I need to tell you something, and I need you to sit down for this.
Last week, I was at my friend Morgan's house when I witnessed something that still haunts me. She pulled her beautiful Volaea skort—the one with the perfect pleats and that elegant drape—out of the washing machine. Then, without hesitation, she tossed it into the dryer. Set to high heat.
I gasped. Actually gasped out loud.
"What?" she said, looking at me like I'd lost my mind. "It's just a skort."
Just a skort. Those three words nearly broke me.
Here's the truth: your performance skorts are not "just" anything. They are sophisticated pieces of engineering designed to move with your body, wick away moisture, and maintain their structure through countless games. They represent an investment in yourself, your comfort, and your style. And if you're throwing them in a hot wash with fabric softener and tossing them in the dryer? You're systematically destroying that investment with every cycle.
There is ONE TRUE WAY to wash performance fabrics. Not a suggestion. Not a recommendation. A protocol. And I'm going to share it with you because I cannot stand by and watch another beautiful piece of athletic wear meet an untimely death at the hands of well-meaning but misinformed washing practices.
Key Takeaways
- Cold Water is Mandatory: Always wash performance skorts in cold water to protect the elastane fibers from irreversible heat damage, preserving the garment's stretch and shape.
- Use the Right Detergent: Opt for a gentle, pH-neutral detergent designed for delicates. Avoid harsh chemicals and enzymes that can degrade performance fabrics over time.
- Fabric Softener is the Enemy: Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets, as they clog the moisture-wicking channels of the fabric, permanently destroying its ability to manage sweat.
- Air Dry Always: The heat from a dryer is the fastest way to ruin your skort. Always lay flat or hang to air dry to maintain the fabric's integrity, fit, and performance for years to come.
Understanding Performance Fabrics: They're Not Cotton T-Shirts
Before we dive into the protocol, let's establish why Volaea's performance skorts require specific care. Performance fabrics are fundamentally different from the cotton t-shirt you've been washing on hot since 1997.
These fabrics typically combine polyester, elastane (spandex), and nylon in precise ratios. The polyester provides the moisture-wicking properties through a process called capillary action—the fibers are engineered to pull sweat away from your skin and transport it to the outer surface of the garment where it can evaporate. The elastane creates stretch and recovery, allowing the fabric to move with you and then return to its original shape. Nylon is often added for durability and a luxurious hand feel.
This specialized construction makes these fabrics breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable during intense activity. But it also makes them vulnerable. Heat breaks down elastane fibers. Harsh chemicals can strip moisture-wicking coatings. Fabric softener—and I cannot stress this enough—literally clogs the capillary structure that makes the fabric functional.
When you treat performance fabrics like regular clothing, you're not just being careless. You're undoing the precise engineering that makes them work.
The "Hyperfocus" Washing Protocol: My Non-Negotiable Guide for 2025
This is it. The definitive guide on how to wash performance skorts. Follow these steps exactly, and your apparel will maintain its integrity, performance, and appearance for years. Deviate from them, and you're on your own.
Step 1: Cold Water Only—And I Mean Only
Cold water is not a suggestion. It's not "preferred." It is mandatory.
Heat is the enemy of elastane. When you wash performance fabrics in warm or hot water, the heat causes the elastic fibers to break down. This process is irreversible. Once those fibers lose their structure, your skort will never fit the same way again. The waistband becomes loose, and the fabric loses its snap-back. That perfect silhouette you invested in? Gone.
I've seen it happen too many times. A friend of mine shrunk her favorite Volaea skort by washing it in warm water "just once" because she thought it would get cleaner. The elastic was shot within three washes, and the skort that once moved beautifully now sagged. The damage was done.
Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, breaking down oils and odors without heat. There is no performance benefit to using warm water for these fabrics—only risk. Set your machine to cold, every single time.
Step 2: The Right Detergent (and the Ones to Avoid)
Not all detergents are created equal, and your performance fabrics deserve better. For proper performance fabric care, you need a gentle, pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. I recommend options like Woolite Delicates or Tide Free & Gentle. These are the best detergents for athletic clothes because they clean effectively without harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, or enzymes that can damage synthetic fibers.
Why does this matter? Harsh enzymes can degrade the fabric structure over time, leading to pilling and loss of elasticity. Optical brighteners can interfere with moisture-wicking properties. Use a gentle detergent and measure it precisely; using too much leaves residue that traps odors.
Step 3: No Fabric Softener. EVER.
Let me be absolutely clear: fabric softener is the death of performance fabrics. Do not use it. Not liquid softener, not dryer sheets, not scent boosters. None of it.
Fabric softener works by coating fibers with a waxy film. On performance fabrics, this clogs the microscopic channels that allow moisture to move away from your skin. Once blocked, your skort becomes a sweat trap instead of a moisture-management system. This is not reversible. Once the softener penetrates the fibers, the fabric is permanently compromised.
Myth vs. Reality: The "Hot Wash" Fallacy
Myth: You need hot water to properly clean sweaty athletic clothes and kill bacteria.
