Rashguard Care 101: How to Make Compression Gear Last
A good rashguard is an investment, and how you wash it matters as much as how you train in it. Compression fabric is built from stretch fibers that lose elasticity when exposed to heat, so the single biggest mistake is throwing it in a hot wash or dryer.
Always wash rashguards in cold water on a gentle cycle, and skip the fabric softener — it clogs the moisture-wicking fibers and reduces breathability over time. If you can, turn the rashguard inside out before washing to protect any printed designs from friction against other clothing.
Air drying is non-negotiable. Machine heat is the fastest way to break down the elastane in compression fabric, causing it to lose its snug fit and start sagging at the seams. Lay it flat or hang it in the shade — direct sun can fade prints over time.
Between sessions, don't leave a sweat-soaked rashguard balled up in your gym bag. Bacteria and odor set in fast in compression fabric, and letting it dry out before the next wash keeps both the fabric and the seams in better shape long-term.