Wearing a new outfit to the gym that makes you feel great can be major motivation to work out, but activewear from top brands can be pricey! Whether you’re a bargain hunter or splurging on a matching set from Lululemon, we want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Here are our top five tips to extend the life of your favorites.

1. Wash ‘em ASAP

Heat, sweat, and dark places (like your gym bag or laundry hamper) are the perfect storm when it comes to letting odor-causing bacteria breed. Plus, dirt and sweat can break down the fabrics of your workout clothes faster. If possible, toss ‘em in the wash as soon as you get home or hang them to dry before putting them in the hamper.

2. Turn them inside-out

Turning your favorite shirts and leggings inside-out will protect those cute designs from the rubbing and pilling that happens in the wash. After all, who cares what the inside of your favorite leggings looks like? Get in the habit of turning them inside-out while you’re taking them off, and this one’s a no-brainer.

3. Wash your faves in cold water

Be honest: when was the last time you read the wash instructions on the inside tag of your workout clothes? If you check, you’ll probably find it says, “wash only in cold water.” Hot water can make your clothes shrink and break down the fibers in your best leggings.

4. Skip the fabric softener

Fabric softener can clog the “pores” of your workout clothes, which are likely already clogged with sweat, dead skin and bacteria. (We know, gross.) If your clothes are hanging onto a post-workout stink, try a laundry detergent made specifically for workout clothes. (We’ve had good luck with Rockin’ Green Detergent – and Tide makes a Sports wash, too.)

5. Air-dry

Just like hot water can be bad for your workout clothes, the same is true with the heat from your dryer. It can be a pain to hang your workout pants, tops and sports bras up to dry, but it’s worth it if you want to make them last.