Leotards are a staple in gymnastics, dance, and cheer. They’re designed to move with the body, stay comfortable, and look polished under pressure.
But because they’re made from delicate fabrics, they need extra care. With the right washing and storage routine, you can keep your leotards looking new, lasting longer, and feeling great every time you wear them.
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use
The single most important step in caring for a leotard happens right after practice or competition. Sweat, chalk, and body oils settle deep into synthetic fabrics, and if left untreated, they cause odor, discoloration, and premature breakdown of the fibers.
- Rinse in cold water as soon as possible. Cold water helps flush away sweat and chalk before they dry into the material. It also prevents stains from setting and keeps the fabric’s elasticity intact.
- Do this even if you don’t plan to wash right away. A quick rinse buys you time and ensures the buildup won’t damage the fabric before you can wash it properly.
- Gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can stretch seams.
Think of this as “pre-treatment” for your leotard, it’s the foundation of good care.
Step 2: Hand Wash With Gentle Detergent
While tossing leotards into the washing machine seems convenient, it’s risky. Even on delicate cycles, machine agitation and spinning can stretch seams, snag embellishments, or weaken fabrics.
- Fill a clean basin with cold water. Hot or warm water can warp spandex and fade colors.
- Add a teaspoon of mild detergent. Look for products formulated for delicates, activewear, or baby clothes. Avoid bleach, strong stain removers, or anything with fabric softener.
- Submerge the leotard. Gently swirl the water with your hands, letting soap move through the fibers. Avoid scrubbing, which can weaken elastic.
- Soak for 10–15 minutes. This gives the detergent time to lift oils and sweat.
- Rinse thoroughly. Run cold water until it flows clear with no soap residue left behind.
Hand washing may feel time-consuming, but it dramatically extends the life of your leotard compared to machine washing.
Step 3: Handle Stains and Odors Carefully
Leotards encounter all sorts of stains, from chalk and makeup to body tape adhesive. Each requires a gentle approach:
- Chalk or dust: Shake off dry powder first, then wash as usual.
- Sweat and odor: For stubborn smells, soak the leotard in cold water with either a small splash of sports detergent or ½ teaspoon baking soda. Limit baking soda use—it can raise fabric pH and reduce elasticity over time.
- Makeup or deodorant marks: Spot-clean with a mild detergent and cold water. For makeup, a cotton swab dipped in oil-free remover can help—but rinse immediately to avoid residue.
- Blood (fresh): Rinse right away in cold water. Dab gently with an enzyme-based detergent until the stain lifts.
- Adhesive residue from body tape: Rub gently with a mild detergent. Avoid alcohol or acetone, which can destroy foil prints or rhinestone glue.
Always spot-test any cleaning method on an inside seam first.
Step 4: Drying the Right Way
Improper drying is one of the fastest ways to ruin a leotard. Heat and rough handling break down delicate fibers.
- Never use the dryer. High heat destroys elasticity and causes shrinkage.
- Do not wring or twist. This stretches seams and leaves the garment misshapen.
- Air-dry flat on a towel. Lay the leotard inside out, reshape gently, and let it dry away from sunlight, radiators, or heaters. Hanging a wet leotard can stretch the fabric.
Allow 12–24 hours for full drying before storing.
Step 5: Store With Care
How you store your leotards can be just as important as how you wash them:
- Fold neatly or lay flat. Avoid hanging them for long periods, which can cause shoulder straps to stretch.
- Keep them separate. Place competition leos with rhinestones or foil overlays in breathable garment bags to prevent snagging.
- Avoid plastic storage. Plastic traps moisture and leads to mildew or odor. Fabric garment bags or cotton pillowcases work best.
For travel, roll leotards gently instead of stuffing them into bags, and always pack competition pieces separately from training gear.
Quick-Reference Care Chart for Leotards
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Rinse immediately after practice in cold water to flush out sweat and chalk. | Leave a sweaty leotard unwashed in your gym bag overnight. |
| Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent or sports wash. | Use hot water, bleach, or strong stain removers. |
| Spot-treat stains gently with cold water and mild solutions. | Scrub, twist, or use harsh chemicals on delicate fabrics or foil. |
| Air-dry flat on a towel, away from heat and sunlight. | Put leotards in the dryer or hang them while wet. |
| Store flat or in breathable bags, especially for competition leos with rhinestones or foil. | Cram them into bags, hang long-term, or keep them in plastic. |
| Wash separately or with smooth synthetics in a mesh bag. | Wash with towels, jeans, or rough fabrics that snag. |
| Keep a backup competition leotard to reduce wear on your primary one. | Rely on a single leo for all competitions—embellishments wear faster. |
Special Tips for Competition Leotards
Competition leotards often feature delicate embellishments like rhinestones, sequins, or foil prints, which need extra care:
✅ Turn inside out before washing
✅ Spot clean after each meet; full wash only when needed
✅ Keep soak times under 10 minutes
✅ Use mild detergent only—no bleach or harsh cleaners
✅ Air-dry flat, away from heat and sunlight
✅ Store in a separate breathable garment bag
✅ Always keep a backup competition leo ready
In Closing
A leotard is both a performance tool and a confidence booster. Treat it with care to keep it looking and feeling its best. Skip shortcuts like dryers, bleach, or fabric softeners, and your leotards will stay in top condition for much longer.
