Sweaty Dilemma: How often should you wash your gym clothes?

Should you toss your gym clothes in the wash after every sweaty session, or can they be worn one more time? How often should you wash your gym clothes? It’s a question many of us ponder, and recently, it’s even become a topic of national discussion, thanks to advice from the French government. According to France’s Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME), you might want to hold off—at least sometimes.

The French Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME), in a bid to conserve precious water and electricity, has suggested we might be overdoing our laundry. Their recommendation for gym clothes? Surprisingly, they propose wearing them up to three times before a wash, depending on the workout’s intensity and the fabric. The goal: save water and electricity, and reduce your household’s environmental footprint.

However, this advice has stirred up a bit of a sweat among hygiene experts. While the intention behind ADEME’s suggestion is commendable, the reality of modern activewear might call for a different approach. Many of our go-to gym outfits are made from synthetic fabrics designed to wick away moisture. While great for performance, these materials can also become havens for bacteria after just one sweaty session.  

Behind the Advice: France’s Bigger Plan

This isn’t just about laundry. It’s part of a larger shift in France’s environmental policy. Under the new Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law (AGEC), which took effect in January 2025, manufacturers must ensure that clothing and unsold products are recyclable, repairable, or reusable—and cannot be destroyed or incinerated

Even more impressive? The country now offers a “repair bonus” — cash incentives ranging from €6 to €25 to encourage people to mend clothes and shoes instead of throwing them away. It’s all part of France’s commitment to reducing textile waste and building a more sustainable, circular economy.

So, what’s the answer for our gym clothes? While the French government’s advice encourages us to think twice before automatically throwing everything in the wash, the consensus among hygiene experts leans towards washing gym clothes after each wear, especially if they’ve been through a moderate to intense workout.

So… To Wash or Not to Wash?

While skipping the laundry cycle might help the planet, it’s a personal call—especially when it comes to gym gear. For light workouts and breathable fabrics? Maybe you can stretch it. But for high-intensity sessions and synthetic materials? You’re probably better off tossing them into the wash.

Public service announcement ❗❗❗

Wash yo damn gym clothes before going to the gym. How do you wear used sweaty gym clothes from previous workout(s) to the gym? The odour I perceive sometimes is incredible 🤢🤮

— Sporting King (@sportingking365) June 6, 2023

Here’s a more nuanced approach to consider:

Intensity Matters: A light yoga session might leave your clothes less saturated than a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout.

Fabric Type: While synthetics can harbor bacteria, some natural fibers might also retain moisture and odor.

Your Body: If you tend to sweat heavily, washing after each use is likely the best option for hygiene and odor control.

Airing Them Out: If you’re considering a second wear (perhaps after a very light activity), make sure to hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. This can help reduce some bacterial growth

In the end, France’s message is clear: rethink habits, reduce waste, and make sustainability a daily routine—one laundry load at a time.

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