How to Care for Your Lingerie So It Lasts Longer

Beautiful lingerie is an investment — in your wardrobe and in how you feel. But delicate lace, fine elastic and silk don't survive careless washing. A few simple habits can keep your favorite pieces looking (and fitting) like new for much longer.

1. Read the care label first

It sounds obvious, but labels exist for a reason. Silk, some laces and embellished pieces often need special treatment. When in doubt, choose the gentlest option.

2. Hand wash whenever you can

Hand washing is the gold standard for bras and delicate lingerie:

1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water (hot water breaks down elastic).
2. Add a small amount of gentle, lingerie-specific detergent.
3. Submerge and gently swish for a few minutes; soak for up to 15 to 30 minutes if needed.
4. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
5. Press out water gently — never wring or twist.

3. If you must machine wash, protect it

• Fasten bra hooks so they don't snag other items.
• Place each piece in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use the delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
• Skip fabric softener, which can affect elasticity and wicking fabrics.

4. Never use the dryer

Heat is the number one enemy of elastic and underwire. Lay items flat on a clean towel, roll the towel to absorb water, then lay flat or hang bras by the center gore (not the straps) to air dry away from direct sun and radiators.

5. Rotate your bras

Elastic needs time to recover between wears. Rotating between two or three everyday bras, rather than wearing the same one daily, can help them keep their shape longer. Many people wash bras every few wears, depending on activity and climate.

6. Store them properly

• Molded-cup bras: store them flat or nest them cup-into-cup in a drawer. Never fold one cup into the other.
• Delicate pieces: keep lace and silk in fabric pouches or drawer dividers so hooks don't snag them.
• Silk: store away from sunlight to prevent fading.

7. Know when to replace

Even with perfect care, lingerie wears out. Signs it's time to say goodbye: the band rides up even on the tightest hook, wires poke out, cups have lost their shape, or elastic feels stretched and limp.

Care kit essentials

• A gentle lingerie wash
• Mesh laundry bags in several sizes
• A drying rack
• Drawer organizers or lingerie pouches
• Padded hangers for robes and slips

Treat your lingerie with care and it'll keep making you feel amazing for years.