Washing Your Lululemon Align Tank: Do's And Don'ts

The Lululemon Align Tank Top is made from a nylon and elastane fabric blend that requires special care when washing. To wash the Align Tank without ruining it, turn the tank inside out to protect the outer layer from friction with other clothes and to keep colours vibrant. Use cold water on a gentle cycle as hot water can break down the fibres and cause shrinking. Skip the fabric softener as it coats the technical fabric and reduces its moisture-wicking abilities. Instead, use a small amount of mild detergent and add a splash of white vinegar to combat stubborn smells. After washing, remove the padding and air-dry separately.

Wash with cold water

When it comes to washing your Lululemon Align Tank Top, washing it with cold water is the best way to go. In fact, this is recommended for most Lululemon clothing items.

Firstly, turn your tank top inside out. This will protect the outer layer from friction with other clothes and keep the colours vibrant. Then, fill your washing machine with cold water and set it to a gentle cycle. Hot water can break down the fibres and cause shrinking, so it's best to avoid it.

Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener, as this coats the technical fabric and reduces its moisture-wicking abilities. If you're dealing with stubborn smells, add a splash of white vinegar to your wash.

After washing, remove the padding from your tank top and air-dry them separately. Then, put the pads back in. Alternatively, you can roll up the pads and place them back in the tank top before hanging them to dry.

Air dry

• After washing the tank top, remove the padding or cups if it has any. This will help the tank top maintain its shape during the drying process.
• Gently squeeze or press the tank top to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting it, as this may damage the fabric.
• Hang the tank top on a clothesline or drying rack. Make sure to hang it away from direct sunlight, as sunlight may cause fading or discolouration.
• Allow the tank top to air dry completely before wearing or storing it. Depending on the humidity and temperature, it may take a few hours to a full day for the tank top to dry completely.
• Once the tank top is dry, you can put the padding or cups back in if desired.

Some additional tips for air drying your Lululemon Align Tank:

• If you're in a hurry, you can gently roll the tank top in a dry towel to absorb excess moisture before hanging it to dry.
• Avoid using a dryer or applying direct heat to the tank top, as this may damage the fabric or affect its moisture-wicking properties.
• Wash and dry the tank top with similar colours to prevent any potential bleeding or discolouration.
• Avoid using fabric softener, as it can coat the technical fabric and reduce its moisture-wicking abilities.

Wash bright colours separately

Washing your Lululemon Align Tank top, or any other garment, requires a bit of care to avoid damaging the fabric and to keep the colours vibrant. This is especially true for bright colours, which should be washed separately.

Firstly, it's important to wash bright colours separately to prevent colour run accidents and to maintain the vibrancy of the colours. When washing bright colours for the first time, it's best to wash them separately from older items, as the dye is still strong and may bleed. This will help to prevent any discolouration or bleeding dyes. After the first wash, you can continue to wash bright-coloured items with similar colours. It's also important to keep bright-coloured items away from other fabrics when wet to prevent fading or discolouration.

To further preserve bright colours, it's recommended to use a non-bio detergent that doesn't contain harsh chemicals that can dull the colours. Alternatively, you can use a laundry detergent with optical brighteners to enhance the brightness of your colours.

When washing bright colours, always choose the cold setting as lower temperatures will keep the dye in the clothing and prevent bleeding. Additionally, using cold water will save energy and money on your energy bill. If you need to wash your bright colours with warm water, you can use a colour-catching sheet to absorb any dye that may bleed.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your bright colours looking their best and extend the longevity of your garments.

Wash inside out

To keep your Lululemon Align Tank Top in optimal condition, it is recommended that you wash it inside out. This is because the inside of the tank top is where it gets the dirtiest, as it is exposed to sweat and body oils first. Turning the tank top inside out helps protect the outer layer from friction with other clothes, keeping the colours vibrant. It also helps to protect the buttery outer coating of the fabric.

Washing the tank top inside out is also important to ensure that the item gets properly cleaned. This is because the inside of the garment is where sweat and body oils build up, so turning it inside out ensures that the dirtiest parts of the fabric are directly exposed to the water and detergent.

In addition, washing the tank top inside out helps to prevent pilling and other damage to the delicate fabric. This is because the outer layer of the fabric is more susceptible to friction and abrasion during the wash cycle, which can cause the fabric to pill, stretch, or fade. By turning the tank top inside out, you can help to reduce the impact of these factors and keep your garment looking like new.

Finally, washing the tank top inside out can also help to extend the lifespan of the fabric. This is because the outer layer of the fabric is more susceptible to wear and tear over time. By reducing the amount of abrasion and friction that the outer layer is exposed to, you can help to preserve the fabric and keep it in good condition for longer.

Therefore, it is clear that washing your Lululemon Align Tank Top inside out is an important step in caring for your garment. It helps to protect the fabric, ensure a thorough clean, and extend the lifespan of your tank top.

Avoid fabric softener

To keep your Lululemon Align Tank Top in top condition, it's important to avoid using fabric softener when washing it. Here's why:

Fabric softeners are designed to make your clothes feel softer and reduce wrinkles by coating the fabric with a conditioning agent. However, when used on certain fabrics, including moisture-wicking activewear, it can do more harm than good. The coating left by fabric softeners can reduce the wicking abilities of technical fabrics like those used in Lululemon's Align Tank Top. This means your tank top may not be able to effectively wick away sweat and moisture, impacting its performance during workouts.

Fabric softeners can also cause buildup over time, which can lead to issues with your washing machine. This buildup can create an environment for mildew to grow, especially in front-loading machines. Additionally, the residue from fabric softeners can affect the absorption of towels and reduce the flame resistance of children's sleepwear.

Instead of using fabric softener, it's recommended to use a small amount of mild detergent when washing your Lululemon Align Tank Top. If you're dealing with stubborn odours, adding a splash of white vinegar to the wash can help eliminate smells without harming the fabric.

By skipping the fabric softener, you'll maintain the technical fabric's properties and ensure your tank top performs at its best for many workouts to come.

Frequently asked questions