Compression shirts are tight-fitting shirts made of spandex and nylon that provide compression to the muscles. They are commonly worn by athletes and people who are active to provide muscle support and improve circulation. As compression shirts are worn and washed over time, it’s natural to wonder if they lose their tightness and compression ability.
What causes compression shirts to loosen over time?
There are a few key factors that can cause compression shirts to loosen up with repeated use and washing:
– Fiber breakdown – The spandex and nylon fibers that make up compression shirts can break down over time with repeated use and laundering. This causes them to lose some elasticity.
– Loss of stretch – Compression shirts are engineered to have a certain amount of stretch and recovery. But this stretch ability can diminish with repeated stretching and use.
– Pilling – Compression shirts are prone to pilling, which is when small fiber balls form on the surface. This can affect the smoothness and snugness of the fit.
– Improper laundering – Machine washing and drying compression shirts, especially at high temperatures, can accelerate fiber breakdown and loss of compression.
Does the compression rating decrease over time?
Most compression shirts have a compression rating based on the amount of pressure they apply. This is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For example, a shirt with a rating of 20-30 mmHg provides firm compression.
The compression rating is mostly determined by the tightness of the knit and elastomeric fibers used. So while the fibers may lose some elasticity over time, the compression rating does not necessarily decrease significantly, especially with proper care.
However, compression performance may be impaired due to looseness from pilling, stretch loss, and fiber breakdown. So the perceived compression may feel less even if the rating stays the same.
Do they stretch out permanently or is it temporary?
In most cases, any stretching out or loosening of a compression shirt is temporary and reversible.
The spandex fibers may lose some elasticity over time, but they do not stretch out permanently. Compression shirts are designed to cling tightly and recover their shape.
With proper laundering methods and air drying, a loose compression shirt can typically be revived to regain its tight fit and compression. The pilling and fiber damage is not permanent.
However, compression shirts that are several years old may eventually lose some permanent elasticity due to fiber breakdown. But this is gradual, and shirts worn and cared for properly should rebound even after repeated use.
How To Care For Compression Shirts To Maintain Tightness
To make your compression shirts last longer and maintain their tight fit and compression, follow these care tips:
Hand wash in cold water
Machine washing, especially in hot water, can be harsh on compression clothing. The best way to clean them is by hand washing in cold water, which is gentle on the fibers. Use a mild detergent and wash similarly colored items together.
Hang dry
Never put compression shirts in the dryer, as the high heat can damage the fibers, causing them to stretch out. Always hang them to air dry instead to protect the elasticity. Hang drying also prevents pilling.
Use a garment bag for washing
A garment bag provides an extra layer of protection during washing to prevent pilling. Turn the shirt inside out and place in the bag before washing. Use a delicates bag for best results.
Don’t overwash
Compression shirts don’t need to be washed after every wear, especially if not heavily sweated in. Washing too frequently can unnecessarily degrade the fibers over time. Limit washing to once every 3-5 wears.
Avoid fabric softener
Fabric softener and dryer sheets can coat the fibers in compression shirts, affecting the stretch and compression. Use them sparingly or avoid completely.
Inspect for pilling
Regularly inspect shirts for pilling, which appears like small balls on the fabric surface. Use a fabric shaver or gentle razor to remove pills and restore smoothness.
Allow time to recover shape
After washing compression shirts, make sure to allow extra time for them to fully air dry and recover their original shape. Don’t wear until completely dry.
How To Regain Tightness In Loose Compression Shirts
If your compression shirts have already started to lose their tight fit, here are some tricks to revive them:
Wash with vinegar
Soak in a solution of 1 cup vinegar diluted in 2 gallons of water for 30 minutes. Vinegar helps restore stretch and elasticity. Be sure to rinse well.
alternate hot and cold water
During hand washing, run the garment back and forth between hot and cold water. This temperature shock helps the fibers tighten up.
Use fabric tightener
LA’s Totally Awesome fabric tightener can be added to the wash or used as a soak to shrink loose fibers. Soak for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Add salt to wash
A salt water soak can tighten loosened fibers. Mix 1⁄2 cup salt in 2 gallons of cold water and soak 30 minutes before washing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Air dry fully stretched
Attach shirt at four corners with clothespins and hang dry fully stretched out to pull the fabric tight again as it dries.
Iron on highest setting
A very hot iron can heat the fibers enough to compress them and shrink the garment. Iron on the highest cotton setting.
| Method | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Wash with vinegar | Restores elasticity in fibers |
| Hot and cold water | Shock causes fibers to tighten |
| Fabric tightener | Shrinks loose fibers |
| Salt water soak | Tightens fibers |
| Air dry stretched | Pulls fabric tight as it dries |
| Hot iron | Compresses fibers to shrink |
When To Replace Your Compression Shirts
As long as you care for them properly, compression shirts can maintain their compression and performance for 1-2 years or longer. But there comes a point when the fibers have degraded enough that it’s time to replace them.
Signs it’s time for new compression wear:
– Shirt is permanently stretched out and loose
– Compression feels very diminished
– Shirt is pilling excessively
– Elasticity is gone from the fabric
– Shirt is thinning or developing holes
– You’ve had it for many years
A compression shirt that’s a few years old likely won’t provide the same muscular support and circulation benefits as a new one. The compression action just won’t be the same.
Invest in newer compression wear every year or two if you wear frequently and want the maximum performance benefits.
Conclusion
Compression shirts can gradually lose some compression ability and tightness as the fibers break down over time. But this is a slow process over years, not months. With proper care like hand washing, air drying, and fabric pilling removal, compression shirts can maintain their shape and tight fit for extended periods. If your shirts become loose, remedies like vinegar washes and air drying stretched out can re-shrink them. Replace compression shirts once the fibers are permanently degraded or damaged after years of use.