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As much as I want to set up my evening routine where I prepare everything for the next day, it doesn’t happen that often. The best way to make things easier is to keep my workout wardrobe super organized, so it’s easy to access my kit and pull out something to wear each morning. Because, let’s be honest, 80% of my wardrobe is made of lycra!
You can also keep your sports outfits in good condition, making them last longer if you wash them properly and store them well. I’m going to share with you my simple method for organizing your workout clothes along with other effective tips and strategies that include incorporating the KonMari method, drawer dividers, and much more.
How to Organize Workout Clothes
With a move imminent for me, it’s the perfect time for me personally to think about organizing kit, as I’m moving from fitted wardrobes to… well, no wardrobes when we first move in.
Step One: Declutter and Categorize
If like me you have A LOT of activewear, the first step and best place to start is to declutter. Remove all your workout clothes from drawers, shelves, closets or wherever you store them. Create separate piles for different types of clothing, but keep it simple.
My categories are: tops, sports bras, “sweaty” bottoms (leggings, shorts, etc. designed for activities like running, indoor cycling), and “non-sweaty” bottoms (i.e. (i.e. types of yoga pants fabrics).
Evaluate each piece
Marie Kondo, the expert behind the KonMari Method, suggests evaluating each workout outfit for its usefulness and the pleasure it brings you. Ask yourself if the item is still in good condition, if it fits you well, and if you feel good wearing it. This is a great way to decide what you want to keep.
Put each piece in a pile depending on whether you’re going to keep it, donate it, sell it (Depop is awesome), or recycle it. You can also create an uncertain stack. If you want more tips on how to make your fitness routine more sustainable and ethical, read this article.
I recently ordered a charity donation bag (Oxfam/Marks & Spencers), in which they accept donations and clothing that needs to be recycled. It’s a super easy way to donate, reduce landfill and contribute to positive change around the world.
Storage solutions for different types of clothes
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to find the best storage solutions for your workout clothes so you can have easy access to your entire wardrobe—workout items, obviously .
My personal storage method
I’m currently in a one-bedroom apartment, so I don’t have much space for the color-coded closet of my dreams (…not yet, one day soon), so I found the perfect storage solution. easier for all my exercise equipment, using IKEA DRONA boxes.
These are literally the best things for creating storage space on shelves or under/inside things and work perfectly in my built-in cabinets. However, after seeing these images I took for the post, I can see that I should stick to darker colors for storing fabrics so they look nicer/cleaner for longer.
I separated all my workout clothes as follows:
- tops (long sleeves, short sleeves and everything in between)
- sports bras
- “sweaty” bottom
- “non-perspirant” bottoms
- the bonus (for me) is a cycling kit
Use bins and baskets
Bins and baskets like the ones I used are a good option for larger items like yoga pants, leggings, and long sleeves. Place them in deep drawers, under your bed, or on closet shelves for easy access.
I have plastic bins/drawers from Muji that I use for shoes and sneakers under my bed. These types of boxes/drawers can also be useful for storing accessories – water bottles, headbands, gym towels, or larger items like foam rollers, yoga mats, and gym bags.
Drawer Dividers and Organizers
For smaller items like sports bras, tank tops, and workout tops, you can use drawers for storage, with drawer dividers or a drawer organizer possibly being the best method. This keeps everything in its designated space, avoiding a big mess.
I have limited storage space in the drawers that I use for socks and underwear, pajamas, period pants, and bed linens.
The folding process: KonMari method
The KonMari method focuses on folding clothes so that they can stand upright. I actually learned a similar folding technique while working at lululemon.
I’m not going to lie, it can be a lot of work when you have to fold all the fresh laundry, but you’ll thank yourself later when everything looks organized and you easily see everything in your closet. This folding process also saves space, meaning you can have more kit, right?!
Here’s how to do it:
- Lay the item flat.
- Fold the sides.
- Fold in half lengthwise.
- Fold in thirds or quarters, depending on size.
Tips for Maintaining an Organized Workout Wardrobe
There are a few other things you can do to maintain an organized workout wardrobe, depending on your commitment and if you have the time. For example, you can color code all of your items like they do in the Dream Walk in Wardrobe Style setups. Grouping similar colored items together also makes the space more aesthetically pleasing!
Personally, with more space, I would separate and rotate seasonal items so that the most relevant items are always easily accessible. Larger items like sweaters and sweatpants I usually keep on hangers, but during the summer these and other colder weather items can be stored in vacuum bags and stored in the attic or in your ottoman bed.
Never wear sweaty kit with your clean kit! Be sure to store the sweaty kit in a mesh bag or somewhere it can receive air, before washing. Clothes moths love to sweat I’ve heard and believe me you don’t want a moth problem because they will eat your expensive regular clothes.
As I prepare for my move, I’m slowly going through these steps again so that I’m ready to hit the ground running after the move. There’s no point in using energy to pack things I don’t need or paying to have them moved so they can just collect dust in my new home.
Organizing your workout kit doesn’t have to be a daunting task, or expensive, to be honest. the key is to find what works best for you and your space!
Do you have any tips or tricks on how to organize workout clothes to share?!
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