How to Make Your Cycling Kit Last Longer
Cycling kit has gotten ridiculously good over the last few years.
Better fabrics. Better fits. Better weather protection. Better breathability.
But modern performance apparel also needs a bit more care than just throwing everything into a hot wash after a muddy ride.
We get questions about this surprisingly often at Cranks — especially around bibs, jerseys, waterproof jackets and Pas Normal Studios pieces — so we figured we’d put together a simple guide with the habits that actually make a difference.
Nothing overly complicated. Just the stuff worth knowing if you want your kit to last more than one season.
First Things First: Wash It Cold
This is probably the easiest win.
Most cycling apparel is designed to be washed at low temperatures, and honestly, your kit doesn’t need a 60°C nuclear cycle after every ride.
30°C and a gentle spin is usually perfect.
It’s better for:
- the fabric
- the elastic fibres
- the environment
- and your electricity bill
Hot washes and aggressive spinning slowly kill stretch fabrics, especially in bib shorts.
And yes — avoid the tumble dryer.
It might feel convenient, but it absolutely destroys elastic materials over time.
Air Your Kit Out After Rides
One of the worst things you can do is leave sweaty kit crumpled in a bag for hours.
Hang it up when you get home.
Even if you’re not washing it immediately, letting it ventilate helps prevent bacteria buildup, smells and stubborn staining.
If the ride was especially filthy, rinse the worst of the dirt off quickly before it dries into the fabric.
Future-you will appreciate it.
A Few Small Habits That Actually Matter
These are the tiny things most people ignore until something expensive gets damaged:
- Zip jerseys before washing
- Empty all pockets
- Turn bibs and jerseys inside out
- Wash similar colours together
- Don’t overfill the washing machine
- Skip fabric softener completely
- Never use bleach
Simple stuff — but it genuinely extends the life of your gear.
Be Gentle When Putting Kit On
Especially with high-end race-fit apparel.
A lot of modern jerseys and bibs use lightweight compression fabrics and silicone grippers that work amazingly well… but they don’t love being yanked aggressively.
Instead of pulling from the shoulders or chest, guide sleeves and bib sections gradually into place.
And don’t overstuff your jersey pockets.
We know everyone does it eventually, but your lightweight race jersey probably wasn’t designed to carry:
- arm warmers
- a mini pump
- six gels
- a phone
- keys
- and a banana.
Waterproof Jackets Need Maintenance Too
A lot of riders think their rain jacket “stopped working” after a year.
Usually the waterproof membrane is still fine — it’s the DWR coating on the outside that needs refreshing.
(DWR = Durable Water Repellent.)
When water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking into the fabric, it’s time for maintenance.
The good news is it’s pretty easy:
- Wash the jacket properly
- Use a technical-fabric detergent
- Apply a spray-on DWR treatment
- Let it air dry
That alone can massively improve performance again.
Wool Deserves Extra Love
Merino pieces are incredible for riding, especially in Denmark’s weird in-between weather, but they need slightly more care.
Wash gently, dry flat, and avoid high heat entirely.
If pilling starts showing up, a fabric shaver or clothing brush usually fixes it quickly.
Final Thought
Good cycling kit isn’t cheap.
But the upside is that really good apparel can last for years if you treat it properly.
Most of the care advice honestly comes down to being a little less aggressive:
- lower temperatures
- gentler washing
- air drying
- and not treating your bibs like workshop towels.