But if that fresh smell is because of fabric softener, it may be time to rethink that.
What fabric softener does is reduce static and make clothes feel, well, softer.
They also have the unfortunate and dangerous side effect of making some fabric more flammable (viaIEEE Xplore).

Using fabric softener will make workout gear stinky
Liquid fabric softener isn’t alone in being problematic.
So even after they’ve been washed, they’ll still be and smell dirty.
