How Often Should You Replace Your Workout Kit?
This is me in 2015, these are still my favourite pair of leggings ever.. I even have two pairs… you know what it’s like. You find a pair of workout leggings that fit like a dream, and before you know it you've had those babies for 10 years - and it shows. Yet you still wear them because they're the most comfortable with all the necessary function you love. We get it, and we definitely have our own veteran pair of leggings (or two).But a question that typically comes up is how often should you really be replacing your workout clothes? We're talking clothes that get excessive wear during some of those high-impact activities like running or zumba.
While we definitely encourage frequent new-outfit-shopping, we've put together a mini guide to help keep you on track for when it's time to retire those old leggings and bring in a new favourite pair!
So how do you know when it's time to replace your leggings?
Life Span: On average, a typical pair of workout leggings last anywhere between 6-8 months, when you're wearing them regularly during consistent activity. What do we mean by this? If you're wearing your leggings at least once per week, during any type of physical activity, then the life of them is going to be shorter than if you're just wearing them for everyday lounging and out and about running errands.
When to replace: Any pair of leggings that have been loved will start to age. You may notice the elastic begin to give, and you may have to start pulling them back up during activity. Sometimes you'll notice the fabric start to age a bit, and the hem around the thigh area may start to loosen.
These are all normal signs, and even the biggest names in active wear have this happen. It's really no different than buying a great pair of running shoes and having them reach the end of their life, too. All good running shoes have to be replaced after so many miles, and the same holds true for good activewear.
How to make it last: Cool wash leggings after each activity and line dry horizontally where possible to prolong elasticity. Choose a detergent that does not contain fabric softener, as this will prevent the fabric from wicking away sweat properly.
Shop all our leggings here.
How often should you replace your sports bras?
Your sports bras should be replaced about every 6 months. Now keep in mind, when we say "replace" - it doesn't mean you have to get rid of them. It just means you may want to swap out your older ones for some newer, that way you're getting the most support during the toughest of workouts.
How will you know it's time to replace your sports bras?
Life span: 6 months to a year
Similar to leggings, you'll notice your older bras won't feel as supportive as they once did. Meaning, you may start to notice some overall, “sagging”, unfortunately.
When to replace: Buy a new sports bra if you experience bouncing, the cups have become lax and are too big, or the band rides up in the back indicating that the bra is loose. Once the fabric has lost its stretch and recovery-meaning that when it stretches it doesn't bounce back-it is time to get a new bra. What once made you feel so locked in and secure, will leave you second guessing the outcome of some burpees at the gym. Hey, we're all ladies here. We've been there.
How to make it last: Choose bras that are easily washed and line dry to hold elasticity. And choose a detergent that does not contain fabric softener, as this will prevent the fabric from wicking away sweat properly. Rotating your sports bras-rather than wearing the same one every sweat session-will also make them last longer.
The best part about retiring old sports bras is the old faves can quickly become new comfort bras to wear around the house. And, it gives you an excuse to go shopping, which is always a great thing, right?!
Shop all our sports bras here.
How often should you replace your trainers?
Life span: About 8 months-or about 400 miles-for an average runner (10 miles a week)
Every runner is different, but a good pair of running shoes provides sufficient support for about 300 to 400 miles. Just because the soles of your running shoes don't look worn down, it doesn't mean they're still in good condition: The real wear happens in the mid-sole of the shoe, which is the spongy material that's usually made of air-injected foam inside the shoe under your foot.
When to replace: Pain-such as shin splints, knee soreness, or ankle aches-is usually the first sign that you need to replace your running shoes, but you can also find clues by examining the mid-sole. When it starts to look wrinkled or like a dried-up sponge, your shoes have hit their limit. Using a running app like Strava can help calculate the mileage you have run in each pair of trainers just record the pair when you save your runs.
How to make it last: Heat can break down the trainer's materials, so never put your shoes in the hot boot of your car or through the dryer.
When should you replace your regular workout shoes?
For all other gym shoes, you'll also want to follow that 3-6 month timeframe, but a simple way to tell if you're unsure is to flip them over and look at the soles. If you've worn down the tread, and if the structure of the shoe doesn't compress anymore when you squeeze or press down, then it's definitely time to go shoe shopping.
How often should you replace your gym accessories?
Yoga mats, water bottles, and headbands all need to be replaced, too! Your headbands will differ depending on how often you're actually wearing them, but yoga mats have an active life of about 6 months, and water bottles should be replaced each year!
Yoga mats tend to harbour germs, and when you're cleaning excessively with chemicals, you can break down the structure of the mat.
With water bottles, constant use will begin to break down the plastic in which they're made - so your safest bet is to replace after using for about a year.
Shop all our active wear here.
What tips have you learned when it comes to replacing your workout gear? Share them in the comments below!!
xx Team koko xx