As a self-proclaimed lululemon addict and picky shopper, I know firsthand how amazing a brand new pair of align leggings or a fresh align tank can feel. The buttery soft Nulu fabric is unlike anything else on the market, which is why aligns have become a cult favorite among yogis, athletes, and loungewear lovers alike.
But if you‘re shelling out $98 for a pair of leggings, you want to make sure you‘re taking care of them properly so you can enjoy that luxurious feel for as long as possible. Washing your aligns the wrong way even once can ruin the fabric forever – and no one wants to see their hard-earned money go down the drain like that.
That‘s why I‘ve created this ultimate guide to washing your lululemon aligns. As a consumer expert with over a decade of experience in the retail industry, I‘ve seen firsthand how proper garment care can make or break the lifespan of your activewear. I‘ve also spent hours researching the science behind textile care and interviewing lululemon educators to bring you the most comprehensive resource possible.
Whether you‘re a first-time align buyer or a longtime collector, you‘ll find everything you need to keep your aligns feeling amazing wash after wash. Let‘s dive in!
Understanding the Science Behind Nulu Fabric
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to wash your aligns, it‘s important to understand what makes the Nulu fabric so special – and so delicate.
According to lululemon‘s website, Nulu is an "ultra-lightweight and buttery soft fabric" made from 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane. It‘s designed to offer "unrestricted movement and a barely-there feel."
The secret to Nulu‘s unparalleled softness is its brushed surface. Unlike slick, shiny activewear fabrics, Nulu has a fuzzy, suede-like feel thanks to a mechanical brushing process that raises the surface fibers. This brushed surface gives aligns their signature "naked sensation" and also helps them wick sweat away from your skin.
However, this brushed surface is also what makes Nulu so delicate. Those raised fibers are prone to snagging, pilling, and collecting lint and pet hair.
The high Lycra content in Nulu is another key factor. Lycra is a type of elastane fiber known for its exceptional stretch and shape retention. In fact, studies have shown that fabrics with high Lycra content can stretch up to 7 times their original length without losing their shape.
This combination of stretch and softness is what sets Nulu apart from other activewear fabrics on the market. For comparison, here‘s how Nulu stacks up to some of lululemon‘s other popular fabrics:
| Fabric | Nylon % | Lycra % | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nulu | 81% | 19% | Ultra-soft, brushed, lightweight |
| Luon | 87% | 13% | Cottony-soft, medium weight |
| Luxtreme | 69% | 31% | Smooth, cool, compressive |
| Everlux | 77% | 23% | Fast-drying, cool, "next to nothing" feel |
As you can see, Nulu has a higher percentage of Lycra compared to Luon, but a lower percentage compared to Luxtreme and Everlux. This means it‘s stretchier than Luon but not as compressive as the other two fabrics. The high nylon content also makes it durable and sweat-wicking, but not quite as moisture-wicking as fabrics with a higher synthetic content like Nulux (81% nylon, 19% Lycra).
So what does all of this mean for washing your aligns? In short, Nulu is a high-maintenance fabric that requires special care to maintain its delicate balance of softness and performance. Wash it too roughly or expose it to high heat, and you risk damaging those delicate surface fibers and compromising the fabric‘s stretch.
But don‘t worry – with the right washing techniques, you can keep your aligns feeling like new for years to come. Let‘s take a look at exactly how to do that.
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Your Aligns
While it may be tempting to baby your aligns by handwashing them, the good news is that they are totally machine washable. In fact, lululemon‘s educators recommend machine washing over handwashing for most of their products.
"We always recommend machine washing our gear, even the delicate stuff like aligns and bras," says Sarah, a lululemon educator at the brand‘s flagship store in Vancouver. "Handwashing isn‘t as effective at removing sweat and bacteria, and it‘s easy to accidentally stretch out the fabric if you‘re too rough."
Of course, there are some important guidelines you need to follow to machine wash your aligns the right way. Here‘s a step-by-step guide:
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Turn your aligns inside out. This helps protect the delicate brushed surface from rubbing against other items in the wash and pilling.
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Zip up any zippers on other items. Exposed zippers are one of the biggest culprits for snagging and damaging align fabric.
