How to Wash a Track Jacket and Track Pant Without Fading
By 3sixteen | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your black and grey track set deep and dark with a simple cold-wash routine. Step-by-step care for 3sixteen track jackets and pants, no fading required.
Quick answer
Wash your track jacket and track pant in cold water on a gentle cycle, inside out, with a mild detergent and no fabric softener. Skip the dryer and let them air dry in the shade. That combination protects the black and grey tones and keeps the nylon and fabric blends from breaking down.
Why black and grey track pieces fade in the first place
Fading is rarely caused by one wash. It builds up from heat, agitation, and the wrong chemicals. Hot water opens fabric fibers and lets dye escape; a strong spin cycle scrubs color away; chlorine bleach and fabric softener leave residue that dulls dark tones. Even sunlight can slowly break down dye if you dry outside at midday.
The Track Jacket uses lightweight nylon, which is durable but can lose its deep color with repeated hot washes or high heat drying. The Track Pant is built for movement and recovery, and its fabric also benefits from a gentler routine. Treating both pieces the same way keeps the set looking consistent.
What you need before you start
Gather a mild liquid detergent, a mesh laundry bag if you have one, and a drying rack. Avoid detergents with bleach, brighteners, or enzymes designed for heavy stains, as these can be too aggressive for dark activewear. If your jacket or pant has a stubborn spot, pretreat it with a tiny amount of detergent and cold water before washing.
Your step-by-step washing routine
- 1. Turn both pieces inside out: Zip the jacket and close any closures. Turning them inside out reduces surface abrasion, which is a common cause of fading on dark fabrics. Checkpoint: zippers and buttons should be secured so they don't snag the fabric.
- 2. Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold and the most delicate cycle available. If washing by hand, use cool water and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric without twisting. Mistake to avoid: hot water or a normal cycle speeds up dye loss and can shrink elastic.
- 3. Add a mild detergent, skip the softener: Use a small amount of liquid detergent free of bleach and brighteners. Fabric softener leaves a coating that traps odors and can make dark colors look cloudy. Checkpoint: if the detergent is designed for whites or has a strong perfume, leave it out.
- 4. Wash with similar colors and weights: Wash your track jacket and pant together or with other dark activewear. Avoid heavy items like jeans or towels that can rough up the fabric. Mistake to avoid: overloading the machine, which increases friction and fading.
- 5. Air dry in the shade: Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: direct sun and high heat are the fastest ways to fade black and grey tones.
- 6. Store clean and dry: Once fully dry, fold or hang your pieces separately to avoid creasing. Never store them damp, as that can cause mildew and weaken fibers. Next step: repeat this routine every 2-3 wears to keep the set looking new.
Product care notes
- Track Jacket ~ Black/Grey: The Track Jacket features a relaxed silhouette paired with lightweight nylon fabric that blocks wind on breezy days and a vented back for air flow. Nylon holds color well but is sensitive to heat, so cold washing and air drying protect both the fabric and the black/grey finish.
- Track Pant ~ Black/Grey: The Track Pant has a loose, flowy fit with elastic cuff cinches for versatility. The relaxed cut means less friction in the wash, but the elastic cuffs still need gentle handling to avoid stretching or dulling.
