This story was originally titled "Handle With Care" in the January 2006 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

The latest workoutwear promises to wick away sweat and stop the chafing. But if  you don't wash them properly, they won't work properly. Here are a few tips from Christina Leung, a buyer from the Running Room in Edmonton.

Use regular or liquid detergent, but don't use fabric softeners; they decrease the fabric's ability to wick away moisture because they coat the fabric and prevent moisture movement.

Hang dry clothes since hot dryers change the structure of the fibre (they have a melting effect), which reduces the fabric;s wicking ability. Synthetics don't need heat to dry because they don't absorb moisture; the moisture stays in between the fibres and moves to the surface to evaporate.

Read more:
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• Top workout-wear trends
• 5 pieces of fitness equipment to add to your workout