Whether it’s your classic everyday underwear or your most cherished occasion lingerie, women today are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting undergarments to complement any outfit or mood. The modern lingerie landscape offers everything from comfortable cotton briefs to exquisite silk and lace creations, each designed to make you feel your very best beneath your clothes.
However, from Brazilian briefs to delicate lacy bralettes, maintaining these garments can be rather challenging. The materials are often soft, thin and extraordinarily delicate—requiring special attention to ensure longevity. Fine lace, intricate embroidery, and premium fabrics demand more care than your average laundry load.
If you’ve invested in quality lingerie and are wondering how to ensure your favourite pieces last as long as possible, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve consulted with laundry and textile experts to bring you the most comprehensive guide to lingerie care. Let’s dive in…
Protect The Colours
Careless washing of lingerie can lead to colours fading with alarming speed. There’s nothing more disappointing than watching your sophisticated black lingerie turn an unsightly dark grey, or seeing those vibrant, mood-lifting colours lose their lustre after just a few washes.
To preserve the richness of your lingerie’s colours, always separate lights and darks before washing. For extra protection, consider using a colour collector sheet in your wash. These specialised sheets capture loose dyes in the water before they can be redeposited onto other garments. This simple addition to your laundry routine can dramatically extend the visual appeal of your favourite pieces.
For particularly precious or intensely coloured items, consider a colour-preserving detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. These gentle cleansers maintain colour integrity while still providing effective cleaning power.
Use An Underwear Bag
For any lacy, sheer and delicate lingerie, a mesh laundry bag is absolutely essential. These inexpensive protective pouches create a barrier between your delicate garments and potential snags from zips, hooks, and buttons from other items in the wash.
The best women’s undergarments represents a significant investment, and careful washing will ensure the material isn’t stretched and no threads get caught and pulled. A good mesh bag also prevents bra straps from tangling around other items and reduces the friction that can cause pilling on delicate fabrics.
Consider having several mesh bags of different sizes to accommodate various pieces—smaller ones for knickers and thongs, medium ones for bralettes, and larger ones for full bras with underwires. This organised approach helps maximise protection for each type of garment.
Handwash Your Delicates
While modern washing machines often feature ‘delicate’ cycles, nothing compares to the gentle touch of handwashing when it comes to your most precious lingerie pieces. For bras and bralettes, although machine washing is possible, handwashing is strongly recommended, especially for items with gel padding, underwire support, or decorative elements like beading or appliqué.
To handwash effectively, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for delicates. Gently agitate each garment for just a minute or two, paying special attention to areas that come into direct contact with the skin. Rinse thoroughly in clean water until all soap residue is removed, and then press (don’t wring) the garments between clean towels to remove excess moisture.
This mindful approach to washing might take a bit more time, but the extended lifespan of your favourite pieces makes it well worth the effort. Many lingerie enthusiasts find the ritual of handwashing to be a meditative self-care practice—a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of these garments.
Avoid The Dryer
It is universally advised to avoid drying lingerie in the tumble dryer—the high heat and tumbling action can cause items to shrink dramatically and bras to lose their carefully engineered shape. Even on the lowest heat setting, the risk to delicate fabrics and elastic is simply too great.
Instead, lay your freshly washed pieces flat on a clean towel to dry naturally. For structured items like moulded-cup bras, reshape them while damp and leave them to air dry. For particularly treasured pieces, consider drying them on a padded hanger to maintain their intended shape.
During warmer months, avoid direct sunlight when drying, as UV rays can fade colours and degrade elastic fibres over time. A shaded, well-ventilated area is ideal for preserving both the colour and structural integrity of your lingerie collection.
Store Them In A Separate Drawer
Once your underwear has been properly washed and dried, thoughtful storage is the final step in ensuring longevity. Keep lingerie neatly arranged in a dedicated drawer, separate from other garments they might catch on—you certainly don’t want to get your knickers in a twist!
For bras, the ideal storage method is to lay them flat with cups nested inside each other, or to arrange them with the cups facing upward, like a drawer of flowers. This approach helps maintain the shape of moulded cups and prevents unnecessary strain on underwires.
For special occasion pieces that see less frequent wear, consider wrapping them in acid-free tissue paper before storing. This extra layer of protection helps prevent snagging and colour transfer while keeping dust at bay.
Investing in drawer dividers or small storage boxes can transform a chaotic lingerie drawer into an organised haven where each piece has its designated place. This not only protects your investment but also makes selecting the perfect undergarments a much more pleasant experience each morning.
The Bottom Line
With these care tips and techniques, your lingerie collection can maintain its beauty, comfort and supportive qualities for years to come. Remember, quality lingerie is an investment in both your appearance and comfort—treating these garments with the care they deserve ensures you’ll enjoy them for countless wears.
