You’ve invested in a stunning piece of sexy lingerie. The delicate lace, the soft silk, the perfect fit—it makes you feel incredible. But after the magic of wearing it, a practical question arises: how to wash lingerie without ruining its intricate design and delicate fabric? Many of us have accidentally shrunk a favourite bra or snagged a beautiful chemise in the wash. This guide is here to change that.
Caring for your lingerie properly isn’t just a chore; it’s an essential part of preserving the items that make you feel confident and empowered. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your favourite pieces stay as beautiful as the day you bought them. This is your ultimate lingerie care guide.
Table of Contents
- Why Proper Lingerie Care is an Act of Self-Care
- Before You Begin: The Golden Rule of Reading the Label
- The Ultimate Guide: How to Wash Lingerie in 7 Essential Steps
- Step 1: Sort by Colour and Fabric
- Step 2: Choose Your Method: Hand vs. Machine
- Step 3: Pick the Perfect Gentle Detergent
- Step 4: The Art of Hand-Washing
- Step 5: The Safe Machine-Washing Protocol
- Step 6: The Correct Way to Dry Your Lingerie
- Step 7: How to Store Sexy Lingerie to Maintain Its Shape
- Special Care for Specific Garments
- Caring for a Delicate Chemise or Bodystocking
- Handling Underwired and Padded Bras
- Lingerie Care FAQs
- Final Thoughts: Love Your Lingerie Longer
Why Proper Lingerie Care is an Act of Self-Care
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Your lingerie is often the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. It sits against your skin all day. Proper washing removes bacteria and body oils, which is crucial for hygiene.
More than that, high-quality lingerie is an investment in yourself. When you take the time for proper caring for delicate lingerie, you’re telling yourself that you deserve nice things that last. It extends the life of your garments, saving you money and ensuring your favourite sets are ready for any occasion. It’s a small ritual that honours the beauty and craftsmanship of your collection.
Before You Begin: The Golden Rule of Reading the Label
Every piece of clothing comes with a guide book—the care label. It’s easy to ignore, but it contains vital information directly from the manufacturer. Look for symbols that indicate:
- Hand-wash only
- Machine wash temperature
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not bleach
Understanding these symbols is the first step in any successful lingerie care guide. If the label is missing or faded, always err on the side of caution and opt for the gentlest method: hand-washing in cool water.
The Ultimate Guide: How to Wash Lingerie in 7 Essential Steps
Ready to become an expert? Follow these seven steps to ensure every wash is a safe one.
Step 1: Sort by Colour and Fabric
Just like with your regular laundry, start by sorting. Separate your lingerie into three piles: whites, darks, and colours. This prevents any unfortunate colour bleeding that could ruin a pristine white lace bra. It’s also wise to separate very delicate items, like silk or sheer mesh, from more robust fabrics like cotton.
Step 2: Choose Your Method: Hand vs. Machine
Hand-washing is always the recommended and safest method for all lingerie, especially for anything with underwires, delicate lace, silk, or embellishments. It gives you complete control and is incredibly gentle.
Machine-washing is an option for some sturdier pieces (like cotton briefs or non-wired bralettes), but ONLY if you take specific precautions, which we’ll cover in Step 5.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Gentle Detergent
Your standard laundry detergent is often too harsh for the delicate fibres of lingerie. It can degrade elastic and cause fabrics to become brittle over time. Instead, opt for:
- A specialised delicates wash.
- A gentle, pH-neutral soap.
- Even a small amount of baby shampoo can work in a pinch.
Avoid any products containing bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the material and break down elastic fibres.
Step 4: The Art of Hand-Washing
This method is simpler than it sounds and takes only a few minutes.
- Fill a Basin: Use a clean sink or basin and fill it with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage elasticity.
- Add Detergent: Add a very small amount of your gentle detergent and swish it around to create a light foam.
- Soak: Submerge your lingerie and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. For heavily soiled items, you can soak for up to an hour.
- Gently Clean: Swirl the items gently in the water. For any specific spots, you can gently rub the fabric against itself. Avoid harsh scrubbing or twisting.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cool, clean water. Rinse the lingerie until all suds are gone.
Step 5: The Safe Machine-Washing Protocol
If you must use a machine, follow these rules without exception:
- Use a Lingerie Bag: This is non-negotiable. A mesh lingerie bag prevents straps from tangling, hooks from snagging, and lace from tearing. Fasten all hooks and clasps before placing items inside.
- Select the Right Cycle: Always use the ‘delicates’, ‘hand-wash’, or ‘gentle’ cycle on your machine.
- Use Cold Water: Never use hot water. A cold water setting is essential.
- Wash with Similar Items: Don’t throw your lingerie bag in with heavy items like jeans or towels. Wash it with other lightweight items.
Step 6: The Correct Way to Dry Your Lingerie
Never, ever put your lingerie in the tumble dryer. The high heat will destroy the elastic, warp underwires, and can even melt delicate synthetic fabrics.
Instead:
- Gently Squeeze: Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
- Reshape: Lay padded or moulded bras on a towel and reshape the cups with your hands.
- Air Dry: Hang items on a drying rack or lay them flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct sunlight or heat. For bras, avoid hanging them by the straps, as the weight of the water can cause them to stretch. Drape them over the rack from the centre gore (the part between the cups).
Step 7: How to Store Sexy Lingerie to Maintain Its Shape
How you store your lingerie is just as important as how you wash it. Tossing it into a crowded drawer is a recipe for snagged lace and bent underwires.
- Use Drawer Dividers: These are perfect for organising bras, knickers, and hosiery.
- Bras: Fasten the clasp and fold one cup into the other, or lay them flat in a row. This helps maintain the shape of moulded cups.
- Knickers and Thongs: Fold them neatly and stack them.
- Delicate Items: For a very special chemise or silk piece, consider hanging it on a padded satin hanger.
Special Care for Specific Garments
Different pieces require slightly different approaches.
Caring for a Delicate Chemise or Bodystocking
Items like a silk chemise or a lace bodystocking are best treated with the utmost care. Always hand-wash these pieces. When drying, lay them flat on a towel rather than hanging them, as their length can cause them to stretch out of shape. For a truly luxurious finish, a cool iron or a steamer can be used on silk, but always check the label first.
Handling Underwired and Padded Bras
The structure is key here. Never twist or wring an underwired bra, as you can bend the wire out of shape permanently. When storing, give them space so the moulded cups don’t get crushed or dented. Following these steps will keep your favourite stunning lingerie sets looking and feeling supportive.
Lingerie Care FAQs
Q: How often should I wash my lingerie?
A: For knickers and thongs, after every wear. For bras, it’s generally recommended to wash them after 2-3 wears, as over-washing can wear them out faster. Rotate between a few bras to let the elastic rest between wears.
Q: Can I use regular fabric softener on my lingerie?
A: No. Fabric softeners leave a residue on the fabric that can trap bacteria and break down the delicate fibres of elastic and lace, reducing the garment’s lifespan.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when washing lingerie?
A: The single biggest mistake is putting it in the tumble dryer. The intense heat is the fastest way to ruin elasticity and shape, turning a beautiful piece into a misshapen mess.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Lingerie Longer
Learning how to wash lingerie properly is a simple skill that pays huge dividends. It protects your investment, ensures your favourite pieces last for years, and is a wonderful, mindful ritual of self-care. Your lingerie supports you, and by following this guide, you can give it the support it needs right back.
For more expert advice, check out authoritative resources like the Good Housekeeping Institute’s guide to washing delicates.