How to Wash and Care for Sweatpants and Track Pants to Prevent Pilling

Quick answer

To prevent pilling and keep sweatpants soft, always wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, use a mild detergent, and air dry flat. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat, as they break down fibers and cause fuzz. For cuffed styles, fasten any drawstrings and turn them inside out to protect the cuffs.

Sweatpants and track pants are everyday staples, but nothing ruins a cozy pair faster than pilling. Those little fabric balls form when loose fibers rub together during washing and drying. The good news is that with the right care routine, you can keep your bottoms looking smooth and feeling soft for years.

This guide walks you through the best way to wash and dry sweatpants, whether they're classic cuffed styles or relaxed track pants. You'll also learn how to handle specific fabrics like organic cotton and merino wool, so your favorite pairs stay in top shape.

Why Sweatpants Pill and How to Prevent It

Pilling happens when short or broken fibers on the surface of the fabric tangle together into tiny balls. It's most common on soft, brushed fabrics like fleece and loop-back cotton, which are exactly what many sweatpants are made from. Friction during washing, drying, and even wearing is the main culprit, so reducing friction is key.

One of the simplest ways to prevent pilling is to turn your sweatpants inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from rubbing against other clothes. Washing on a gentle cycle with cold water also helps, as hot water and aggressive agitation weaken fibers and cause more shedding.

• Turn sweatpants inside out before washing to protect the outer fabric.
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle to minimize friction.
• Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or jackets that can cause abrasion.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Sweatpants and Track Pants

Start by checking the care label on your specific pair. Different fabrics have different needs. For example, 100% organic cotton sweatpants can usually handle a machine wash, but merino wool requires extra care and often a wool-specific detergent. When in doubt, hand washing is always the safest option.

Before washing, close any zippers or buttons and tie drawstrings loosely to prevent snagging. Turn the pants inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag if you have one. This adds an extra layer of protection against friction. Use a mild, liquid detergent—powders can be abrasive and leave residue that contributes to pilling.

• Always fasten drawstrings to avoid them pulling on the fabric.
• Use a mesh bag for extra protection, especially for cuffed styles.
• Skip fabric softeners—they coat fibers and can actually increase pilling over time.

How to Dry Sweatpants Without Causing Pilling

The dryer is one of the biggest causes of pilling. High heat and tumbling create friction that breaks fibers and forms fuzz. The safest method is to air dry your sweatpants flat. Lay them on a clean, dry towel and reshape them to their original dimensions. This prevents shrinkage and keeps the fabric smooth.

If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the pants while they're still slightly damp. Hanging them to finish drying reduces the time they spend tumbling. For cuffed sweatpants, pay extra attention to the cuffs—they can stretch or pill if they rub against the dryer drum too much.

• Air drying flat is the best way to preserve fabric and prevent pilling.
• If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while damp.
• Never wring out sweatpants—gently press out excess water instead.

Special Care for Different Fabrics

Not all sweatpants are the same. Organic cotton styles, like Adanola's AS Sweatpants, are durable but can still pill if washed aggressively. Merino wool, on the other hand, is delicate and requires a gentle hand wash with a wool-specific detergent. Always follow the care instructions on the label to avoid damage.

For cuffed sweatpants, the cuffs are often made from a more elastic ribbed fabric that can lose its shape if stretched or dried on high heat. To keep them snug, wash them inside out and avoid over-drying. If they do stretch out, a quick steam or a gentle warm wash can help them recover.

• Use a wool-specific detergent for merino wool pieces.
• Hand wash delicate fabrics to avoid pilling and shrinkage.
• For cuffed styles, reshape the cuffs while damp to maintain their fit.

5-Step Care Routine for Pilling-Free Sweatpants

1. Read the care label: Check for fabric-specific instructions like water temperature and drying method. This tells you exactly what your sweatpants can handle. Always follow the label—it's the most reliable guide.
2. Prep your pants: Turn them inside out, fasten drawstrings, and close any zippers. This reduces friction on the outer fabric and prevents snags. Inside out is the golden rule for pilling prevention.
3. Wash with care: Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and washing with heavy items like jeans. Gentle washing keeps fibers intact and smooth.
4. Dry the right way: Air dry flat whenever possible. If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while still slightly damp to minimize tumbling time. Air drying is your best friend for soft, pilling-free fabric.
5. Store properly: Fold sweatpants rather than hanging them to avoid stretching the waistband and cuffs. Keep them in a dry, cool place. Proper storage extends the life of your pants.

Adanola Sweatpants Care Tips

• AS Sweatpants - Dusty Pink: Cut from 100% organic cotton loop-back fabric with a flexible drawstring waistband and embroidered Adanola Sport logo on the leg. Recommended sizing up for an oversized fit. The loop-back fabric is soft but can pill if not cared for properly. Washing inside out in cold water and air drying will keep the fabric smooth and the embroidery intact.
• Lightweight Merino Wool Knit Trousers - Coffee Bean: Crafted from 100% Merino Wool with a high-waisted, full-length fit and drawcord detail. Care instructions recommend washing by hand if possible and avoiding tumble drying. Merino wool is delicate and prone to shrinking and pilling. Hand washing in cold water with a wool detergent and laying flat to dry will preserve the fabric's softness and shape.

Caring for your sweatpants and track pants doesn't have to be complicated. By washing them inside out in cold water, avoiding high heat, and air drying, you can prevent pilling and keep them soft and comfortable. Follow these steps and your Adanola favorites will stay in great shape for many seasons to come.