How Bad Is It to Re-Wear Sweaty Workout Clothes?
Denise Mann, MS
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Should you reuse your sweaty gym clothes?
You're rushing to make sure you get your daily workout in and suddenly realize you have no more clean sports bras. Uh oh. What's a person to do? Dig through the laundry basket and find one, of course.
Most people have probably done this at one point or another whether for a sports bra, leggings, shorts, socks, or a T-shirt, but just how bad is this dirty little secret?
It really depends on how much you sweat, your infection risk, the type of garment, and how dirty the item is, says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, president and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut.