How to Wash Lingerie: Care and Storage Tips That Last

Quick answer

Hand wash your lingerie in cold water with a gentle detergent, then air dry flat. For machine washing, use a mesh bag and the delicate cycle. Store pieces flat or hanging by the gusset to preserve elasticity and shape.

Lingerie is an investment in confidence and comfort, but it’s also one of the most fragile things you own. Lace snags, underwires bend, and elastic loses its snap when washed too harshly. Proper care starts with knowing what your pieces are made of and treating them accordingly.

This guide walks you through the best ways to wash and store lingerie, from everyday bras to statement sets, so your favorite pieces keep their fit and feel for as long as possible.

Know Your Fabrics

Before you wash anything, check the care label. Lace, mesh, satin, and silk all have different needs. Most delicate fabrics prefer cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners—they break down elastic and dull colors.

If a piece has embellishments like beads or sequins, hand washing is the only safe option. Even on a delicate cycle, the agitation can cause damage. When in doubt, treat everything as if it’s fragile: cold water, mild soap, and no wringing.

• Sort by color: wash darks and lights separately to prevent dye transfer.
• Use a lingerie-specific detergent or a mild baby shampoo.

Hand Washing Step by Step

Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge your lingerie and gently swirl it for a few minutes—don’t scrub or twist. For stubborn spots, use your fingertips to work the soap in.

Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no suds remain. Press the water out by rolling the piece in a clean towel. Never wring or twist, which can misshape cups and tear lace. Lay flat on a dry towel, reshaping if needed, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

• Let bras dry on a towel with the cups facing up to keep their shape.
• Hanging wet lace can stretch the fabric, so always dry flat.

Machine Washing Without Tears

If you’re short on time, machine washing is possible—but only with the right setup. Place each piece in a mesh lingerie bag, use the delicate cycle, and set the water to cold. Mild detergent is key; skip the bleach and fabric softener.

The biggest mistake is overloading the machine. Give your lingerie room to move. When the cycle ends, remove everything immediately to prevent wrinkles and misshaping. Lay items flat to dry, never in the dryer—heat destroys elastic.

• Zip the mesh bag to protect straps and hooks.
• Fasten bra hooks before washing to prevent them catching on lace.

Storing Delicate Lingerie

Proper storage is as important as washing. Fold bras flat and stack them by shape—this protects the underwire and cups. Knickers and sets can be folded neatly in a drawer, or hung by the gusset with clips if space allows. Avoid folding cups in half, which stretches the fabric.

Keep lingerie out of direct sunlight, which fades colors. Use drawer dividers to separate sets. For special occasion pieces, consider a fabric-lined box to keep dust and moisture away. When traveling, roll pieces in tissue paper to minimize wrinkles.

• Store by color or set to make outfits easy to find.
• Hanging bras by the straps will stretch them—always fold.

5 Steps to Lingerie Care

1. Read the label: Check for washing instructions and fabric type. Most delicate items will say 'hand wash' or 'cold gentle cycle'. Never assume—always check the care label first.
2. Prepare your washing station: Fill a basin with cool water and add a gentle detergent. For machine washing, place pieces in a mesh bag. Use a lingerie bag to protect against snags.
3. Wash gently: Hand wash by swirling, not scrubbing. If machine washing, choose the delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid wringing or twisting—press out water instead.
4. Dry flat: Lay items on a clean towel, reshape, and let them air dry away from heat and sunlight. Never use a dryer—heat damages elastic.
5. Store smart: Fold bras flat, stack by shape, and keep knickers folded in a drawer. Use fabric-lined boxes for special pieces. Check that your storage keeps items away from direct sunlight.

Lingerie That Deserves Care

• teddy-1-9e8d8bf8bfbb650147575901-174947">GLOW IN THE DARK TEDDY: This high-neck teddy, cut high on the hips to accent those dangerous curves, is designed with alternating patterns of cut-out and intricate mesh, revealing little hints of the you beneath. But turn up the dial and turn down the lights - that’s where you shine! The intricate pattern becomes more mesmerizing as it glows-in-the-dark! Because of the mesh and glow-in-the-dark coating, this piece is best hand washed in cold water and dried flat. Avoid harsh scrubbing to keep the pattern intact.
• Le Desir Duo Net Key-Hole Bra Set: Two piece set with crop top and high-waisted bottoms. It has a combination of fishnet and fence net with a keyhole. This set has some of stretch and can be worn from size S to L. Fishnet can snag easily. Hand washing and air drying preserve the stretch and keep the keyhole detail looking crisp.

With these washing and storage habits, your lingerie will stay beautiful and comfortable for many wears. Taking a few extra minutes to hand wash and dry flat makes all the difference. For more guidance on choosing and maintaining your intimate wear, explore our collection or check out our other care guides.