Does ordinary washing usually effect the protective function of the activewear fabric?
Dirt, dust, oils and harsh detergents can all decrease the protective function of a garment. All these agents are humidity-friendly and therefore they may impair the garment’s water repellency and waterproofness. That is why manufacturers often recommend regular washings to help maintain the fabric’s protective functions. If a garment is washed according to the care instructions, there should be no serious damage to the waterproof/breathable fabrics for the first 50 washings. Washing the garment frequently may help to ensure that the garment lasts longer and wears and performs better. In addition, products such as “Scotch Guard”(see Note) are recommended for extended water repellency. Machine washing a garment is preferable to dry cleaning, for the garment as well as the environment. A garment’s color, especially if it is polyester, may blur if dry cleaned. Make sure that any activesport garment that is washed has been thoroughly rinsed of all detergents. Dry in the shade. After drying