Bobbles on jogging clothes and the washing method that calms them
Short answer: Bobbles on jogging clothes appear when small fibres are rubbed up and tangle together on the surface. You can calm them with a gentle wash, inside out and careful removal, so the clothes look neat for longer.
Why jogging clothes get bobbles
Bobbles form where the fabric rubs against other fabric or against the body, such as under the arms, on the inside of the thighs and by the bag. Small fibres loosen and tangle into little balls. This is quite normal on soft, brushed fabric and not necessarily a sign of poor quality.
Wash inside out
Turn the clothes inside out before they go in the machine. Then it is the inner side that rubs, and the outer side you see is spared. Close zips and tie drawstrings so they do not catch on other clothes. It is a small thing that makes a big difference over time.
Wash with similar clothes
Avoid washing jogging clothes with jeans, towels or clothes with zips and hooks. Hard surfaces tear at the soft fibres and cause more bobbles. Wash them with other soft clothes instead, and look at a bamboo jogging suit for women if you want a set made to be washed often.
Use a mild programme and moderate temperature
Follow the care label and choose a gentle programme at a moderate temperature. A high spin speed strains the fabric, so choose fewer revolutions where you can. Use a mild detergent and not too much of it, so residue does not settle in the fabric and make it stiff.
Do not overfill the machine
When the machine is packed full, the clothes rub harder against each other, and that causes more bobbles. Leave room for the fabric to move. Fill the machine to about three quarters, and wash once more rather than cramming everything in at once.
Remove bobbles gently
If the clothes have got bobbles, you can remove them with a clothes brush or a fabric shaver. Work gently in one direction and do not press too hard, so you do not thin the fabric. Never use a razor blade on thin areas, and try first on a spot that does not show.
Dry in open air and look after the surface
Let the clothes air dry, or use a mild drying programme if the care label allows it. Heat and hard movement in the tumble dryer can make the surface rough. Turn the clothes when you hang them up, and look at a bamboo sweatshirt for women or a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt.
Frequently asked questions
Do bobbles mean the clothes are poor?
Not necessarily. Bobbles can form on many kinds of fabric, especially where there is rubbing. It is more a question of care and use than quality, but a gentle wash always helps.
Can I avoid bobbles completely?
Not completely, but you can calm them. Wash inside out, do not overfill the machine, avoid hard surfaces and let the clothes dry in open air. Then you get fewer bobbles and a neater look.
May I use a fabric shaver?
Yes, if you use it gently and follow the instructions. Do not press too hard and use it only when the clothes are dry and smooth, so you do not damage the fabric.
