Sun, Sweat, Pirouettes: How to Take Care of Your Dancewear in Summer Heat

Summer’s great and all—until your dance bag smells like a forgotten gym locker and your favorite leo starts clinging like it’s auditioning for a soap opera. But fear not: your gear doesn’t have to suffer just because you’re dripping from a grand allegro.

Here’s how to keep your dancewear fresh, functional, and fab—even when the thermostat says otherwise.

1. Wash Smarter, Not Harder

Delicate fabrics + summer sweat = a dangerous combo if you’re tossing everything in on hot with your denim. Stick to cold water, a gentle cycle, and always air dry. No exceptions. Heat can damage elastic, fade color, and basically make your leotard age faster than a reality show friendship.

Pro tip: use a lingerie bag to keep tights from turning into spaghetti.

2. Skip the Dryer Drama

The heat from dryers can break down technical fabrics and shrink anything even mildly stretchy. Instead, lay flat to dry or hang leos, crop tops, and shorts in the shade (not direct sunlight—UV rays are savage).

3. Rotation = Preservation

We get it—you’ve got a favorite. But wearing the same leotard four days in a row isn’t helping its lifespan. Rotate your pieces to let fabrics breathe between wears. Bonus: this gives you more chances to show off your style.

Need a refresh? Body Wrappers' Danceleisure Collection has breezy crop tops, flowy shorts, and tank leos that are perfect for hot class days and cool commutes.

4. De-Stink Strategically

Odor lives in trapped sweat and bacteria. So, if your leo still smells post-wash, soak it in a mix of water and vinegar (1:4 ratio) for 15–30 minutes before your usual wash. Don’t overdo detergent either—it can trap stink if not rinsed properly.

5. Keep It Cool in Transit

Don’t let sweaty gear stew in your dance bag all day. After class, pull it out ASAP to air dry. Consider packing an extra set for double days. (And maybe a lavender sachet in your bag. Your future self—and seatmates—will thank you.)

6. Handle with Love

Avoid harsh scrubbing, bleach, or wringing out delicate fabrics. And always, always read the tag—if it says hand wash, they mean it.

7. Bonus: Summer Style That Works Hard

Want pieces that can keep up with you and the weather? Body Wrappers’ Danceleisure Collection is designed for movement and moisture, with breathable fabrics and relaxed fits that still look sharp. Perfect for the in-studio grind and the iced coffee stop after.