Care, washing and storage instructions

We have provided some information that will be helpful for the use of cycling garments and their maintenance. Remember that, like every type of clothing, cycling kit is not made to last forever. However, by following a few simple but essential guidelines, you can extend your valuable garment’s lifespan.

Before the ride
Never use creams, embrocation liquids and products for warming up (winter) or sun protection (summer) under the garments made with elastic fibers. These products contains chemicals which lead to rapid fiber deterioration for all fabrics made with spandex.

Dressing
Technical fabrics must be treated with care while dressing. Many of the latest fabrics in Bib Shorts are woven for better moisture control and compression however the filaments of the weave can break when they are overstretched. We recommend that the Bib Shorts leg cuffs are rolled up when dressing and that you squat to get the shorts into position. Once the shorts are in position the cuff can be unfolded into position so the grip is against the skin or leg warmer.

After the ride
After each ride, hang the garments in a well-ventilated environment or wash them immediately. Do not hang the garments in the direct sunlight. Never store damp clothes in a non-ventilated environment (e.g. plastic bags, sport bag, suitcase etc.).

If your body has a tendency to sweat a lot, water-rinse the garments after each use to protect the fibers from bacterial attacks which might lead to fabric deterioration and then wash as soon as practicable.

Wash
Washing a garment means putting stress on fabric and seams. Therefore, wash cycling garments separately from other clothes/accessories to prevent friction. Before washing, turn the garments inside out (seams on the outside).
Machine-wash is possible but always use a wash bag, a delicate cycle and lukewarm water (max. 30° C). Do not use bleaches and/or softeners or wool wash. Use a mild liquid detergent only. Do not soak, wring or rub. Do not spin after washing. To remove excess water from your garment gently squeeze by hand. Dry garments flat or hanging, but do not tumble dry.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Fabric piling
Fabric piling does not occur by itself. It always is the result of abrasion. For this reason we suggest the following:

• Do not use embroidered saddles.
• Make sure the Velcro fastener of the saddle bag does not touch the shorts.
• Saddle designs which expose the top part of your seat post do cause "touching" and lead to piling.
• Do not wash your shorts or jerseys together with gloves, bags, rain jackets, etc. because of the Velcro straps!

Fabric deterioration
Sweat is toxic. On some individuals it's more toxic, on others it's less toxic. The phenomenon occurs because of bacterial attack. Due to their performance characteristics, the fabrics are delicate and deterioration eventually might occur. In order to minimize this problem, we recommend you water rinse the garment after each ride. Also, never store the garment moist or in a closed environment like a plastic bag.