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Always wash your aligns in cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water can break down the elastane fibers over time and compromise the stretch.
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Use a mild, liquid detergent formulated for activewear. My personal favorite is Rockin‘ Green Active Wear Laundry Detergent, which is specifically designed for synthetic performance fabrics. Avoid using powder detergents, which can leave a residue on the fabric and dull the color over time.
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Skip the fabric softener and bleach. Both of these products can damage the delicate fibers in Nulu fabric and shorten the lifespan of your aligns. If you need to remove a tough stain, gently work a small amount of detergent into the area with your fingers before washing.
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Wash your aligns with like fabrics. This means other synthetic activewear items like sports bras, athletic shorts, and tank tops. Avoid washing them with heavy cotton items like sweatshirts, towels, or jeans.
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Don‘t overload your washer. Aligns need room to move around in the wash, so stick to small loads with just a few items. If you have a large load, consider splitting it into two smaller washes.
By following these steps every time you wash your aligns, you can help prevent pilling, fading, and premature wear.
How to Dry Your Aligns
Now that you‘ve got your aligns clean, it‘s time to dry them. The best way to dry your aligns is to hang them up to air dry, either on a drying rack or a clothesline. Lay them flat rather than hanging them from the waistband to prevent stretching.
If you‘re in a rush, you can tumble dry your aligns on low heat. However, even low heat can weaken the elastane fibers over time, so it‘s best to stick to air drying whenever possible. Never use medium or high heat, which can shrink, warp, and damage the fabric.
How Often Should You Wash Your Aligns?
One of the biggest questions I hear from fellow align lovers is how often you really need to wash them. The answer? It depends.
If you‘re wearing your aligns for low-impact activities like yoga, lounging, or running errands, you can probably get away with washing them every 2-3 wears. However, if you‘re using them for high-intensity workouts where you‘re sweating heavily, you‘ll want to wash them after every wear to prevent sweat and bacteria from breaking down the fabric.
"Sweat and bacteria are the biggest enemies of activewear," says Sarah. "Even if you can‘t see or smell it, there‘s still bacteria on the fabric that can lead to premature breakdown and even odors over time."
If you‘re not sure whether your aligns need a wash, use your nose as a guide. Give them a sniff, and if you detect any hint of odor, it‘s time to toss them in the laundry.
Signs You‘re Washing Your Aligns Wrong
Despite your best intentions, there‘s a chance you might be washing your aligns wrong without even realizing it. Here are some common signs that your aligns aren‘t getting the TLC they deserve:
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Pilling: If you notice small balls of fabric forming on the surface of your aligns, that‘s a sign that they‘re rubbing against other items in the wash or being exposed to too much friction. Make sure you‘re turning them inside out and washing them with like fabrics to minimize pilling.
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Fading: Are your once-vibrant aligns starting to look dull and faded? This could be a sign that you‘re washing them in water that‘s too hot or exposing them to harsh detergents or bleach. Stick to cold water and mild detergents to keep the color looking fresh.
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Stretching: If your aligns are starting to sag or lose their shape, it‘s possible that you‘re hanging them up to dry improperly or stretching them out while handwashing. Always lay them flat to dry, and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric when wet.
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Odors: Do your aligns still smell funky even after washing? This could be a sign that you‘re not washing them often enough or that you‘re using too much detergent, which can leave a residue on the fabric that traps odors. Make sure you‘re using the right amount of detergent and washing after every wear if you‘re sweating heavily.
The Bottom Line
Washing your lululemon aligns may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn‘t have to be. By following these simple guidelines and paying attention to the signs of wear and tear, you can keep your aligns feeling soft, stretchy, and sweat-free for years to come.
As a picky shopper myself, I know how important it is to invest in high-quality activewear that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Aligns are definitely a splurge, but with proper care, they can be a worthwhile investment that you‘ll reach for again and again.
Just remember: cold water, mild detergent, no fabric softener, and air drying are your best friends when it comes to caring for your aligns. Treat them with a little extra love, and they‘ll return the favor by making you feel amazing every time you slip them on.
