TENCEL Stringer Care: Washing and Drying Tips for Long-Lasting Wear

TENCEL is a favorite in activewear for good reason: it’s silky, breathable, and made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. But this eco-friendly fabric needs a little extra attention in the laundry room to keep its shape and softness. If you’ve invested in a TENCEL stringer, like the CoreFlex TENCEL Stringer, you want it to last through countless workouts and washes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for washing and drying TENCEL, so you can enjoy your stringer’s comfort and sustainability for years to come. From water temperature to drying methods, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls like shrinking, pilling, and loss of elasticity.

Why TENCEL Needs Special Care

TENCEL is a lyocell fiber derived from eucalyptus trees, processed in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. The result is a fabric that’s incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable. However, its delicate fibers can be sensitive to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can cause shrinkage, weakening, or a rough texture over time.

Unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester, TENCEL is more absorbent and can swell when wet, making it prone to stretching if handled roughly. That’s why following the care label and these guidelines is crucial to maintaining the fit and feel of your stringer.

• TENCEL is eco-friendly but requires gentle handling.
• High heat and harsh detergents can damage the fibers.

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

Before washing, always check the care tag on your stringer. Most TENCEL garments can be machine washed, but using a gentle cycle and cold water is safest. Cold water helps preserve the fabric’s color and prevents shrinkage. If you prefer hand washing, fill a basin with cold water and a mild detergent, then gently swish the garment without twisting or wringing.

When machine washing, turn your stringer inside out to protect the outer surface from friction. Place it in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, especially if washing with other items. Use a mild liquid detergent that’s free of bleach and fabric softeners, as these can break down the fibers and leave residues that reduce breathability.

• Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Turn inside out and use a mesh bag.
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.

Drying Your TENCEL Stringer: Best Practices

The golden rule for drying TENCEL is to avoid high heat. Tumble drying on a low or delicate setting is acceptable, but air drying is even better. Lay the stringer flat on a clean towel, reshape it gently, and let it dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Hanging can cause the fabric to stretch, especially when wet, so flat drying is recommended.

If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat and remove the garment while it’s still slightly damp. This reduces the risk of over-drying, which can make the fabric stiff and brittle. Never use a high-heat setting, as it can cause permanent shrinkage and damage the fibers.

• Air dry flat to maintain shape.
• If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while slightly damp.
• Avoid direct sunlight and high heat.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting TENCEL

To keep your TENCEL stringer looking its best, avoid over-washing. Unless it’s heavily soiled, you can wear it a couple of times between washes, especially if you’re just doing light activities. When you do wash, treat stains promptly with a gentle stain remover, but test it on an inconspicuous area first.

Storage also matters: fold your stringer rather than hanging it to prevent stretching. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With these care habits, your TENCEL stringer will stay soft, vibrant, and ready for your next workout.

• Wash only when needed to reduce wear.
• Fold instead of hanging to avoid stretching.
• Treat stains immediately with a gentle remover.

Caring for your TENCEL stringer doesn’t have to be complicated. By washing in cold water, drying flat, and avoiding high heat, you’ll keep your Devoteewear top looking and feeling great. These simple steps not only extend the life of your garment but also honor the sustainable nature of TENCEL. For more activewear care tips, explore our other guides and keep your entire gym wardrobe in top shape.