How to Make Your Sportswear Last Longer with Proper Laundry Care Whether it’s a morning gym session, an evening run or a weekend fitness class, activewear works hard every day. From moisture-wicking fabrics to compression garments, modern sportswear is designed to support performance, but only when it’s cared for properly. Washing it the wrong way can cause fabrics to lose their stretch, trap odours and wear out far sooner than expected.