GARMENT CARE
Like every kind of equipment, clothing is not made to last forever, but below there are a few useful notes for maintaining and maximizing the life of your Vamos products.
TRUCKER & CYCLING CAPS
Trucker & Cycling caps use foam, spandex and some plastic. Avoid machine wash & dry. For best results, simply hand wash and hang dry, to ensure the product stays in its original shape. If stains need to be removed, stain remover and a brush may be used to clean the spot.
CYCLING TOPS, BOTTOMS & BRAS
Avoid using any creams, liquids or products for warming up (winter) or sun protection (summer) under garments made with elastic fibers. These products contain chemicals which lead to quick fiber deterioration for all fabrics made with spandex. Avoid getting any sunscreen under or on your cycling apparel made with elastic based fabrics.
After each ride, hang your garments in a well-ventilated environment or wash them immediately. Avoid hanging the garments under direct sunlight. Never store damp sweaty clothes in a non-ventilated environment (e.g. plastic bags, sport bag).
Sweat is toxic & acidic. On some individuals more than others – body chemistry is different for everyone. If your body has a tendency to sweat a lot, wash or water-rinse the garments after each use to protect the fibers from bacterial attacks which might lead to fabric deterioration.
Wash
Washing a garment can put stress on fabric and seams. Therefore, wash cycling garments separately from other clothes/accessories to prevent friction – especially items with Velcro, webbing, or anything with a rough /abrasive character. Before washing, turn the garments inside out (seams on the outside).
Machine-wash, ideally in a wash bag, on a delicate cycle in lukewarm water (max. 30° C/86° F), and with mild liquid detergent. Do not use scented detergents, Woolite, bleach, softeners, or any kind of laundry additive. Dry garments flat or hanging, but do not tumble dry.
Potential Problems
Fabric pilling
Fabric pilling (balling up of fibers in an area) does not occur by itself. It always is the result of abrasion – rubbing against something else. For this reason we suggest the following:
- Do not use embroidered saddles.
- Make sure the Velcro fastener of saddle pockets does not touch your shorts.
- Do not wash your shorts or jerseys together with gloves, bags, rain jackets, etc. because of the Velcro straps.
Fabric deterioration
Sweat sitting on synthetic performance fabrics can cause the fabric to degrade. Stretch fabrics, with elastic fibers are especially affected. See above for care instructions.
Chemicals that come in contact with your elastic based cycling fabrics, will cause these elastane yarns to break down. Chemicals from sunscreens are a common reason for loss of elasticity and curling.
