Can You Dry Suit Pants?
Yes, you can dry suit pants, but the method depends on the type of pants. This question is best interpreted in two ways: referring to waterproof dry suit pants used for watersports, and referring to dress pants.
Waterproof dry suit pants, designed for kayaking, whitewater rafting, or other water activities, require specific drying techniques to maintain their waterproofness and longevity.
- Air Drying: This is the recommended method. Hang them inside out in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat. This prevents damage to the waterproof membrane.
- Avoid Machine Drying: Putting dry suit pants in a machine dryer can damage the seals and waterproof coating, rendering them useless.
The key here is to prioritize air drying to maintain the waterproof integrity of the garment. Using a tumble dryer will damage these specialized pants. Several sources, like this thread on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/comments/183aia9/dry_suit_vs_dry_top_dry_pants/), highlight the importance of proper drying for these types of pants. A full drysuit offers superior protection compared to just a top and pants (https://forums.paddling.com/t/dry-suits-full-suits-vs-tops-bottoms/74941).
Drying Dress Pants
For dress pants, the approach is entirely different. Machine drying is generally discouraged.
- Air Drying: Line drying your dress pants is best to prevent shrinkage and wrinkling. This method is recommended in multiple sources including Hansen's Clothing (https://hansensclothing.com/blog/how-to-wash-dress-pants-a-complete-guide/) and a Reddit thread discussing washing machine use (https://www.reddit.com/r/laundry/comments/vsqf71/can_you_put_dress_pants_in_the_washing_machine/). This ensures the fabric doesn't get damaged and helps prevent wrinkles.
Using a dryer for dress pants can damage the fabric and cause irreversible shrinkage or wrinkling.
