Quick Answer: Zip closed jackets, tuck drawstrings inside their casing or tie them in a loose knot, and wash zippered or drawstring items inside a mesh laundry bag — this prevents hardware from catching on other fabric during the wash cycle’s tumbling motion, which is the actual cause of most snags.

That pull in your favorite leggings almost always traces back to an open zipper or a loose drawstring tangling with them mid-cycle, not fabric weakness.

Why do zippers cause so much damage in the wash?

An unzipped or partially zipped jacket has an exposed metal or plastic track that catches on softer fabric during the tumbling motion of a wash cycle — leggings, in particular, are prone to snagging because their fine knit catches easily on any rough edge.

What’s the fix for zippered garments specifically?

Zip them fully closed before washing, every time, no exceptions. A closed zipper presents a smooth surface instead of an open track with exposed teeth — this single habit prevents the majority of zipper-related snag damage.

How should drawstrings be handled before washing?

Tuck the string ends back into their casing, or tie a loose overhand knot to keep them from dangling loose. A trailing drawstring can wrap around other items or the agitator itself, causing tangles and stretched-out cord over repeated washes.

Does a mesh laundry bag actually make a meaningful difference?

Yes, significantly — a mesh bag physically separates hardware-heavy items from the rest of the load, containing the zipper or clasp so it can’t catch on anything outside the bag. This is the single most effective step for garments with a lot of hardware, like sports bras with clasps or jackets with multiple zips.

FAQ: Washing Zippers and Drawstrings Questions, Answered

Do zipper pulls need special care too?

Not usually beyond keeping the zipper closed — a closed zipper keeps the pull tab tucked against the garment rather than swinging loose during the cycle.

Should I remove drawstrings entirely before washing?

For garments with fully removable drawstrings, this is the most thorough option, though tucking and knotting works well for most people without the hassle of re-threading afterward.

Does this apply to dryers too, or just the washing machine?

Both — dryer tumbling can cause similar snagging, so the same zip-closed, drawstring-tucked approach should carry through to drying as well.

TL;DR:

• Snags almost always trace back to an open zipper or loose drawstring, not fabric weakness
• Zip jackets fully closed before every wash — no exceptions
• Tuck or knot drawstrings so they can’t tangle with other items
• A mesh laundry bag is the single most effective step for hardware-heavy garments

See It in Motion

Seen here: High Waist 8” Yoga Shorts — shop similar styles on bubblelime.com