How to Stop Sergio Tacchini Track Pants from Fading

Quick answer

To stop Sergio Tacchini track pants from fading, wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, skip fabric softener and bleach, and air-dry them in the shade. For black track pants, use a detergent for dark colors and avoid direct sunlight, which fades dye faster than repeated washing.

Why Track Pants Fade: The Main Causes

Color loss on track pants rarely comes from one wash. It builds up from three things: heat (hot water, a hot dryer, or a hot iron), harsh chemicals (bleach, fabric softener, and strong detergents), and UV light from drying in direct sun. Abrasion from washing with heavy items like jeans or towels also wears down the surface fibers and makes colors look dull.

The fabric matters too. Velour has a raised pile that can flatten and lose its richness if washed aggressively, while French terry is more durable but still susceptible to heat and harsh detergent. Neither fabric needs special equipment—just a gentler routine.

How to Wash Track Pants Correctly

Turn the pants inside out and close any zippers or snaps. Wash them in cold water (below 30°C / 85°F) on a gentle or delicate cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Use the shortest cycle that gets them clean—every extra minute of agitation adds wear.

Never pour detergent directly onto the fabric; dilute it in the water first or use the dispenser. Skip fabric softener entirely: it coats fibers and can make dark colors look patchy. If you need to remove odors, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead.

Drying and Storing to Protect Color

Air-dry track pants whenever possible. Hang them or lay them flat in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sunlight is the fastest way to fade black and dark colors, so keep them out of strong sun. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the pants while still slightly damp.

Store track pants folded in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Avoid hanging them by the waistband for long periods, which can stretch the elastic. For velour, keep the pile from crushing by folding rather than hanging.

When to Stop and Choose Another Option

If your track pants have already faded significantly, no washing routine will restore the original color. In that case, consider whether the fade is uniform (which can look like a deliberate vintage wash) or patchy (which usually means it's time to replace them). If the fabric feels thin, stiff, or has lost its shape, replacement is the better choice.

For new purchases, choose darker colors if fading is a major concern—black and navy hide minor fading better than light gray or pastels. And if you want a pair that's easy to care for, look for French terry over velour, as it's less prone to pile flattening.

Fading Diagnosis: Symptom, Cause, and Action

• Symptom: Overall dullness and color looks washed out: Likely cause: Repeated washing in hot water or use of harsh detergent. Corrective action: Switch to cold water and a mild detergent, and add a color-protecting booster if desired. If the fabric still feels soft and thick, this routine can slow further fading.
• Symptom: Patchy fading, especially on folds and edges: Likely cause: Abrasion from washing with heavy items or overcrowding the machine. Corrective action: Wash track pants alone or with similar lightweight items, and use a mesh bag. Patchy fade cannot be reversed; prevent it on future pairs.
• Symptom: Color loss after drying in direct sun: Likely cause: UV exposure. Corrective action: Always dry in the shade, inside out. If already faded, no treatment will restore the color. Stop using sun drying for dark track pants.

Product Facts

• Volo Sweatpant-Mediterranea: The Volo Sweatpant is made from soft and durable French terry fabric and features bold color block details at the side legs. French terry is more resistant to pile flattening than velour, so it holds color and shape well with proper care. The color block details mean you should wash inside out to protect the contrast.
• Viaggioa Track Jacket- Heron: The Viaggioa Track Jacket is crafted from plush stretch velour and features rib-knit trims with a double stripe. Velour needs gentler washing to avoid crushing the pile and fading the rich color. The rib-knit trims can snag, so use a mesh bag if washing with other items.