Breeches, Base Layers & Sun Shirts: The Ultimate Wash Guide Every Rider Needs
You just had a great ride. You're sweaty, dusty, maybe muddy.
Now comes the part no one thinks about: laundry.
Wash your riding wear wrong, and breeches lose grip, sun shirts stop blocking UV, and base layers trap odours. Wash it right, and your gear stays comfortable and functional for years.
Here's how.
The Golden Rule
When in doubt, wash cool and hang dry. Heat destroys stretch, grip, and technical coatings.
Breeches & Riding Tights
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash inside out | Use fabric softener |
| Use cool/warm water | Tumble dry |
| Hang to dry | Soak for hours |
| Zip/button before washing | Wash with velcro or zippers |
Pro tip: Inside out protects grip patches from rubbing against other clothes.
Base Layers & Technical Tops
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash cool (under 30°C) | Use fabric softener |
| Use sports detergent | Use bleach |
| Hang to dry | Tumble dry |
| Turn inside out | Use too much detergent |
Pro tip: Smelly base layer? Soak in cold water + white vinegar for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. Vinegar kills odour-causing bacteria.
Sun Shirts (UPF Rated)
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash cool | Use fabric softener |
| Use mild detergent | Tumble dry |
| Hang in shade | Stretch while wet |
| Wash after every ride | Soak for long periods |
Pro tip: Hold your sun shirt up to light. If you can see through it easily, it's time for a new one — the UPF protection is gone.
Riding Gloves
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Hand wash cool | Machine wash |
| Squeeze gently (don't wring) | Use hot water |
| Lay flat to dry | Tumble dry |
| Put on while damp to keep shape | Wring them out |
Pro tip: Stuff gloves loosely with tissue paper between rides to help them dry and keep their shape.
Jackets & Gilets
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Gentle cycle | Wash too often |
| Cool/warm water | Use fabric softener |
| Use liquid detergent | Tumble dry |
| Hang to dry | Use bleach |
Pro tip: If water stops beading on your jacket, wash with a tech wash (like Nikwax) followed by a reproofer to restore water resistance.
Never Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softener ruins technical riding wear. It coats synthetic fibres and:
-
Reduces breathability
-
Blocks moisture-wicking
-
Damages grip patches
-
Reduces UPF protection
-
Traps odours
Instead: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for soft, static-free clothes that perform.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Item | Wash | Dry | Never |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeches | Cool, inside out | Hang | Softener, heat |
| Base layers | Cool, sports detergent | Hang | Softener, bleach |
| Sun shirts | Cool | Hang in shade | Softener, heat |
| Gloves | Hand wash cool | Lay flat | Machine, heat |
| Jackets | Gentle, cool | Hang | Softener, bleach |
White Breeches: Special Care
-
Wash separately (always!)
-
Treat stains immediately
-
Hang wet in sunlight — UV naturally whitens
-
Never wash with coloured clothes
Final Word
Your riding wear works hard for you. A little care keeps it performing longer.
One rule to remember: Wash cool. Hang dry. Skip the softener.
What's your laundry horror story? Drop a comment — we've all been there.
