Kit Care

Care Guide

Keep your pre-loved cycling kit in peak condition.

Great cycling kit deserves great care. Whether you've picked up a premium Rapha jersey or a trusty Castelli gilet, following these tips will help your gear last longer, perform better, and look sharper on every ride.

Washing

Most cycling garments use technical fabrics that require a gentler approach than everyday clothes. Here are the basics:

  • Turn inside out before washing to protect prints, logos, and external DWR coatings.
  • Cold or lukewarm wash — 30°C maximum. High heat damages elastane, Lycra, and bonded seams.
  • Use a sports-specific or mild liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents as they can clog technical fibres. Never use fabric softener — it coats the fabric and reduces its moisture-wicking ability.
  • Zip up all zippers to prevent snagging on other garments.
  • Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate items like arm warmers, base layers, and jerseys with lightweight mesh panels.
  • Wash cycling kit separately from cotton towels and jeans, which can shed lint onto technical fabrics.

Drying

  • Never tumble dry cycling clothing. The heat will degrade elastic fibres and shorten the garment's lifespan significantly.
  • Hang dry or lay flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade colours over time.
  • Don't wring out jerseys or bib shorts — gently squeeze excess water instead to preserve the fabric's shape.
  • Dry chamois-side out when drying bib shorts to ensure the pad dries fully, preventing bacteria buildup.

Bib Shorts & Chamois Care

Your chamois pad is the most critical part of your bib shorts. Proper care extends its life and keeps it comfortable:

  • Wash bib shorts after every ride — the sooner, the better. Sweat and bacteria can break down the chamois foam.
  • Never use fabric softener on bib shorts. It clogs the chamois and reduces moisture management.
  • Don't sit around in wet kit after a ride. Change out of your bibs as soon as possible.
  • Check the elastic at the leg grippers periodically. If the silicone grippers are peeling, a small amount of silicone adhesive can reattach them.

Waterproof & DWR-Coated Jackets

Many cycling jackets have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that can be refreshed:

  • Wash with a technical wash product such as Nikwax Tech Wash to clean without stripping the DWR.
  • Reactivate DWR by tumble drying on low heat for 20 minutes after washing, or iron on a low, no-steam setting through a thin cloth. This is the one exception to the no-tumble-dry rule.
  • Re-proof if needed with a spray-on DWR treatment if water stops beading on the surface after washing.

Merino & Wool Items

Premium merino cycling garments (common in brands like Rapha and Pas Normal Studios) need special attention:

  • Wash on a dedicated wool cycle at 30°C or hand wash.
  • Use a wool-safe detergent — standard detergent enzymes can break down wool fibres.
  • Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry — hanging wet merino can stretch it out of shape.
  • Between rides, simply air out merino base layers — wool naturally resists odour and doesn't need washing after every use.

Storage

  • Fold, don't hang jerseys and bib shorts. Hanging stretches the shoulder straps and elastic over time.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure degrades Lycra and fades colours even in storage.
  • Keep zippers partially open to reduce strain on the slider and teeth.
  • For seasonal storage, wash garments first, then store in breathable garment bags — avoid sealed plastic bags which trap moisture.

Repairs & Maintenance

  • Small holes or snags in jerseys can be repaired with a fine needle and matching thread before they become larger tears.
  • Loose threads should be trimmed rather than pulled — pulling can unravel seams on technical garments.
  • Pilling on merino or fleece-backed items can be gently removed with a fabric shaver or de-pilling comb.
  • Zipper care — if a zipper starts sticking, rub the teeth with a graphite pencil or specialist zipper lubricant.

Quick Reference

A summary of the golden rules for cycling kit care: wash at 30°C inside out, use liquid detergent with no fabric softener, hang dry away from direct sun, fold for storage, and wash bib shorts after every ride. Following these steps will keep your pre-loved cycling clothing performing beautifully for years to come.

Questions?

If you have any questions about caring for a specific item you've purchased from us, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help.