17 Items You Should Absolutely Always Air-Dry

Consider the dryer off-limits to preserve these freshly-washed garments.

Whether running a single load or juggling multiple in a day, we all lean on the dryer to save time. While many of our everyday clothes can be tossed in without a second thought—and may even fare better than if they were air-dried—some garments can suffer damage if put through the machine. Heat doesn’t mix well with certain materials, which means running them through the dryer can cause them to break down, shrink, or tear.

These are the items you should always take the time to air-dry, so that they stay in their best condition for as long as possible. The next time you’re debating whether or not the item you just washed can handle a tumble in the dryer, refer back to this guide to keep your clothing in top shape.

Related: How to Air-Dry Clothes for Wrinkle-Free Results

1. Bras, Underwear, and Lingerie

Because bras can be quite an investment, most people habitually wash them by hand and air-dry them. They often contain elastic and spandex, which, when exposed to high temperatures, will break down and cause a bra to lose shape. Many pieces of lingerie and pairs of underwear include the same and other delicate materials, so they should be treated with the same care. To extend the lifespan of your favorite undergarments, err on the side of caution and air-dry them.

2. Hosiery and Shapewear

Along similar lines, always air-dry secondary layers of clothing. Pantyhose, stockings, and tights can easily get snagged on something sharp in the dryer. Shapewear, like bras and underwear, can lose its shape and compression power in the dryer. The good news is that you most likely reserve these items for special occasions, so you only need to air-dry them once in a while.

3. Swimwear

Bathing suits typically contain elastic, which, if you’ve been following along, doesn’t fare well in the dryer. Not only that, other popular swimsuit materials (like lycra and neoprene) will also break down and distort during high heat cycles, and dark colors will fade. Air-dry swimwear by laying the pieces flat on a drying rack or clean towel.

Related: How to Wash Swimsuits So They Last for Years

4. Activewear

Workout clothing like leggings and sports bras contain elastic and spandex (dryer no-gos) but they also contain something else the dryer can ruin. Many activewear brands use moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry, so opt to air-dry to keep it performing as well as you do during your workout. Still on the fence? Consider this: Heat can trap sweat and odors, so if your clothes aren’t squeaky clean when you put them in the dryer, these smells will become set in and impossible to remove.

Related: How to Wash Workout Clothes: 13 Tips for Removing Odors and Stains

5. Wool, Cashmere, and Other Knits

You likely already know it’s a fashion faux pas to hang sweaters, but it’s time to bring that same energy to how we dry them. Wool and cashmere, in particular, are famous for their tendency to shrink in the dryer. Plus, a rough tumble can cause wear and tear on the fibers. Always air-dry knitwear, even your socks and scarves. Sweaters should dry flat to keep their shape.

6. Silk, Satin, and Lace

For several reasons, fragile fabrics like silk, lace, and sating should never touch the dryer. Silk and satin garments can shrink, lose their sheen, and become permanently wrinkled. Lace, even when used as an accent on an article of clothing, can easily rip or snag during a run in the dryer. Do yourself and your delicate pieces a favor and air-dry them every time.

7. Anything with Beading, Sequins, or Other Embellishments

It doesn’t matter if it’s a small sequined patch or a bit of embroidery; it’s not worth the risk of adding the whole item to the dryer. If glue is involved, the heat will melt it and compromise the integrity of the embellishment. If not the temperature, the agitation will cause damage, to items like beads, sequins, and other fine details. In addition to ruining the item, any pieces that fall off or become frayed can clog the dryer vent. Instead, air-dry any article of clothing or accessory that features a special touch.

Related: 8 Laundry Room Drying Rack Ideas to Make Life Easier

8. Faux or Real Fur

You would never imagine throwing a family heirloom fur coat in the dryer, but you should follow the same rules with a faux fur-lined garment. Faux fur material is often attached to clothing with fabric glue, which heat will dissolve. Air-dry anything made or trimmed with faux fur, then gently comb it. While you most likely have a professional to care for authentic fur pieces, if an item gets wet, simply hang it up to air-dry.

9. Faux or Real Leather

You’ve probably heard that leather (or suede) and water don’t mix; the same goes for heat. The dryer will cause leather, real or not, to warp and crack, permanently damaging your jacket, skirt, or pair of gloves. Leather requires special care, and typically, that means spot cleaning only. To preserve their condition, leave pieces to air-dry once you’ve removed dirt and stains.

10. Some Outerwear

A short spin (on low to medium heat) in the dryer is acceptable for select winter jackets, such as puffy or fleece options. Air-dry more structured pieces, like peacoats and blazers, to maintain their shape. Or, better yet, have them professionally dry-cleaned from time to time.

11. Denim (Depending on Who you Ask)

The topic of caring for your denim is often up for debate, from how often to wash jeans to whether or not they should go in the dryer. To prevent shrinkage and fading, air-drying is your best bet. It’s not just jeans; your beloved denim jacket should skip the dryer as well.

Related: Should You Put Jeans In the Dryer? Here’s What the Experts Say

12. Hats

Although some hats, like baseball caps and winter beanies, can handle a run in the washing machine, it’s best to skip the dryer. They can lose their shape or shrink, in the case of a wool hat. Always air-dry your hats to retain their form.

Related: How to Clean Hats, Including Cowboy Hats, Felt Hats, and More

13. Shoes (Including Slippers)

Although shoes are made of various materials, and each requires specific maintenance when it comes to cleaning, almost all should be air-dried. Even if you machine wash canvas or nylon sneakers, leave them to thoroughly dry before wearing them again. Or, if you’re up to the challenge, try this hack to run them through the dryer without causing damage. Slippers are a type of footwear that you might be surprised to find out should never go in the dryer. If they have a rubber sole, the glue that binds it to the rest of the slipper will melt in the dryer, and the treads will begin to deteriorate.

14. Bath Mats and Area Rugs

Likewise, the non-slip rubber backing on bath mats or washable rugs and runners will degrade over time if put through the dryer. Most are washing machine-safe and should be cleaned regularly due to dirt and bacteria that we track over them. But once the cycle ends, lay them over a railing to air-dry before placing them back on the floor.

Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Mat?

15. Reusable Bags

That cute canvas tote you bring to the farmer’s market every weekend also needs regular and rigorous cleaning. After running them through the washer, hang your reusable bags to air-dry because the heat of the dryer can cause shrinkage or warp their shape. The same rule applies to any type of bag, from backpacks to belt bags.

16. Delicate Linens

Napkins, tablecloths, curtains, bed skirts, and anything else made of lightweight or vintage fabric should be air-dried to maintain the fibers. Many antique linens are sewn together with lace or have cutwork details that require delicate handling, so the dryer is out of the question.

17. Anything Oil-Stained

We get it: Getting grease out of clothes isn’t easy. If even a bit of it is left in the fibers after washing an item, using the dryer could be downright dangerous. While a rare occurrence, oily fabrics have been known to spontaneously combust when combined with heat. Leave anything that has been in contact with flammable substances in a shady spot outside to dry before using them again or disposing of them.

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