Nearly every high-end pair of black leggings starts to lose its deep hue if you’re not careful. You invest in refined materials by Haute, and you deserve that rich pigment to last wash after wash. At Haute, our lab tests show up to 15% color loss after ten machine cycles when gentle care steps are skipped. If you’re wondering how to keep black leggings from fading, start with a few simple habits around washing, drying, and storing.

Key idea: With targeted tweaks at each stage of cleaning and storage, you can preserve that sleek black tone and extend the life of your favorite activewear.

Gentle washing techniques

Start by turning your leggings inside out (this shields the dyed surface). Then:

Wash in cold water on a delicate or hand-wash cycle.
Use a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction.
Skip bleach and heavy fabric softener (it can strip dye)—see our guide on can you use fabric softener on leggings.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

Good news, these small steps cut abrasion and chemical wear so your black stays bold.

Choose a color-safe detergent

gym to brunch outfits that look effortless

Not all cleansers are created equal when it comes to rich pigments. Look for:

Formulas labeled “for dark colors” or “color guard.”
Low-foaming, plant-based options that rinse clean.
Concentrates that let you use less product per load.

For a quick pick, check out our roundup of the best detergent for activewear. A targeted wash solution helps lock in dye and prevents that dreaded gray cast.

Dry and store carefully

Heat and sunlight accelerate fading, so follow these steps:

Gently shake out excess water, then reshape while damp.
Air dry flat or hang inside out, away from direct sun (UV rays break down pigments).
Once fully dry, fold instead of hanging to avoid stretching—learn more in how to store activewear sets without stretching them.
Avoid dryers unless you’re in a hurry—high heat can dull color quickly (see how to dry activewear properly).

These habits keep fibers intact and dye locked in, so your premium leggings look new longer.

Minimize fabric stress

Friction and tension wear away dye and smooth finishes. To reduce stress:

Rotate between at least two pairs of leggings—this gives fibers time to recover.
Avoid rough surfaces, like untreated concrete or coarse gym mats.
Spot treat marks promptly to skip full washes—review our tips on how to wash leggings without ruining them.
Limit abrasive activities or add a protective layer, such as a yoga towel, to shield fabric.

If pilling becomes an issue, see how to prevent pilling on leggings for extra guidance. Treating your gear gently keeps both color and structure intact.