How to Wash a Wrestling Singlet | Keep It Fresh

For the full breakdown, see our best Youth Wrestling Singlets guide.

A wrestling singlet takes a beating during practice and competition, and how you wash it determines whether it lasts one season or several. These fitted uniforms are made from lycra, polyester-spandex, or similar performance fabrics that hold up well to sweat and stretching — but not to heat, bleach, or rough handling. Follow the care routine below and your singlet stays tight, bright, and ready for the next match.

What’s The Best Way To Wash A Singlet?

Rinse and wash your singlet after every use, since sweat and skin oils break down elastic fibers over time. The winning routine takes about ten minutes of active time. Start by turning the singlet inside out to protect the printed graphics and reduce surface abrasion. Wash it separately or with like colors so zippers, Velcro, and darker fabrics can’t bleed or snag the material.

Choose cold water with a gentle or delicate cycle. Some guidance permits warm water, but never hot — heat is the main enemy of spandex and lycra blends because it damages elasticity and can shrink or distort the fit. Use a mild detergent, and seek out non-phosphorous formulas if you want the most specific protection against color fading. Skip fabric softener entirely: it attacks elastic fibers and leaves a residue that traps odor. Bleach is also off-limits, even on white singlets, since it weakens the fabric and dulls the color.

If the singlet is especially dirty or smelly, presoak it in cold or lukewarm water with detergent — and optionally a bit of baking soda — before the wash cycle. For blood or mat stains, rinse or pre-treat the spot right away, or wipe it with a wet cold rag if you catch it early.

How Should You Dry And Store It?

Hang the singlet to dry, line dry it, or lay it flat — the fabric needs airflow, not heat. Skip the dryer entirely, since even a low-heat cycle can degrade elasticity and cause shrinkage. Keep the singlet out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or vents, and never iron it; the heat will flatten the stretch and can melt synthetic fibers.

Once dry, fold or hang it loosely in a cool, dry spot. A singlet that’s cared for this way keeps its compression fit and vivid colors far longer than one that gets tossed in a hot dryer with a load of towels.

Washing Mistakes That Ruin Singlets

Most ruined singlets come down to a handful of avoidable errors.

• Hot water — shrinks and damages elastic fibers.
• Bleach — weakens fabric and fades both colors and white.
• Fabric softener — attacks elastic and leaves odor-trapping residue.
• The dryer or ironing — heat distorts the fit and melts synthetics.
• Washing with Velcro, zippers, or abrasive items — snags and tears the fabric.

If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, check the fit and stretch before your next match. A singlet that’s lost its compression or looks warped has likely taken heat damage that won’t reverse.

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