Your equipment is a tool. Treat it with respect, and it will last for years. Treat it poorly, and the structural integrity of the spandex will fail. This is the official maintenance protocol for all BASE grappling gear.
PROTOCOL 1: COLD WASH ONLY
Heat is the number one enemy of elastane fibers. Hot water causes the elastic threads to become brittle and snap, leading to a "baggy" fit over time. Always wash your kit in cold water.
PROTOCOL 2: AIR DRY
Never put your rashguard in a tumble dryer. The intense heat destroys the silicone waistband grip and warps the sublimation. Hang dry immediately after washing to prevent bacterial buildup.
THE "NEVER" LIST
- No Fabric Softener: It clogs the fibers and ruins the moisture-wicking capability.
- No Velcro: Wash shorts separately or close the velcro tabs to avoid tearing the rashguard fabric.
- No Bleach: It will strip the sublimated ink and weaken the stitching.