How to Care for TORQ Apparel to Keep It Looking New

Investing in high-quality endurance apparel is a key part of your athletic gear, and TORQ apparel is designed to perform through the toughest training sessions and races. From the breathable fabrics of the Summer Gloves to the weatherproof protection of the Black Rain Jacket, each piece is engineered with technical materials that require proper care to maintain their function and appearance.

Without the right washing and drying routine, even the best sportswear can lose its shape, colour, and moisture-wicking properties. This guide will walk you through simple, effective methods to extend the life of your TORQ clothing, so you can focus on your performance without worrying about your gear wearing out too soon.

Understanding Your TORQ Apparel Fabrics

TORQ apparel uses a mix of synthetic and natural fibres to balance breathability, durability, and comfort. For example, the Black Rain Jacket is typically made from waterproof or water-resistant materials with taped seams, while the Summer Gloves rely on lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics to keep your hands cool and dry. Knowing the fabric composition helps you choose the right care method.

Always check the care label inside your garment first. Most TORQ items are machine washable, but specific instructions—such as washing at 30°C or avoiding fabric softeners—are crucial. Fabric softeners can clog the pores of moisture-wicking fabrics, reducing their ability to pull sweat away from your skin, which is essential for endurance athletes.

• Identify the fabric type: polyester, nylon, elastane blends for base layers; waterproof membranes for outerwear.
• Look for specific symbols: do not iron, do not bleach, or tumble dry low.

Washing Your TORQ Apparel Correctly

To keep your TORQ apparel looking new, wash it after every use, especially if it is soaked with sweat. Turn garments like the Summer Gloves inside out before washing to protect the outer surface from friction. Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C) to prevent shrinkage and colour fading.

Choose a mild, liquid detergent that is free from bleach and optical brighteners. Powdered detergents can leave residue that irritates skin and damages fabric elasticity. For heavily soiled items, pre-treat stains with a small amount of detergent directly on the spot, but avoid rubbing too hard. Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets—they leave a coating that traps odours and reduces breathability.

• Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Use a mild, liquid sportswear detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener and bleach at all costs.

Drying Techniques for Long-Lasting Performance

Drying is where many athletes accidentally shorten the life of their gear. High heat from a tumble dryer can melt elastane fibres, shrink synthetic fabrics, and damage waterproof membranes. The safest method is to air dry your TORQ apparel away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and weaken fibres over time.

For items like the Black Rain Jacket, hang them on a wide, padded hanger to maintain their shape while drying. Do not wring out the fabric—gently press excess water with a clean towel. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it is still slightly damp. This reduces stress on the fibres and helps the jacket retain its water-repellent coating.

• Air dry flat or hang on a padded hanger in a shaded area.
• Avoid direct sunlight and high heat from radiators or dryers.
• Never wring out waterproof jackets; press with a towel instead.

Storing Your TORQ Gear Between Rides and Runs

Proper storage is just as important as washing. After your gear is fully dry, fold it neatly rather than hanging it for long periods, especially for stretchy items like base layers that can lose elasticity on hangers. Store your apparel in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct light.

For the Black Rain Jacket, keep it in a breathable garment bag to protect the waterproof membrane from dust and creasing. Avoid storing it compressed in a tight ball inside a gym bag for days; this can cause permanent creases and damage the coating. The Summer Gloves can be stored flat or loosely rolled to maintain their shape.

• Fold stretchy garments; hang outerwear on padded hangers.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent UV damage.
• Keep waterproof jackets in breathable bags, not plastic.

Refreshing Waterproof and Breathable Coatings

Over time, the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on your Black Rain Jacket can wear off, causing the fabric to wet out rather than bead water. To restore its performance, wash the jacket with a specialist waterproof cleaner, then apply a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment. This simple step can extend the jacket's life significantly.

Always follow the product instructions for DWR treatments, and ensure the jacket is thoroughly rinsed before applying the new coating. After treatment, tumble dry on low heat for about 20 minutes to activate the chemicals. Your jacket will then repel rain and maintain breathability for many more miles.

• Use a dedicated waterproof cleaner for technical outerwear.
• Apply a DWR spray or wash-in treatment after cleaning.
• Activate the coating with a short, low-heat tumble dry.

By following these simple care routines, your TORQ apparel will stay looking and performing like new for many seasons. Whether you are layering up for a cold ride with the Black Rain Jacket or keeping your hands cool with the Summer Gloves, proper maintenance ensures you get the most out of every piece. Explore the full range of TORQ apparel to build a kit that lasts.