How to care for your SpatzWear productsUpdated 17 days ago
SpatzWear products are made from high-performance technical fabrics that will last much longer and perform better if cared for properly. Different products have different care requirements — find yours below.
Neoprene SPATZ overshoes
Neoprene SPATZ are manufactured by the world's most highly rated neoprene factory and need to be treated with the same care as a premium wetsuit.
How to wash your SPATZ:
Watch the video or follow the written instructions below...
https://www.youtube.com/embed/GNFTN1vSai8
Only kidding. Follow this guide:
- The best way to clean your SPATZ is to rinse them in cold or lukewarm water
- Use a little mild soap if you have to
- If there is any debris, gently wipe it off under the tap with a soft sponge
- Or, be lazy like me and just rinse them off in the shower after a ride...
Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or use fabric softener on neoprene SPATZ.
Drying
- Pat any excess water off with a soft towel
- Hang them in a warm place using the velcro loop
- Hanging inside-out will speed up drying — but do not leave them inside-out for long periods as the neoprene may crease or wrinkle
Storage
- Do not leave SPATZ folded, crushed, or inside-out for extended periods — the neoprene may crease over time
- This does not affect performance but is easily avoided
- Store them laid flat the right way out, or hang them using the velcro fasteners on a hook, clothes airer, or — if you're hardcore — over your brake levers...
Please be careful not to grip your SPATZ with your fingernails when putting them on or taking them off — the neoprene can be damaged if not handled carefully.
Aero overshoes and oversocks (AquaSokz, Windsock2, Windsock Pro)
Washing
- Machine wash at 30°C with standard detergent
- No fabric softener — this coats the silicone gripper and significantly reduces its tackiness, causing the overshoe to slip during rides
- Do not tumble dry
Drying
- Air dry only — direct heat and tumble drying damage the stretch fabrics and degrade the silicone grippers over time
Maintaining the silicone gripper
- If grip has reduced after washing, wipe the inside gripper with a dry cloth before your next ride — this restores tackiness quickly
- A light application of hairspray to the inside gripper before riding also significantly improves hold
- Always ensure your leg is completely dry before fitting — moisture is the most common cause of slipping
Jerseys and bib shorts (Squadron, Convoy, FASTA)
Washing
- Machine wash at 30°C on a delicate or gentle cycle
- Turn garments inside out before washing
- Close all zips and velcro fasteners before washing — open fasteners can damage delicate fabrics
- Wash cycling kit separately from regular laundry — bulky items like jeans and towels can damage technical fabrics
- Use a standard or sport-specific detergent — no fabric softener, bleach, or washing powder
- Wash as soon as possible after riding — sweat left in technical fabrics can degrade elastic fibres over time
- For bib shorts, placing them in a mesh laundry bag protects the straps and chamois during the wash cycle
Drying
- No tumble drying — heat breaks down lycra, elastic fibres, and chamois padding
- Hang or lay flat to air dry
- Do not leave damp kit in a pile or laundry bag — hang to dry if you cannot wash immediately
Storage
- Once dry, hang or store flat — do not iron
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when storing, which can fade colours over time
Gilet (Squadron Gilet)
- Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle
- Close all zips before washing
- No fabric softener — this can affect the waterproof breathable membrane
- Air dry only — tumble drying will damage the waterproof fabric
- Do not iron
Gloves (Thrmoz, Thrmoz XTRM)
- Hand wash or machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle
- Close any velcro or fastenings before washing, or place in a mesh bag to prevent damage to other garments
- Air dry only — do not tumble dry
- No fabric softener
General care tips for all SpatzWear products
- Always check the care label on your specific garment — some products may have specific requirements
- Never use bleach on any SpatzWear product
- When in doubt, rinse in cold water and air dry — this is always safe
Still have a care question?
If you have a question about caring for a specific SpatzWear product not covered here, email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.