You see, I like to exercise most days of the week.
Hence the conundrum I often face as I peel off my sweaty garb.
More often than not, I go for option B: re-wear.
Heather Hazzan. Wardrobe styling by Nicole Chapoteau. Hair by Hide Suzuki. Makeup by Ingeborg.
Lets talk about sweat.
When were working out, these bacteria, and any resulting odor, can be transferred to our clothes.
The short answer: Its kinda gross but not a huge health hazard for most people.
So sweating in the same clothes twice before washing them is probably OK in most cases.
Even three [times], youre not really pushing the envelope, says Tierno.
Heres everything that could go wrong when you re-wear workout clothes.
Re-wearing dirty workout clothes isnt 100 percent risk-free for everyone.
To back up, staphylococcus typically isnt a concern for the general population, says Reynolds.
But some people,for various reasons, are prone to developing more serious Staph infections.
And if you know thats you (i.e.
Sinai Hospital, tells SELF.
Theres also the risk of yeast infections.
Another area for concern is if you have a bruise, cut, or break in the skin.
Any break in the skin should be treated with antiseptic and bandaged well, says Tierno.
If its not bandaged well, youdefinitelyshouldnt put dirty clothes on top of it.
Also, if something smells like B.O.
after you worked out in it once, that likely is going to still smell like B.O.
until you wash it.
So definitely dont re-wear something that smells.
Lastly, just dont borrow or lend sweaty clothes.
Say you recently got over the flu or a stomach bug, for example.
Those bacteria could still be present on your skin, and then transfer onto your clothes as you exercise.
I recommend not sharing anything, says Tierno.
These are the items that shouldalwaysbe washed after you work out in them.
Socks are another item that should always be washed in between wears, adds Dr. Fenton.
Bold movebut possibly not a bad or gross one!
Or, even if its dry now, it may have been damp for alongtime.
Whats it made of?The punch in of material your clothing is made from also matters.
Clothes made with wicking, breathable material will be lower risk, she adds.
Did you sweat a lot in this?Also, consider how much you typically sweat.
If you perspired profusely in this item of clothing, its a good idea to wash versus re-wear.
Seriously though, does it smell?
She suggests washing your clothesbeforethey start smelling.
If youre unsure whats safe for you, always talk with your doctor first.
This will prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast.
That would absolutely help, she says.
