Leggings are both a saviour and a deathtrap.
A while ago we realised the awful effects of wearing your leggings all the timebut even since then, I haven’t stopped wearing mine.
Leggings are perfect for when you want to flake on the couch, eat a big dinner or watch a marathon of your favourite shows on Netflix… And erm, for exercising too, which is what they’re originally designed for.
The only problem many women have encountered is that they smell a bit fishy and odd, even after taking them fresh out of the wash. What’s the deal with that huh?
Well, thanks to our friends at Refinery29, it’s been uncovered why your favourite pair of gym leggings might smell a bit crotch-y and its down to a few but understandable factors.
Your leggings may smell because they’re made of polyester. Polyester which makes your gym clothes stretchy, is known for keeping sweat in, closer to the pores. Polyester absorbs the sweat you may produce while working out and when it comes to washing out that nasty sweat, polyester is also known for being water repellant. We can’t win.
Your leggings might be whiffy either because generally, clothes just get smelly over time. It sounds ridiculous yes but a buildup of different sweats (bleugh) means a pair of old, smelly leggings just need to be thrown away.
Your leggings may be stinky because they’re a certain colour. After giving a survey to women suffering the smelly leggings problem, Professor at University of Alberta Rachel McQueen said many reported items of clothing in the colour black being the most smelly.
Your leggings might smell because they’re not made of fine merino wool.The wool releases moisture and odormuch faster than polyester.
Your leggings could be stinking either because you’re not washing them properly either! As many leggings are made of polyester and resist water, a spin in the washing machine isn’t enough to get rid of sweat. Natural bacteria killers such as vinegar, vodka, or tea tree oil are recommended instead to make sure your leggings don’t smell of crotch.
FAQs
Your leggings might smell because they're not made of fine merino wool. The wool releases moisture and odor much faster than polyester. Your leggings could be stinking either because you're not washing them properly either!
Why do my leggings have a weird smell? ›
“If body oils and bacteria are still embedded in the fibers, the clothes are still going to smell after your body warms up the bacteria trapped in the fibers and releases the odors into the air,” Leverette explains.
Why can I smell my discharge through my leggings? ›
Lycra and spandex undergarments and yoga pants are not very breathable and can trap organisms around the vulva area, producing more odor.
Why does lululemon smell weird? ›
IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S THE BACTERIA
You push your body to earn that endorphin-induced high that you love, and you and your clothes get sweat soaked along the way. Naturally occurring bacteria on your body feed on the sweat, which creates that stinky athletic aroma that builds up in your workout clothes over time.
How to get bad smell out of leggings? ›
How to Wash Smelly Activewear. Blast away malodor following these steps. Soak the workout gear in a mix of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts cold water immediately after wearing them for a few hours—about four to five is fine. Alternatively, you can soak clothes in powdered oxygen bleach.
Why do some pants smell bad? ›
The fibers in the clothes we wear can trap and hold onto bacteria, which emits nasty odors and sour smells. Synthetic fabrics that are common in many wardrobes — such as polyester, spandex and rayon — are especially prone to trapping bacteria and odors in clothing.
Why do my leggings smell after drying? ›
If your fresh laundry smells musty after it dries, that's mildew. If there's bacteria, sweat, and oil caked into your clothes, and they get wet without drying out all the way, that damp mixture can turn into mildew. Basically, a microscopic fungus starts growing in your clothes.
Why did Lululemon get in trouble? ›
Wilson stepped down as Lululemon chairman in 2013 amid controversial remarks regarding birth control and his support of libertarian philosopher Ayn Rand. He also said what motivated a scandal around the company's see-through pants that year was that “some women's bodies just actually don't work for it.”
Why can't you wash Lululemon leggings? ›
Lululemon's athleisure clothing line is very delicate when it comes to washing. Synthetic fabric is prone to pilling and stretching, and can even shrink if not cleaned following care labels properly. The garments can also see their elastic fibers wear out over time.
Why is Lululemon so pricey? ›
Lululemon uses high-quality materials and premium fabrics designed to be durable, resistant, and comfortable. The company also invests heavily in research and development, as well as in marketing, in order to build a strong brand image. All of the above contribute to a higher price point for its products.
Lint buildup can also be ignited by heating elements, creating burning odors. Carefully vacuum the dryer interior and thoroughly remove stuck-on lint from rollers and fittings. This should resolve the issue if lint buildup was the problem.
Should I wash leggings after buying them? ›
Experts say you should always wash newly purchased clothing before wearing it for the first time, as you never know what's hiding on the surface.
How to get smell out of Lululemon leggings? ›
Getting the smell out of Lululemon pants is easier than you might think. Start by turning your pants inside out before washing. This exposes the most sweat-absorbent areas directly to the cleaners. Use cold water and a mild, sport-specific detergent which is designed to fight odors without damaging the fabric.
Why does my clothes have a weird smell? ›
Damp clothing and dirty clothing that is packed together without proper airflow are breeding grounds for nasty-smelling bacteria, mildew or mold —all of which can contribute to bad odors that linger after the wash. To combat this, make sure your dirty clothes are dry before tossing them in a basket.
How do you get gas smell out of leggings? ›
Small amounts of ammonia, baking soda or vinegar can help neutralize the strong smell of gasoline. Be sure to test any chemicals on a small, inconspicuous spot on your garment to make sure it will not cause damage or remove any dye from the fabric.
Why does activewear smell? ›
Why does my activewear still smell after washing? Bacteria, sweat, and body oil can build up inside synthetic fibers, as their wicking nature allows them to absorb oil and hold it in. Traditional detergents may only mask the smell. A vinegar soak or washing them with activewear-specific detergent should help.
