Everything you need to know about laundry symbols, sportswear care, and extending the lifespan of your clothes.

Sportswear is made from technical fabrics that wick away sweat, dry quickly, and provide optimal comfort during workouts. To maintain these properties, it is essential to follow the care instructions on the label. On this page, we explain all laundry symbols and share practical tips to keep your sportswear looking great for longer.

Why are care labels important?

• The fit is preserved
• You prevent shrinking and wear
• Colors stay vibrant longer
• Sportswear retains its breathable properties
• Clothing lasts longer

Overview of all laundry symbols

Washing

Washing allowed: This means the garment can be machine washed.
Wash at 30°C: Suitable for light soiling and delicate fabrics.
Wash at 40°C: Suitable for normal use.
Wash at 50°C: Suitable for slightly heavier soiled clothing.
Wash at 60°C: Suitable for heavily soiled clothing and towels.
Wash at 70°C: Mostly found on workwear and special types of textiles.
Wash at 95°C: Hot wash (boil wash). Only suitable for highly heat-resistant fabrics.
Mild wash cycle: Use a mild or permanent press cycle.
Very mild wash cycle: Wash with extra care.
Hand wash: Gentle hand wash only.
Do not wash: Do not wash with water. Only professional cleaning allowed.

Bleaching

Bleaching allowed: All types of bleach are allowed.
Chlorine bleach allowed: Bleach containing chlorine may be used.
Oxygen bleach only: Bleaching allowed without chlorine.
Do not bleach: Do not use bleach. This is common for sportswear because bleaching agents damage elastic fibers.

Drying

Line drying: Clothing may be hung on a clothesline.
Drip dry: Hang immediately without wringing out.
Dry flat: Lay flat to dry. Suitable for delicate fabrics.
Dry in the shade: Prevents discoloration caused by sunlight.
Line dry in the shade: Hang in a shaded area.
Dry flat in the shade: Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.
Drip dry in the shade: Allow to drip dry naturally in a shaded area.

Trumble drying

Tumble drying allowed: Clothing may be put in the dryer.
Low temperature: Dry at a low temperature.
Normal temperature: Dry at a standard temperature.
High temperature: Dry at a high temperature. Rarely used nowadays.
Do not tumble dry: Do not put in the tumble dryer.

Important for sportswear: Much sportswear should not be tumble dried because heat damages elastane and technical fibers.

Ironing

Ironing allowed: The garment may be ironed.
Low temperature (110°C): Suitable for synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon.
Medium temperature (150°C): Suitable for wool and blended fabrics.
High temperature (200°C): Suitable for cotton and linen.
Steam allowed: Normal ironing including steam function.
Do not use steam: Ironing is allowed, but without steam.
Do not iron: Do not use an iron. Sportswear usually does not need to be ironed.

Professional cleaning

Dry cleaning allowed: Professional cleaning possible.
Gentle dry cleaning: Mild cleaning process.
Very gentle dry cleaning: Extra careful cleaning.
Cleaning with specific solvents: Specialized cleaning only.
Gentle F-cleanfing: Mild treatment.
Very gentle F-cleaning: Extra mild treatment.
Professional wet cleaning: Professional cleaning with water.
Mild wet cleaning: Careful wet cleaning.
Very mild wet cleaning: Extra careful wet cleaning.
Do not dry clean: Professional cleaning not allowed.

Washing Advice for Sportswear

Sportswear requires a different approach than regular clothing.

Do this

• Wash sportswear inside out
• Use a mild detergent
• Wash at a maximum of 30°C or 40°C
• Close zippers before washing
• Use a sportswear cycle if available
• Let clothing air dry
• Wash immediately after intense workouts

Avoid this

• Using fabric softener: Fabric softener clogs the fibers, causing breathable properties to be lost.
• High temperatures: Can damage elastane.
• Using the dryer: Shortens the lifespan of technical fabrics.
• Using bleach: Can damage colors and fibers.
• Ironing at high temperatures: Can damage prints and logos.

How often should sportswear be washed?

This depends on the activity.

After every workout

• Running gear
• Gym clothes
• Cycling gear
• Compression wear

After multiple wears

• Sports jackets
• Hoodies
• Tracksuits

Common Mistakes When Washing Sportswear

• Hot water damages elastic fibers.

• One of the most common mistakes.

• This gives bacteria and odors more chance to develop.

• Can warp and deform the fabric.

• Towels cause extra wear and lint buildup.

How to Keep Sportswear Looking Great for Longer

1. Always follow the care label.
2. Wash at a low temperature.
3. Do not use fabric softener.
4. Let clothing dry naturally.
5. Wash similar colors together.
6. Do not use too much detergent.
7. Avoid the dryer whenever possible.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Care Labels and Sportswear

• The garment may be washed at a maximum of 30°C.

• In most cases, no. Always check the care label. Heat can damage technical fabrics.

• Fabric softener can reduce the breathable and moisture-regulating properties of sportswear.

• No bleaching agents may be used.

• The garment must not be dried in a tumble dryer.

• Wash sportswear immediately after use, do not leave it lying around wet, and use a suitable sports detergent.

• The garment must be washed gently by hand and usually cannot be machine washed.

• This is usually not recommended. Always check the care label. Most sportswear is washed at 30°C or 40°C.

The dots indicate the maximum ironing temperature:

• • = low
• •• = medium
• ••• = high

Read the label from left to right:

1. Washing
2. Bleaching
3. Drying
4. Ironing
5. Professional cleaning

This way, you know exactly how to care for your clothes safely.