A good kit is an investment. With a little care, your jerseys, shorts and training wear will keep their colour, shape and performance for many seasons. Here are five easy habits that make a big difference.
1. Turn it inside out
Washing your jersey inside out protects printed names, numbers and logos from rubbing against other clothes and the drum of the machine.
2. Wash cold and gentle
Use a cold or 30-degree cycle and a mild detergent. Hot water fades colours and can weaken technical fabrics that are made to wick sweat away.
3. Skip the fabric softener
Softener leaves a coating on the fibres that blocks breathability. Your kit will dry slower and feel heavier during the game.
4. Air-dry, never tumble-dry
Hang your kit in the shade to dry. The heat of a dryer or strong direct sun can shrink fabric and crack prints.
5. Don't leave it in your bag
Take your kit out of your sports bag as soon as you get home. Damp kit left zipped up is the fastest way to bad smells and stains.
Follow these steps and your kit will look match-ready every time you step on the pitch.