How To Organize Athletic Clothes [5 Great Tips!]

You go to the gym, come home, and toss your clothes on the floor. Does it sound familiar? Well, it's time to break that habit! It's a good thing we've compiled the tips on properly organizing your athletic clothes.

Athletic clothes can be difficult to keep organized, especially if you have a lot of different gear for different sports. But, you can always make things easier by following these tips below:

  1. Categorize your athletic clothes.
  2. Fold athletic clothes carefully.
  3. Use separate storage containers for each type of clothing.
  4. Label everything clearly.
  5. Invest in a good laundry system.

To learn the proper ways of storing and stacking your sports clothes, keep reading. Besides that, check out these tips for organizing your athletic clothes so you can make the most of them.

Athlete's set with female clothing, dumbbells and bottle of water on blue wooden background, How To Organize Athletic Clothes [5 Great Tips!]

How Do You Organize Your Athletic Clothes?

Women's fitness outfit isolated on white background (with clipping path)

Anyone who has ever been a member of a sports team knows the importance of organization. Not only do you need to keep track of your own equipment, but you also need to be able to quickly find whatever you need at a moment's notice. This can be especially challenging with athletic clothes.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your gear in order:

Tip 1: Categorize Your Athletic Clothes

By organizing athletic clothes, you could divide them into three major categories:

  1. First, identify the workout basics: shorts, leggings, t-shirts, sports bras, and so on. These items are durable, functional pieces that you can wear to the gym or while out running.
  2. Next, categorize the sport-specific accessories: cycling shoes and gear for hiking or trail running.
  3. Finally, there are the specialty items that you might use only occasionally or on special occasions: swimsuits for swimming laps at the pool or a yoga mat for morning hot yoga classes, for examples.

By sorting athletic clothes into these distinct categories, it is easier for you to stay organized and find what you need quickly when it's time to hit the gym or get outside for a run.

Whether you prefer to wear a streamlined outfit all at once or you prefer setting up specific outfits ahead of time, sorting your athletic clothes into clearly defined groups will help you stay prepared and focused no matter what kind of exercise you're aiming to do.

So why not take some time today to think about how you can best organize your own collection of athletic clothes?

Tip 2: Fold Athletic Clothes Carefully

As you organize your sportswear closet, the key is to be methodical and systematic in your approach. This is especially true in organizing athletic clothes, which can include everything from jerseys and shorts to yoga pants and tank tops.

  1. The best way to go about this is to start by laying out everything that you want to fold, making sure that each piece is completely clean and dry.
  2. Then, choose a well-lit area where you can work comfortably.
  3. Next, begin with the larger pieces of clothing, such as t-shirts or long-sleeve jerseys, folding them neatly from the bottom to the top until they are in nice, uniform stacks.

With these simple tips, anyone can quickly and effectively organize their athletic clothes so that they are always ready for whatever activity comes next!

Tip 3: Use Separate Storage Containers For Each Type Of Clothing

View clothes organizer on Amazon.

There are unique storage solutions for each sportswear category - as well as folding methods to make the most use of your space!

  1. For example, you can roll and store shorts and t-shirts in a drawer, while heavier items, like sweatshirts, you could hang in a closet.
  2. You can put socks and underwear in a drawer but you should keep them in a separate container from other clothing items.
  3. In addition, it is important to have a place to store sweaty or dirty clothes after a workout. You can use a mesh bag or laundry basket for this purpose.

By using separate storage containers for each type of athletic clothing, you can keep your workout gear organized and easy to find.

Tip 4: Label Everything Clearly

In order to make it easier, it is helpful to label everything clearly. This way, you will know exactly where everything is and won't have to search through a pile of clothes to find what you need.

You can use tape or labels to mark each drawer, shelf, or hanger. In addition, you can label each piece of clothing with your name, the date, and the event or activity for which it will be used. This will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that you always have the right gear for your workout.

Labeling your clothes will help to keep them in good condition, as you will be less likely to accidentally damage them when they are neatly stored away. This will help you quickly find what you need and prevent items from getting lost in the shuffle.

Tip 5: Invest In A Good Laundry System

A well-organized laundry system can help you maintain your athletic clothes so that they last longer and perform better. This system might involve having separate baskets or hampers for washing different types of clothing - sports bras, t-shirts, leggings, etc. - or dedicating specific days to different garments depending on their material or level of dirtiness.

Additionally, investing in high-quality detergent and fabric softener specifically designed for activewear can help to protect delicate fabrics from damage or excessive wear and tear over time.

Overall, with the right organization, a good laundry system can help you keep your athletic clothes ready for action at all times. 

Is It OK To Wear Gym Clothes More Than Once?

Photo of multicolored sport sleeveless t-shirts and shirts hanging on store rack.

While it may be tempting to cut corners when it comes to laundry, wearing gym clothes more than once can have some serious consequences.

First and foremost, gym clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria. When you sweat, your body releases oils and other fluids that can become trapped in the fabric of your clothing.

Additionally, tight-fitting gym clothes can provide a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacteria to grow. Not only can this lead to skin infections and acne, but it could also increase your risk of developing other serious illnesses.

Laundry machines tend to be less effective at removing odors from wet fabric, so leaving your clothes in a pile may result in rank smells that are difficult to remove.

What Do You Do With Gym Clothes After A Workout?

flat lay with sportswear with sneakers, fitness tracker and sports bottle isolated on grey

Besides taking a shower when you're back from the gym, one of the first things to do is wash the workout clothes instantly. This is an important step in your fitness routine as it ensures that your gear stays clean and fresh, ready to use at a moment's notice.

If you allow the gym clothes to sit for too long between workouts, they might start to develop lingering dampness that can make it uncomfortable to wear them again. 

How To Wash The Athletic Clothes After Workout?

Colorful sports team shirts hanging at clothes rails

Athletic clothes can be expensive, and if they're not properly cared for, they won't last as long. Here are a few tips for washing your workout clothes:

1. Wash Athletic Clothes in a Mesh Bag

Check mesh bags on Amazon.

This will help to protect the fabric and keep them from getting tangled up in the washing machine.

You can find mesh bags at most home goods stores, or you can even make your own by cutting a hole in an old pillowcase. Just be sure to wash the bag along with your workout clothes.

2. Use Mild Detergent

See mild detergent on Amazon.

Harsh chemicals can break down the fabric of your athletic clothing and cause them to lose their shape. Instead, use a mild detergent or one that is specially designed for activewear.

3. Don't Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can also break down the fabric of your clothing and cause them to lose their shape. If you must use fabric softener, use it sparingly.

4. Use Gentle Cycle

Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine to protect your clothing. But you can also do handwashing with your athletic clothes.

5. Hang Dry or Set Low Heat in the Dryer

High heat can damage the fabric of your workout clothes. Instead, hang them to dry or use a low heat setting on your dryer.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your athletic clothing and make sure they're always ready for your next workout.

Final Thoughts

Colorful sports team shirts hanging at clothes rails

Athletic clothes are a necessary part of any workout routine, but they can be challenging to organize. Between sneakers, sports bras, and tank tops, there’s a lot to keep track of - not to mention making sure everything matches!

If you’re having trouble keeping your athletic wardrobe organized, don’t worry, simply review the tips above and try to experiment on arranging them properly.

To get more tips in organizing your personal and home items, see our posts below:

What To Do With Old Storage Bins [15 Exceptional Ideas!]

How To Store Luggage In The Attic

Can You Store Clothes In A Cardboard Box?