How To Wash, Dry, and Store Lingerie
Do you know how to properly care for your lingerie? Proper care is crucial if you want your lingerie to last and maintain its shape.
You’ve probably heard that it’s never a good idea to wear the same bra two days in a row, so if you have 2-3 bras that you rotate throughout the week you’re already ahead of the game.
Typically, a bra that you wear 3-4 times per week should last about 6 months. Panties might last anywhere from 6-12 months, but it’s best to replace them as soon as they show signs of wear and tear.
Taking good care of your lingerie ensures that it’ll last as long as possible. Remember: Lingerie care extends beyond the washer. How you’re drying and storing your lingerie is just as important as how you’re washing it.
So what’s the best way to wash, dry, and store lingerie? Read on for a quick guide that covers basic lingerie care.
How to wash lingerie
Hand washing vs. machine washing
Handwashing is the best way to wash your bras. We recommend handwashing lingerie with cool water and a delicate soap specifically formulated for lingerie and delicates. If you don’t have time to handwash, machine washing is another option.
Be sure to wash on a delicate cycle in cool water with gentle detergent. And always separate your bras from your panties and use separate mesh lingerie bags to keep them from snagging or getting caught on each other in the wash.
Machine washing can be a bit rougher on your undergarments, so we highly recommend checking the garment’s care tags before washing as some fabrics, like silk for example, need to be hand washed.
Related: Should You Wash Your New Bras Before You Wear Them?
How to dry lingerie
Avoid the dryer
Even if you’re in a hurry, never ever throw your bras in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can break down elastic, ruin the cups, damage the hooks, and stretch out the fabric. If you’re guilty of throwing your bras in the dryer, this could be the reason why you’re having to replace your bras so often.
Lay your bras flat to dry with the cups facing up
The best way to dry your bras is flat with the cups facing up. This method allows the bras to dry on their own without any tension. If you’re used to drying your bras on a hanger, you might want to try laying them flat instead. Hanging them by the straps can put tension on the straps and cause them to stretch out.
Hanging them to dry
Another option is to hang your bras over a hanger by the center gore. The center gore is typically made of little to no stretch, so this is a safer way to hang dry. But laying them flat to dry is the best option.
Related: 5 Laundry Mistakes That Are Destroying Your Lingerie
How to store bras and panties
The best way to store your bras and panties is in a lined drawer away from sunlight. Be sure to avoid stuffing all of your lingerie into one drawer – you want your lingerie to have space to breathe.
Before you start
First things first, get rid of anything that doesn’t fit. It you don’t feel confident in it, toss it. If it’s stained, torn, holey, damaged or it doesn’t fit anymore, get rid of it. Bras that are unworn or gently worn can always be donated or given to a friend that wears that size.
If you have a favorite bra that you’re having a hard time parting with, make note of the bra’s style so you can repurchase it. If that style isn’t made anymore, bring the bra with you on your next shopping trip (seriously!) and let the bra fitter know that you’re looking for a replacement. She’ll be more than happy to help you out!
Now that you’ve cleaned out your lingerie wardrobe, it’s time to refresh it with new lingerie. Here’s how to organize everything:
Molded bras, push-up bras, strapless bras, and padded bras
These styles can be stored in a drawer with each bra stacked behind the other and the cups facing forward. Molded bras need special care as the cups can become bent or misshapen if stored incorrectly. Never ever fold your molded bra in half and store it away as this can ruin the cups.
If your strapless bra came with removable straps, keep them in the same drawer as your bras so they’re easy to find if you need them.
Bralettes, unlined wire bras, halter bras, and bandeaus
Non-molded bras are the only styles that can be stored with the bra folded in half and the cups facing each other. You can also stack these styles on top of each other in a drawer for easy access.
Wired and wireless babydolls and bodysuits
These styles can be hung up on a pretty satin hanger or carefully stored away in a drawer.
Panties (all styles)
These can be folded or placed in a lined drawer away from bras, babydolls, and garter belts as the hooks can snag delicate undergarments. We suggest sorting panties by style or color.
So there you have it – a quick guide to lingerie care. We hope you find it helpful!
Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Organize Your Lingerie Drawer Today
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
