The When-to-Wash-It Handbook: Winter Edition

Leggings and Lounge Pants

How often you should wash them: After one to three wears.

Washing guidelines: Unless you’re slipping into these spandex-infused bottoms for exercise class, you can definitely get away with more wears. Turn the pants inside out and wash in cold water to prevent pilling and fading. If you paid a lot for a designer pair or a high-performance fabric, skip the dryer.

What else you should know: Want to avoid pants that sag between washes? Check the tag before you buy. “If there is at least 2 percent stretch, the fabric will bounce back into shape,” says Phipps. “If the pants are made of 100 percent cotton, then you’ll have a droopy behind after one day.”