Care Guide

Our pieces are engineered to last hundreds of wears — when treated with care. Here's how to keep them at their best.

Washing

All of our pieces are machine washable. To preserve the fabric's structure, color, and stretch:

• Wash cold (30°C / 86°F or lower) on a gentle cycle.
• Place items in a laundry bag to protect seams and avoid snags.
• Turn pieces inside out before washing.
• Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent. Avoid fabric softeners — they break down the elastane fibers.
• Wash with similar colors. Activewear blends can transfer dye in warm or mixed loads.

Drying

• Air dry only. Lay flat or hang on a non-marking line, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid tumble drying — heat damages elastane and accelerates color fading.
• Reshape gently while damp to preserve cut and structure.
• Most pieces are fully dry within 6–8 hours when laid flat.

Ironing & Steaming

Our pieces are designed to recover their shape without ironing. If wrinkles appear after travel or storage, hang in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes — they will release naturally.

If you must iron, use the lowest setting, with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never iron print, mesh panels, or branded details directly.

Storage

• Fold, don't hang — particularly for high-stretch pieces. Hanging stretches the shoulders and waistbands over time.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
• For long-term storage, keep pieces in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.
• Avoid storing wet or damp pieces — even briefly. Moisture breaks down technical fibers.

Between Wears

You don't need to wash after every wear. Air your pieces after use, and wash when needed. This extends fabric life and preserves color saturation.

For light sweat or short wear, hang to air for 12–24 hours before storing.

What to Avoid

• Velcro and rough surfaces — sit on a clean, smooth surface in gyms or studios to avoid pilling.
• Chlorine and salt water — these degrade elastane quickly. Rinse immediately after any pool or beach exposure.
• Direct heat — radiators, heaters, hot pavement. All accelerate fabric breakdown.
• Self-tanner and body oils — apply at least 30 minutes before dressing to avoid staining.

Expected Lifespan

With proper care, our pieces are built to maintain their structure, color, and stretch through hundreds of wash cycles. We've tested each piece through 50+ cycles before release — what you receive is built to outlast its season.

If you ever notice a manufacturing defect, contact us at hello@watershedwear.com within 30 days of delivery. We'll replace or refund without question.

Questions?