How to Care for Lingerie
Beautiful lingerie deserves proper care. With the right washing, drying, and storage habits, your favourite pieces will look and feel amazing for much longer.
Washing Your Lingerie
Hand-Washing (Recommended)
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot)
- Add a small amount of gentle, pH-neutral detergent
- Submerge the garment and gently swirl for 1-2 minutes
- Let it soak for up to 15 minutes for deeper cleaning
- Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until soap-free
- Gently press (do not wring) to remove excess water
Machine-Washing (When Necessary)
- Place each piece in a separate mesh laundry bag
- Set the machine to delicate/gentle cycle, cold water
- Use a mild detergent - skip fabric softener (it coats fibres)
- Never wash lingerie with heavy items like jeans or towels
- Remove immediately after the cycle ends
- Reshape cups and straps before drying
Never use: Bleach, hot water, fabric softener, or harsh stain removers on lingerie. These break down elastic, weaken lace, and cause colours to fade.
Drying Your Lingerie
✓ Do: Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry
✗ Don't: Never use a tumble dryer - heat destroys elastic
✓ Do: Reshape bra cups before drying
✗ Don't: Never wring or twist delicate fabrics
✓ Do: Dry away from direct sunlight
✗ Don't: Never hang bras by one strap (stretches unevenly)
✓ Do: Use a drying rack for panties and lightweight pieces
✗ Don't: Never iron lingerie unless the care label specifically allows it
Storing Your Lingerie
Bras
Store cups nested inside each other, dome up, in a dedicated drawer. Never fold moulded cups. Keep separate from rough fabrics.
Panties
Fold neatly or use drawer dividers. Group by type (everyday, special occasion). Avoid overcrowding - compression can crease delicate fabrics.
Delicate Pieces
Wrap lace and silk pieces in tissue paper to prevent snagging. Store in a cool, dry place. A lavender sachet keeps drawers fresh without chemicals.
Care by Fabric Type
Lace
Hand-wash only in cool water. Do not wring - press gently between towels. Store wrapped in tissue. Lace is delicate and can snag easily.
Satin & Silk
Hand-wash with a silk-specific detergent. Air dry flat, away from sunlight (which fades colour). Iron on the lowest setting if needed, using a pressing cloth.
Mesh
Hand-wash or machine-wash in a mesh bag on delicate. Air dry on a rack. Mesh is fairly durable but can lose shape in high heat.
Cotton
The most forgiving fabric. Machine wash on gentle with cold water. Air dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid bleach on coloured cotton.
Microfibre & Nylon
Machine wash in a mesh bag on cold. Air dry preferred but can tolerate low heat dryer. Avoid fabric softener which coats the moisture-wicking fibres.
Learn more about the fabrics we use in our fabrics and materials guide.
Invest in Quality Lingerie
Well-made lingerie cared for properly will last season after season. Browse our collection.
Shop NowLingerie Care FAQ
Can I machine wash my lingerie?
You can machine wash most cotton and synthetic lingerie on a delicate/gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Use cold water and mild detergent. However, delicate fabrics like lace, silk, and embroidered pieces should always be hand-washed to prevent damage. Never machine wash bras with underwire - the agitation can bend the wire and damage the cups.
How often should I wash my bras?
Wash bras after every 2-3 wears. Washing after every single wear breaks down the elastic faster, but waiting too long allows body oils and sweat to degrade the fabric. Sports bras should be washed after every use since they absorb more sweat.
Can I put lingerie in the dryer?
No. Heat from dryers breaks down elastic fibres, warps underwire, and shrinks delicate fabrics. Always air-dry lingerie by laying it flat on a clean towel or draping it over a drying rack. Avoid hanging bras by one strap - this stretches the strap unevenly.
How do I remove stains from lace lingerie?
Soak the stained area in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent or a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then gently blot (do not rub) the stain. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. For stubborn stains, repeat the process. Never use bleach on lace.
How should I store my bras?
Store bras upright in a drawer with cups nested inside each other (not folded flat). This maintains the cup shape. Keep bras separate from rough fabrics like denim that can snag lace. For moulded cups, never fold the cups - always store them dome-up.