Filthy logo

How to Care for Your Lingerie

Washing, Storing, and Maintaining Your Favorites

By Devin MendezPublished 11 months ago 4 min read

Lingerie is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s an investment in comfort, confidence, and style. Whether you’ve splurged on a luxurious silk chemise, a flattering corset, or a trusty everyday bra, it’s essential to care for your lingerie properly to ensure it lasts and stays looking its best. Here’s a guide on how to wash, store, and maintain your favorite pieces, so they keep their shape, color, and softness.

1. Handle With Care

Lingerie is often made from delicate fabrics such as lace, silk, and satin, which require extra care when washing. Here’s how to keep your pieces in top shape:

Hand Wash for Delicate Fabrics

While machine washing might seem convenient, hand washing is the gentler option. Fill a basin with cool water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Submerge your lingerie, gently rub it, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing out the fabric, as this can distort its shape.

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Machine Washing

If you’re in a rush and must machine wash, always place your lingerie in a mesh laundry bag. This will protect the fabric from getting caught on other items in the wash. Use the delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Opt for a gentle cycle to prevent the fabric from snagging or losing elasticity.

Avoid Fabric Softener

Although fabric softener makes clothes feel soft, it can damage delicate fabrics over time. It can also affect the elasticity of elastics, making your favorite bustier or corset lose its supportive structure. Skip the fabric softener to maintain the integrity of your lingerie.

Dry Properly: No Heat!

Heat from the dryer can ruin lingerie. Always air dry your pieces by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fabrics like lace and silk to fade.

2. Storing Lingerie: Keep It Organized and Safe

Proper storage is just as important as washing when it comes to maintaining your lingerie. Follow these tips to keep your pieces in pristine condition:

Use Drawer Dividers or Organizers

If you prefer to store your lingerie in a drawer, invest in drawer dividers or organizers. This helps keep your pieces separated, preventing them from getting tangled or stretched out. Fold your bras, panties, and other pieces neatly to maintain their shape.

Store Bras Properly

For bras, especially balconette bras or push-up bras, store them by laying them flat or stacking them in a way that doesn’t crush the cups. If you want to keep your bras in perfect shape, consider hooking them together to prevent the straps from tangling.

Use Pouches or Special Bags

If you want to protect your lace lingerie or silk chemises, use soft fabric pouches or lingerie bags. These can prevent snagging or rubbing against other items in your drawer, preserving the delicate materials.

Keep Lingerie in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat and humidity can weaken fabrics, so store your lingerie in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it in damp areas like bathrooms or near a heater, as extreme temperatures can affect the fibers and cause damage.

3. Maintaining the Shape and Elasticity of Lingerie

Lingerie is designed to fit perfectly, but over time, wear and tear can affect its shape and elasticity. Here are some ways to ensure your pieces remain in top form:

Rotate Your Lingerie

If you wear your lingerie daily, consider rotating between a few sets. This gives each piece time to “rest” and helps the elastic recover, extending its lifespan.

Check for Damage Regularly

Inspect your lingerie regularly for any signs of damage such as loose threads, broken clasps, or worn-out elastic. Fixing small issues early on can prevent them from becoming bigger problems later. For example, sewing a loose lace trim or replacing a broken strap can keep your babydoll or corset looking as good as new.

Avoid Overwashing

Overwashing lingerie can cause the fabric to weaken, so try not to wash it after every wear unless it’s necessary. Spot clean or air out pieces that don’t require a full wash.

Use Fabric-Specific Detergents

Certain fabrics require specific care. For example, silk lingerie should be washed with silk-friendly detergent, while lace lingerie can benefit from a detergent that’s gentle on delicate fibers. This helps preserve the color and texture, keeping your lingerie looking beautiful for longer.

4. Special Care for Different Types of Lingerie

Different lingerie pieces have unique care needs. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Corsets and Bustiers: These need extra care because of the boning and elastic used for support. Always hand wash and lay them flat to dry.
  • Bras: Balconette bras, push-up bras, and bralettes should be stored properly to maintain their shape. Avoid folding them or pressing them into tight spaces.
  • Chemises and Babydolls: Because of their lightweight, flowy fabric, these pieces should be stored in fabric pouches and air dried to prevent wrinkling and fabric degradation.
  • Garter Belts: Keep your garter belt in a cool place and ensure the straps aren’t tangled or stretched out by hanging them up or storing them flat.

They SHOULD Last

Taking the time to care for your lingerie will ensure it stays beautiful, comfortable, and functional for years to come. Whether you’re wearing lace lingerie for a special occasion or just want your everyday bra to last longer, proper washing, storing, and maintaining are key to preserving your favorite pieces. With just a little effort, you can keep your lingerie in perfect shape for all the moments that matter.

For more tips on finding and caring for the perfect lingerie, check out https://pinkfoxxx.com/.

advicefashionhow tolingeriediy

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.