Care tips for Your Cycling Apparel

Why Performance Apparel Matters

With so many options on the market, you may have wondered why performance wear is the best choice for sports. While cotton struggles to wick away moisture (if it does at all), performance apparel excels at it.

Depending on the material, these garments can be wind-resistant, breathable, and water-resistant or even waterproof. Perfect for your 2025 cycling vacation with Eurobike.

The right Preparation

As with everything in life, preparation is key - and the same goes for caring for your cycling apparel. Before it heads to the washing machine, make sure all pockets are empty, the clothing is turned inside out, and all zippers and closures are secured.

Check the Care Label

It’s always a good idea to take a close look at the care label, and this advice is even more important when it comes to performance wear. Typically, the clothing can be washed at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius on a gentle cycle. If your washing machine has a specific sports program, even better. If your gear got particularly dirty during your last ride, a pre-wash by hand can help remove stubborn stains.

Fruit basket with employee in the background

Say Goodbye to Fabric Softener

Performance apparel is often made from special materials that don’t react well with fabric softener. The water-repellent properties can be damaged by softening agents, which won’t help the longevity of your cycling gear. Instead, opt for specialized detergents designed for sportswear and avoid aggressive stain removers during pre-treatment.

Be especially careful with merino wool. It should be washed less frequently and aired out well to avoid damaging the sensitive natural fibers.

Properly Drying Performance Wear

Once your gear is clean and fresh from the washing machine, the care label will tell you the best way to dry your performance apparel. While some items can go in the dryer, most clothing dries best when air-dried gently. This is not only better for the environment but also a more energy-efficient alternative to using the dryer.

Cyclists on a gravel path with Lake Riegsee in the background

Waterproofing Your Clothing

Is your clothing made from water- or windproof fabrics? With frequent wear and washing, the protective coating may wear off over time. You can easily check if it’s still effective by dropping a few water droplets onto the fabric. If the droplets bead up and roll off, the waterproofing is still intact. If not, it’s time to reapply the protection.

despite light rain a couple enjoys the river and they sit on a wall

A Quick Guide to Washing Symbols

Washing on a Gentle Cycle

If your clothing should be washed on a gentle cycle, you’ll find a symbol of a wash tub with a temperature indicator and a single line underneath on the care label.

Hand Wash

A symbol of a wash tub with a hand inside indicates that you should wash the garment by hand only.

Do Not Tumble Dry

The symbol for do not tumble dry is a square with a circle inside it, crossed out. It’s best to hang your clothing on the clothesline to dry.

Care Tips for Your Cycling Apparel