If you’re the kind of guy who instinctively tosses his gym gear into the wash after every session, you might be doing yourself — and the planet — a disservice. A new French government-backed study is shaking up laundry habits by suggesting that can rewearing workout clothes up to three times before a wash. Yes, really.
The reason for rewearing workout clothes? Frequent laundering consumes a ton of water and energy and breaks down fabrics faster, contributing to textile waste. It’s not just a Euro thing — the science checks out. According to ScienceAlert, each laundry cycle has a significant environmental impact, and synthetic performance fabrics like polyester degrade quicker with frequent washing.
But before you make rewearing sweaty shorts your new thing, here’s the catch: it all depends on how much you sweat, what you’re wearing, and where you’re working out.
Synthetic fabrics — like the ones in most high-performance gear — trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to those pungent post-leg-day odors. Studies have shown that bacteria multiply rapidly on damp fabrics, especially in warm, humid environments. That means if you just crushed a HIIT session in full polyester, it’s probably best to toss that into the laundry bin.
However, natural fabrics like cotton hold fewer odor-causing bacteria and may be more forgiving. For low-intensity workouts (think yoga, stretching, or casual walks), rewearing a clean-smelling cotton tee might not be the end of the world — especially if you air it out afterward.
Pro Hygiene Tips for Rewearing Workout Gear (Without Smelling Like a Locker Room)
If you’re going to rewearing workout clothes, follow these science-backed strategies to stay fresh — and fungus-free:
✅ Air it out immediately
Don’t ball up your clothes in a damp gym bag. Hang them in a well-ventilated area ASAP — ideally outside or by a sunny window. UV rays can help kill bacteria naturally.
✅ Turn clothes inside out
The inside of your workout gear is where sweat, skin cells, and odor-causing bacteria build up. Airing them out this way helps eliminate smells more effectively.
✅ Spot clean problem areas
Hit high-sweat zones like the underarms or waistband with a bit of alcohol-based spray or diluted white vinegar between wears. It kills bacteria without a full wash.
✅ Rotate your gear
Keep a few sets in your rotation. Even if you’re rewearing, giving gear 24–48 hours to fully dry and air out reduces bacterial growth and lingering odors.
✅ Choose smart fabrics
Opt for natural fibers or anti-odor tech fabrics like merino wool, bamboo blends, or gear treated with silver ions. These resist bacterial growth better than basic polyester.
✅ Store with charcoal or cedar
Toss a charcoal deodorizer pouch or cedar block in your gym bag or dresser. These naturally absorb moisture and odors without needing harsh chemicals.
✅ Freeze your gear
It sounds extreme, but putting dry, worn clothes in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight can kill bacteria and reduce smells. Just… maybe don’t do this with your roommate’s food.
Do NOT rewear these:
While you can rewearing workout clothes, socks, underwear, compression shorts, or anything that hugs your groin, feet, or rear. These areas are bacteria hotspots, and rewearing can lead to fungal infections or breakouts.
