wash pants and fleece after 5–7 wears, but jackets only when water repellency fails or after heavy use. Over-washing reduces fabric performance, so airing out between wears is often enough.

Can you re-waterproof techwear at home?

Yes. Once water stops beading on the fabric, reapply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) with a spray-on or wash-in product. Always match the reproofing product to your detergent brand for best results.

How should I store techwear to keep it in good condition?

Store clean and completely dry. Hang jackets to preserve shape, fold pants neatly, and avoid stuffing gear into damp bags. For long-term storage, keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.