Neoprene Fabric Care: How to Clean and Maintain Your Commando® Pieces

Quick Answer

To care for Commando® neoprene pieces, machine wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and lay them flat to dry. Avoid fabric softeners, high heat, and wringing to preserve their shape and stretch.

Neoprene is a high-performance fabric that delivers a sleek, smoothing silhouette, but it requires specific care to maintain its structure and longevity. Whether you own Commando® neoprene leggings, bodysuits, or skirts, understanding how to clean neoprene will keep your investment looking sharp.

This guide walks you through the dos and don'ts of neoprene clothing maintenance, ensuring your pieces stay in top condition for years.

Why Neoprene Needs Special Care

Neoprene is known for its four-way stretch, high recovery, and wrinkle resistance, but these properties depend on proper handling. The fabric's dense, smooth surface can be damaged by high heat or aggressive washing, leading to loss of shape or surface pilling. Additionally, neoprene is often treated with special finishes that can degrade if not cared for correctly.

Commando® uses luxury Italian neoprene in many of its designs, which is both durable and delicate. Understanding the fabric's behavior helps you avoid common mistakes like using fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce stretch, or drying on high heat, which can cause shrinkage.

• Always check the care label on your specific Commando® piece for any additional instructions.

Pre-Treatment and Stain Removal

Before washing, treat any stains or spots with a gentle stain remover. Apply a small amount directly to the affected area and gently rub with your fingers or a soft brush. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can discolor the fabric.

For oil-based stains, a drop of mild dish soap can help break down the residue. Let the pre-treatment sit for a few minutes, but do not let it dry before washing.

• Test any stain remover on an inconspicuous area first.

Machine Washing Neoprene

Most Commando® neoprene items are machine washable, which makes care convenient. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging. Use cold water and a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they can break down the elastane fibers that provide stretch.

Turn the garment inside out before washing to minimize friction on the outer surface. This helps preserve the raw-cut edges and any special finishes.

• Use a detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes to avoid irritation and residue.

Drying and Post-Wash Care

After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to absorb moisture. Then reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Never put neoprene in the dryer, as high heat can cause irreversible damage. Hanging can also stretch the fabric, so flat drying is the safest method.

• If you need to speed up drying, place a fan nearby to circulate air.

Storing Neoprene Pieces

Store neoprene garments folded, not hung, to prevent stretching at the shoulders or waist. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.

Avoid storing neoprene items in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead, use breathable cotton garment bags or simply fold them in a drawer.

• For items like the Neoprene Micro-Mini Skirt with built-in shorts, ensure they are fully dry before storing to prevent odor.

Step-by-Step Neoprene Care Routine

1. Check the care label: Always read the care label on your Commando® piece for specific instructions. This is your first checkpoint to avoid mistakes. Different neoprene blends may have unique requirements.
2. Pre-treat stains: Spot-clean any marks with a mild detergent or stain remover before washing. Gently rub and let sit briefly. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
3. Machine wash cold on gentle: Place the garment in a mesh bag, turn inside out, and wash with cold water on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener. This preserves stretch and prevents surface damage.
4. Dry flat, never tumble: Gently squeeze out water, roll in a towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat to dry away from heat and sunlight. Never wring or hang to dry.
5. Fold for storage: Once completely dry, fold neoprene items and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching. Use breathable bags if needed.

Commando® Neoprene Products and Care

• Neoprene Legging: Made from Italian neoprene with raw-cut edges and a signature smoothing waistband. Machine washable and pilling, lint, and hair resistant. These leggings are designed for easy care, but following the washing steps ensures the waistband retains its smoothing effect and the fabric stays sleek.
• Neoprene Zip Long Sleeve Bodysuit: Crafted from luxury Italian neoprene with raw-cut finishes and a gusset. High stretch and fit-tested by real women. The bodysuit's sleek silhouette depends on proper care; avoid twisting or wringing to maintain its shape and the integrity of the gusset.
• Neoprene Micro-Mini Skirt: Engineered from wrinkle- and pill-resistant Italian neoprene with four-way stretch, raw-cut edges, and built-in smoothing shorts. Machine washable. The built-in shorts need gentle handling to preserve their elasticity. Flat drying helps maintain the skirt's structure.

With the right care, your Commando® neoprene pieces will maintain their luxurious feel and performance. Follow these steps to keep them looking and fitting great for many wears to come.