Why does the elastic/spandex on my jerseys and bibs keep getting malformed like this? My process is generally machine wash with cold water & high spin cycle, dry on low heat for 20 min and then hang dry. What am I doing wrong? I would expect this with high quality gear (rapha, assos).
by alpine_addict
40 Comments
Don’t use dryer at all.
You know how nearly all cycling gear says “hand wash and hang dry” and you did the opposite of that, so that might be your issue.
(For what it’s worth I machine wash low spin, it’s the tumble dryer that’s most likely giving you the issue)
Do not use heat.
You can wash it on delicate setting in cold water but never ever put cycling kit in the dryer. Always hang dry.
Don’t use a high spin speed for cycling kit, it’s for heavier, more durable fabrics.
I set my washing machine to 800rpm when I’m doing any sports clothing.
People say don’t use heat… That’s right.
But now to save them the only way I know is with boiling water.
Short video: https://youtu.be/KpqgtHN_7rE
Long video: https://youtu.be/eA11R0vRPbY
I’ve yet to purchase any of the higher end brands, like rapha, but I have a fair collection of more moderately priced name brand kit. Particularly trek/bontrager and have not had any issues with including my kits with weekly laundry without issue.
From the pictures I’d ask what size you are wearing and how snug was the fit before washing?
Not that what others are saying is wrong, but I put my cycling clothes in the wash and dryer all the time. This has never happened to mine. Maybe try not over-drying them, go with the gentle air setting.
U should be using delicate wash setting. Cold and short and med to low spin cycle.
After finishing dry on hanger never had any issues. Will expend the USA significantly.
It happens no matter what over time from the material being stretched. I have bibs that have been washed cold every single time and hung to dry and it’s still like that
Why high spin cycle? I mean look at it. It doesn’t take much to get the water out.
Gentle wash, hang dry. Or hand wash.
Dryers kill elastic. Every single time.
Do the labels say it’s ok to use a dryer? If yes then there must be something wrong with your dryer or you’re selecting the incorrect mode.
Why put anything you’re hang drying in the dryer first? What benefit does it give? Isn’t the whole point of a dryer that you don’t have to hang it? (I don’t own a dryer)
Looks like your jersey is one or two sizes too large.
This will always happen if you machine wash. Wash your kit right after a ride when you shower then squeeze excess water don’t twist then air dry
Don’t use the dryer… that’s what ruins it.
I always skip the dryer with any of my athletic clothes. Good wool cycling socks are to be treated to a hang dry, never machine.
Everyone in here saying the dryer is the issue – gf and I probably only hang dry our kits 1 out of every 3 times we wash them. Otherwise we are lazy and just toss them in the dryer and low heat until the auto dry function shuts it off (1+ hour). Neither of us have these issues with arm or leg elastic getting stretched out. Some of my kits are 5 years old and are still fine. 🤷♂️🤷♂️
What does it say on the tags?
You should use…Delicate cycle, free and clear detergent, hang dry
Hang dry only!!!!
i never use dryer
I only hang dry my jerseys
I think it could be your detergent. I also break the rules and machine wash/partially dry on gently with cold water, but one time my wife put in some oxyclean and the elastic got a bit messed up along the edge.
I just put mine in detergent water and hand spin a few times, then rinse and hang dry….stays new…
You *might* be able to get the elastic replaced by a tailor. Sewing stretchy and shiny fabrics is tricky and requires specialized machines and experience, but it’s definitely worth a question
You could possibly have it altered by a tailor, but it might result in a seam. You’d have to think where the seam would be less intrusive or where it might bother you more. Shouldn’t be much of an issue. In any case. I just air dry mine after the spin cycle in the washing machine, to avoid this.
Siroko jerseys ftw
I always put my stuff in the dryer, but at low heat
I put mine in the washing machine on wool/delicate setting. Low spin, then hang to dry, and they still fit like new – even my really old kit
You goofed man
Check the laundry instructions on the label. Look at the symbols. It probably has a circle in s square with a cross through it.
https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-read-laundry-symbols
I wash my stuff in the washer like anything else and dry it on whatever setting the dryer is set at and have never had trouble with any of my jerseys or bibs for the last thirty years.
Do you use a front loader or a top leader washing machine?
A good front loader will be more gentle. I use 30 degrees C, 800rpm “sport” mode, normal detergent, and hang dry inside or in the shade (!). Full sun bleaches. I never dry sports or nice clothes
Note, A heat pump drier is much gentler (and takes longer), so it won’t ruin your clothes when you mistakenly put it in either. Also uses way less power.
I’m cheap so my kit is old but never a problem with the elastic.
Low spin, hang to dry
Cycling gear dries in like 20 minutes if you hang it open. Don’t use a dryer! 😉
stop wearing plastic clothes
I think it’s telling you to stop skipping arm day /s
Do you use bug repellant with DEET? That stuff melts elastic too.
Dang dude how many kits and how long have you been doing this? Rapha through the dryer is a hate crime