How to Care for Sweatpants and Keep Them Soft
By Sergio Tacchini - Official Online Store | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to wash, dry, and maintain your sweatpants so they stay soft and last longer. Simple steps for cotton joggers and French terry fabrics.
Quick answer
Wash your sweatpants inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid fabric softener and high heat to keep the French terry soft and pill-free.
Why fabric softener can backfire
Fabric softener coats cotton fibers with a waxy layer that reduces absorbency and can actually make sweatpants feel less soft over time. For heavyweight French terry like the Nera Sweatpant, skipping softener preserves the natural hand feel and breathability.
The heat trap: dryers and pilling
High heat in the dryer can shrink cotton and cause the surface fibers to ball up into pills. Air drying is safest; if you use a dryer, choose low heat and remove the pants while they are still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
Step-by-step care routine for soft sweatpants
- Turn sweatpants inside out: This protects the outer surface from friction and reduces pilling. Zip any zippers and fasten drawstrings loosely. Always wash inside out to shield the fabric face.
- Wash in cold water on gentle cycle: Cold water prevents shrinkage and color fading. Use a mild liquid detergent — powder can leave residue on French terry loops. Skip fabric softener; add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften fibers.
- Air dry flat or tumble dry low: Lay sweatpants flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight. If using a dryer, set to low heat and remove while still slightly damp to maintain softness. Do not wring or twist wet sweatpants — gently press out excess water with a towel.
Product care insight
- Nera Sweatpant- Evening Sand: The Nera Sweatpant is crafted from premium heavyweight French terry with a relaxed fit. French terry is loop-backed and more prone to pilling if washed with rough fabrics or dried on high heat. Gentle care keeps the loops intact and the fabric soft.
Nera Sweatpant- Evening Sand
