How to Care for Softsculpt Shorts to Keep Their Shape
By Sisterly Tribe - Elevated Activewear for the studio and beyond | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the best way to wash and dry your Softsculpt Shorts so they keep their buttery-soft feel and high-waisted shape for seasons.
Quick answer
Wash your Softsculpt Shorts in cold water on a gentle cycle, skip the dryer, and lay them flat to air-dry to protect the four-way stretch and high-waisted fit.
Why the fabric needs special care
The Softsculpt Shorts are made with a buttery-soft, four-way stretch fabric that gives them a second-skin feel. That same stretch is what makes them comfortable, but it also means they can lose their shape if exposed to heat or rough handling.
The high-waisted fit and seamless front rely on the fabric's ability to bounce back. Heat from a dryer or hot wash can break down the elastane fibers over time, causing the waistband to relax and the shorts to stretch out.
This care routine is about protecting the fabric's structure so the shorts keep smoothing and contouring the way they did on day one.
What to avoid with clay and espresso colors
Clay and espresso are rich, earthy tones that can show fading more easily than darker neutrals. Washing in cold water and using a mild detergent helps preserve the color depth.
Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and can reduce the fabric's stretch and breathability. Bleach, even in small amounts, can cause discoloration or weaken the fibers.
If you're washing your clay or espresso shorts with other items, turn them inside out and zip any zippers to prevent snags or pilling.
Step-by-step care routine
- Turn the shorts inside out: Before washing, turn the shorts inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction and helps prevent pilling, especially on the high-waisted band. Check the care label for any specific instructions before the first wash.
- Use cold water on a gentle cycle: Set your machine to a cold, gentle cycle. Hot water can break down the stretch fibers and cause the waistband to lose its shape. Use a mild detergent formulated for activewear. Avoid fabric softeners—they can reduce the fabric's stretch and breathability.
- Air-dry flat, never in the dryer: Lay the shorts flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack. Avoid hanging them by the waistband, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric. Never put them in the dryer, as heat is the main enemy of stretch. If you must speed up drying, place a fan nearby rather than using heat.
- Store folded, not on hangers: Once dry, fold the shorts and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging them by the waistband can stretch the elastic over time. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, especially for clay and espresso colors. Rotate between pairs if you wear them often—this gives the fabric time to recover its shape.
Products in this guide
- Softsculpt Shorts - Clay: Softsculpt Shorts in Clay are crafted from buttery-soft, four-way stretch fabric with a high-waisted fit and seamless front. Proper washing keeps the high waist from losing its support and the seamless front from wrinkling.
Softsculpt Shorts - Clay - Softsculpt Shorts - Espresso: Softsculpt Shorts in Espresso offer the same four-way stretch fabric and contouring high-waisted design. Following the care steps helps preserve the rich espresso color and the second-skin feel.
Softsculpt Shorts - Espresso
