How to Wash Competition Board Shorts (Without Ruining Them)
How to Wash Competition Board Shorts (Without Ruining Them)
Competition board shorts aren't cheap, and they're not supposed to be replaced every show. Treated correctly, a good pair lasts multiple seasons. Treated incorrectly — one hot wash, one tumble dry — and the fit and shape you bought are gone.
Here is the exact process for washing, drying, and maintaining competition board shorts so they look and perform the same at show 10 as they did at show 1.
Dos and don'ts at a glance
✓ Do
- Wash in cold water
- Use gentle cycle
- Turn inside out before washing
- Use mild, performance-fabric-safe detergent
- Air dry flat or hung
- Rinse immediately after competition
- Store flat or loosely rolled
✗ Don't
- Use hot water
- Tumble dry
- Use bleach
- Use fabric softener
- Iron directly
- Leave soaked in tan or sweat
- Store damp or folded tightly
Post-competition wash process (step by step)
Rinse immediately
As soon as possible after competing, rinse the shorts in cold water to remove the bulk of the spray tan and sweat. Don't let them sit in a bag overnight — tan product continues to set in fabric and becomes much harder to remove after 12+ hours.
Soak any visible staining
If there's visible tan staining, soak the affected area in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent for 20–30 minutes before washing. For stubborn residue, a 1:4 dilution of white vinegar and cold water can help break down the tan without damaging the fabric.
Turn inside out
Turn the shorts inside out before putting them in the machine. This protects the outer surface — particularly the colour and any printed or woven detail — from abrasion during the wash cycle.
Cold wash, gentle cycle
Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle at 30°C or below. Hot water degrades performance fabric fibres, causes colour fading, and can shrink the waistband. Never wash above 30°C.
Use mild detergent only
Use a detergent designed for activewear or a mild standard detergent. Avoid biological detergents (enzymes can break down synthetic fibres over time), bleach (damages colour and fabric), and fabric softener (coats performance fibres and reduces their properties).
Air dry only
Remove immediately after the wash cycle and air dry flat or hung. Never put in a tumble dryer. If you need them dry quickly, press gently between two clean towels to remove excess water, then hang in a warm room. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure causes col...
Consider keeping a dedicated pair for competition only and a second pair for posing practice and training. The training pair takes the wear from repeated use; the competition pair stays in peak condition. This is the simplest way to extend the lifespan of your competition shorts indefinite...
Storage between shows
How you store your competition shorts between competitions matters almost as much as how you wash them.
- Always store clean and completely dry. Damp fabric left in a bag or drawer can develop odour and mildew that is very difficult to remove from performance fabric.
- Store flat or loosely rolled, not tightly folded. Compression folds in performance fabric can create permanent creases.
- Keep away from direct sunlight during storage. UV exposure fades colour even through a window over time.
- Keep in a breathable bag or drawer, not sealed in plastic. Performance fabric needs airflow during storage.
Frequently asked questions
How do you wash competition board shorts?
Cold water, gentle cycle, inside out, mild detergent. No bleach, no fabric softener, no hot water. Air dry only — never tumble dry.
Can you put competition board shorts in the dryer?
No. Tumble drying shrinks and distorts the fabric. Air dry flat or hung after every wash.
How do you remove spray tan from board shorts?
Rinse immediately in cold water. Soak visible staining in cold water and mild detergent for 30 minutes. For stubborn residue, diluted white vinegar (1:4 with cold water) helps. Never use hot water or bleach on tan stains.
Can you iron competition board shorts?
Don't iron directly. Use a steamer on low setting from 20cm distance, or hang in a steamy bathroom to remove creases.
How often should you wash competition board shorts?
After every use — training and competition. Rinse immediately if you can't wash straight away, and always wash before storage.
Performance Fabric That Lasts.
ALITE WEAR board shorts are built from competition-grade fabric that holds colour and shape across multiple seasons — with correct care. Treat them right and they'll be with you for every show.
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