Tights are a very flexible piece of clothing that may be worn in numerous different ways. They are either worn alone with a dress or they are worn with shoes, boots or any other clothing accessories to complete an outfit.
But tights are delicate and easily get stretched, damaged or spoiled, particularly when they are washed frequently. It is not known to many that inadequate washing may cause the fabric to become weak and result in snags, tears and the fabric becomes weak. Many people would normally question how to wash the tights properly and whether they can be washed in a washing machine.
To have your tights last longer and keep your clothes in good condition, you should employ the appropriate washing and care techniques. Luckily, there are a few easy methods that one can adopt to wash their tights without destroying them.
The next guide will explain all you have to know, whether it is the most effective methods of washing tights, or convenient methods of storing them, in order to have them looking and feeling good longer.
Choosing the Right Way to Wash Tights
Before you wash your tights, you need to check the care instructions on the label. This will give you a guide on the best washing option on how to wash fishnet tights, how to wash Gucci tights, or how to wash Wolford tights.
You will also find information on the water temperature, the machine cycle you should use, any specific detergent recommendation, and all together – can tights be washed?
Some tights may be hand washed only, while others may be machine-washable on a gentle cycle.
How you Wash Tights in the Washing Machine
If your tights are machine washable, you can follow the general washing instructions to make sure your tights last as long as possible:
- Put your tights in a mesh bag or a washing bag.
- Use a gentle detergent – Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
- Set your machine on a delicate cycle.
- Remove your tights when the water drains.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer.
How to Dry Machine-Washed Tights
Once you have washed your tights, you can dry them in a few different ways. As mentioned above, it is important not to use a tumble dryer, as this can cause tights to pill and can damage synthetic materials.
Instead, you can line dry your tights outside if the weather permits, or put them on a hanger and allow them to air dry in a room.
If your tights are too damp or too delicate for the clothes’ line/rack/hanger, you can place them in a clean towel, roll them gently and apply soft pressure. This will remove excess water. Put them on a flat surface to air dry.
How to Wash Tights by Hand
The best way to hand-wash your tights is by placing them inside a mesh laundry bag. This avoids any direct pressure on the tights that may damage or ruin the tights while washing.
Once your tights are in the mesh bag, follow these steps:
- Fill a tub with cold water.
- Add a small amount of detergent.
- Use soft circular motion in the tub to gently move the tights in water.
- Throw away the detergent water and refill it with fresh water.
- Repeat the circular motion to remove all the detergent.
- Drain all the water and let the tights dry completely.
How to Dry Hand-Washed Tights
Drying hand-washed tights follows pretty much the same instructions as drying machine–washed tights.
Place your tights on a clean towel. Then roll the towel along with the tights and gently apply pressure to remove excess water. Once the excess water is out, you can either put them on a flat surface to air dry or on a clothes’ line outside your home.
How to Store Tights
Once you have washed and dried your tights, be sure to store them correctly to make them last longer. This means keeping them away from direct sunlight to prevent them from fading, as well as keeping them away from other items that can damage them.
Store your tights in a separate drawer or a box. The best way to put them in the drawer or box is to roll them up, instead of folding them. Don’t use the same packaging that they came in as this can cause them to become stretched out and damaged. Make sure you keep tights away from other items, such as jewelry, belts, or studded handbags. If your tights are not made of mesh fabric, you can hang your tights to help them retain their shape.
Take a Quick Glance - How to Wash Tights Without Ruining Them
- Always check the care instructions on your tights before you wash them.
- Place them in a mesh bag for each wash.
- Use cold water to wash your tights.
- Air dry the tights on a clothes rack or a hanger.
- Avoid storing your tights next to other items, to prevent them from becoming damaged.
- Roll your tights instead of folding them.
So, can you wash tights in the washer? Yes! You can definitely wash your tights in the washer if you follow the instructions on the label and the tips in this guide. Make sure your washer is clean of any residue and odor which might ruin your tights.
True-Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner is a specially formulated detergent that is designed to remove odors and residue left behind by less effective cleaning agents. It works in both front-loading and top-loading washing machines and dissolves quickly in cold water without leaving residue behind. A perfect solution to make sure your tights go in a clean washer.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Q: Can you wash tights in the washing machine?
Yes! Tights can definitely be washed in the washing machine. You can wash tights at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Don’t mix any other items with your tights (like socks or scarves) as they will get tangled together and ruin the shape of your tights.
Q: How to dry tights without ruining them?
Avoid machine drying and opt for air drying, always.
Q: How can I store my tights for a long time?
Roll your tights instead of folding them and place them in a separate drawer. Avoid storing your tights next to other items, to prevent them from becoming damaged.
Q: How to hand wash mesh tights?
Place the mesh tights in a washing bag. Put it in a tub filled with cold water and detergent. Use a circular motion to wash the tights. Drain the water and repeat the process twice with clean water. Remove access water by rolling it inside a towel. Air dry on a clothes rack.