Reality: As Volaea's Chief Tester, I can confirm this is a damaging misconception. Modern, high-quality detergents are engineered to be highly effective in cold water, targeting odor-causing bacteria without needing heat. In our lab testing, we've found that hot water's only significant effect on performance fabrics is irreversible damage to elasticity and fit. Sticking to a cold wash with the right detergent is the scientifically-backed method to get your gear clean while protecting its integrity and your investment. The belief that hot water is superior is a leftover habit from the era of less advanced fabrics and detergents.
Step 4: Air Dry, Always
The dryer is where good athletic wear goes to die.
High heat—even medium heat—causes synthetic fibers to shrink, warp, and lose their elasticity. A single dryer cycle can cause irreversible damage to the waistband and shape retention of your skort. The proper way to dry performance skorts, including pickleball skirts, is by air drying.
Lay your skort flat on a clean towel or drying rack. Reshape it while damp and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. Yes, air drying takes longer, but your skort will last exponentially longer and maintain its shape. It's the ultimate trade-off for quality and longevity.
Ready to experience gear engineered to last? Discover apparel that blends performance with enduring style.
Shop The Skort CurationCommon Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best intentions, certain washing habits can sabotage your washing athletic clothes routine. Here are the most common mistakes I see:
| Do This (The Right Way) | Don't Do This (Common Mistakes) |
|---|---|
| Wash with similar, delicate synthetic fabrics. Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. | Wash with abrasive items like denim, towels, or anything with zippers and hooks that can snag the fabric. |
| Use the exact recommended amount of a gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Less is often more. | Use too much detergent, which leaves residue that traps odors and reduces breathability. |
| Always follow the garment's care label instructions. They are based on the specific material blend. | Ignore care labels, assuming all athletic wear is the same. |
| Wash based on need. Air out after light use to extend time between washes. | Wash automatically after every single wear, which accelerates fabric degradation unnecessarily. |
Why This Matters: Protecting Your Investment
Quality performance skorts are not cheap. A Volaea skort represents a significant investment in your comfort, confidence, and style on the court, consistent with Volaea's design philosophy. These pieces are designed with advanced fabric technology and are built to last for years if properly cared for.
When you follow this washing protocol, you're not just preserving fabric. You're maintaining the precise engineering that makes these garments functional. You're protecting the elastic, preserving moisture-wicking properties, and ensuring colors stay vibrant.
Consider the economics: a quality skort might cost $80-$120. If improper washing destroys it within a year, you're spending that amount annually. But if you care for it correctly, that same skort can last for years. The small time investment pays for itself many times over. Beyond that, there's pride in maintaining your gear. You look good, you feel good, and you can trust your apparel to perform as designed.
Your Gear Deserves Better
My friend Morgan eventually replaced that dryer-destroyed skort. I walked her through this protocol, and now her new skorts look impeccable. She's become an evangelist for proper fabric care.
You can have that same experience. The quality and performance you expect from your Volaea apparel is achievable, but only if you commit to caring for it correctly. Cold water, gentle detergent, no fabric softener, and always air dry. These aren't burdensome requirements; they are simple practices to preserve your investment.
Don't ruin your gear through carelessness or convenience. Follow this washing protocol. It's the only way to maintain the integrity, function, and style of your high-performance apparel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I wash my performance skort in warm water just once?
We strongly advise against it. Even a single wash in warm or hot water can begin to break down the elastane (spandex) fibers, which are crucial for stretch and shape retention. This damage is irreversible and will compromise the fit and lifespan of your garment. Stick to cold water every time for optimal performance fabric care.
Q2: What's the best detergent for athletic clothes like pickleball skirts?
The best detergent for athletic clothes is a gentle, pH-neutral formula specifically designed for delicates or performance wear. Look for options free of harsh enzymes, optical brighteners, and fragrances, such as Woolite Delicates or Tide Free & Gentle. These clean effectively without damaging the synthetic fibers or moisture-wicking properties.
Q3: Why is fabric softener so bad for performance fabrics?
Fabric softener deposits a waxy coating on fibers. While this makes cotton feel soft, it clogs the microscopic channels in performance fabrics that are engineered to pull sweat away from your skin. This completely negates the moisture-wicking technology, essentially turning your high-performance skort into a sweat trap. The damage is permanent.
Q4: How often should I wash my Volaea skort?
You don't necessarily need to wash your performance skort after every single wear, especially after light activity. Over-washing can accelerate fabric wear. If the skort isn't visibly soiled or carrying odor, simply airing it out is often sufficient. Use your judgment based on the intensity of your play to find a healthy balance.
Q5: Is it really necessary to air dry my performance skort?
Yes, absolutely. The heat from a machine dryer is the primary enemy of elastane and other synthetic fibers, causing them to shrink, warp, and lose their elasticity. Air drying is the only method that guarantees the preservation of your skort's shape, fit, and technical features. It's the most critical step in long-term Volaea skort care.
