How to Care for Your Lingerie: A Complete Washing Guide

Your lingerie is an investment — and with the right care, premium pieces can last for years while maintaining their shape, color, and softness. The biggest mistake most women make? Throwing delicates in a regular wash cycle. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your lingerie properly.

The Golden Rule: Hand Wash When in Doubt

Hand washing is always the safest option for lace, silk, satin, and embroidered pieces. Use cool or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicates. Submerge the item, gently agitate for 1–2 minutes, and rinse thoroughly without wringing or twisting.

Machine Washing: When It’s Safe

Cotton bralettes, modal briefs, and shapewear can generally handle a machine wash — but always follow these rules:

• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect from tangling
• Select the delicate or hand wash cycle
• Use cold water only
• Avoid fabric softener on shapewear — it breaks down the elastic fibres

Drying Your Lingerie

Never tumble dry delicate lingerie. The heat damages elastic, shrinks fabrics, and breaks down fine lace. Instead, gently press excess water out with a clean towel and lay the item flat to dry on a clean surface away from direct sunlight. For bras, hang them by the centre gore (not the straps) to maintain cup shape.

Fabric-Specific Tips

• Silk: Hand wash in cool water, never wring, dry flat
• Lace: Mesh bag, cold delicate cycle or hand wash
• Satin: Hand wash, roll in towel to remove water, hang to dry
• Shapewear: Cold water, no fabric softener, lay flat to dry
• Cotton: Machine washable, cool temperature

Storage Tips

Store bras flat or folded cup-to-cup — never folded in half, as this warps the underwire. Keep lingerie in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight. Use fabric pouches for silk pieces to prevent snags from other items.

“Beautiful lingerie deserves beautiful care.”