How to maintain and wash your pole dance outfit without damaging it

Pole dance clothing is much more than just a piece of sportswear. It's made with technical, often delicate, materials designed to provide grip, flexibility, support, and aesthetic appeal. To ensure it retains all its qualities over time, proper care is crucial. In this article, we provide a complete guide to washing, drying, and storing your pole dance clothing without damaging it.

Why take care of your outfit?

Pole outfits are often made from sensitive fabrics like lycra, mesh, stretch velvet, or even technical materials with built-in grip. Improper care can lead to:

• Loss of elasticity

• Discoloration of fabrics

• Premature wear of seams

• Deformation of parts

• The appearance of pilling

By taking good care of your outfits, you extend their lifespan and preserve their aesthetic and technical qualities.

Step 1: Sort your outfits correctly

Before even starting to wash, you must separate the clothes according to their color and material :

• Wash dark and light-colored clothes separately to avoid color transfer.

• If you have outfits with rhinestones, laces, metal rings or delicate fabrics like mesh, put them in a laundry bag .

• Don't mix your pole outfits with your regular sportswear or jeans.

Step 2: Hand wash or machine wash?

Hand washing: the safest method

This is the ideal method for preserving the quality of your most fragile parts.

How to do it?

1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (never hot!).

2. Add a mild soap, without harsh detergent (such as special lingerie or baby detergent).

3. Let soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Rub very lightly on sweaty areas.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

6. Blot with a clean towel without wringing the fabric.

Machine washing: provided you follow a few rules

If you are short on time, you can use the machine, provided you take precautions :

• Use a delicate or sport program , cold or at 30°C maximum .

• Put your outfits in a laundry net .

• Select a light spin (max 800 rpm) .

• Absolutely avoid fabric softeners, bleach or perfumed products.

See also: The ideal materials for a pole dance outfit

Step 3: Drying, a decisive step

Tumble drying is completely prohibited . It damages fibers, alters colors and can melt certain technical fabrics.

Tips for drying your outfit properly:

• Air dry in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Lay flat on a towel to avoid warping.

• Never use thin hangers which could stretch the straps or seams.

Step 4: Storing your outfits

Proper storage also extends the life of your clothes:

• Carefully fold your sets and store them flat in a drawer.

• Avoid wet gym bags after training: air them out and wash them quickly.

• If you use accessories like rhinestone bodysuits, choose to store them individually in a soft pouch to avoid snags.

The most common mistakes to avoid

1. Wash hot : this breaks the fibers and destroys elasticity.

2. Use aggressive products : classic detergents, fabric softeners, perfumes are too corrosive.

3. Twisting or wringing too hard : this deforms the pieces and damages the seams.

4. Dry in the sun : the colors fade and the materials dry too quickly.

5. Leaving your outfit in a damp bag : this encourages bad odors and the proliferation of bacteria.

Bonus: maintenance of specific materials

Lycra and spandex

Very durable but sensitive to heat. Wash cold and dry flat.

Stretch velvet

Very aesthetic but delicate. Hand wash only. Dry flat in the shade. Never iron.

Mesh and tulle

Very fine fabrics that can snag: hand wash required and store separately.

Fabrics with integrated grip

These pieces are precious: use only mild detergent and avoid excessive rubbing.

Any doubts? Check out our personalized recommendations on Pretty Dancer Shop

Conclusion: A little effort for great sustainability

Maintaining your pole dance outfits is a simple habit that makes all the difference in the long run. By following these best practices, your clothes will retain their color, elasticity, and grip, while providing comfort and safety during every workout.

Need new, easy-care outfits? Discover our Pretty Dancer Easy Care collection , designed to last.