Care Guide: Making Natural Fabrics Last

Natural fiber athletic wear is an investment worth protecting. With proper care, your merino wool, organic cotton, and hemp garments can last for years—often outlasting synthetic alternatives that pill, stretch out, or develop permanent odors. Here's how to maximize the life of your natural fiber wardrobe.

First rule: wash less frequently. Natural fibers, especially merino wool, resist odors naturally. After a workout, hang your garments to air out instead of immediately tossing them in the hamper. Many athletes find they can wear merino items 3-5 times before washing, reducing wear and tear while saving water and energy.

When you do wash, use cold or lukewarm water (30°C/86°F or below) with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners—they can damage natural fibers and reduce their performance properties. Look for detergents specifically designed for wool or delicate fabrics.

Machine washing is fine for most natural fiber athletic wear, but use a delicate cycle and place items in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. For merino wool, ensure your machine has a wool cycle that avoids excessive agitation. Hand washing is always the gentlest option if you have time.

Drying is where many people make mistakes. Skip the dryer—heat can shrink natural fibers and damage their structure. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring), reshape the garment, and lay flat on a clean towel to dry. For hemp and organic cotton, you can hang dry, but keep merino wool flat to prevent stretching.

Storage matters too. Keep your natural fiber athletic wear in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. For long-term storage, especially for wool items, use breathable cotton storage bags and add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths naturally—never use mothballs, which contain harmful chemicals.

Pilling can occur with natural fibers, especially merino wool, but it's easy to manage. Use a fabric comb or sweater stone to gently remove pills. This doesn't damage the garment—it's just removing loose surface fibers. Regular de-pilling actually helps your garments look newer for longer.