Quick Answer
To care for delicate lingerie, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, never wring, dry flat away from heat, and store flat or hanging by the center gore. Always follow the care label, and use a mesh laundry bag if you must machine wash.
Delicate lingerie is an investment in comfort and confidence, but it requires a gentle touch to keep its shape, color, and elasticity. Whether you own a lacy bralette or an embroidered bodysuit, proper washing and storage can extend its life significantly.
Many of us have ruined a favorite bra by tossing it in the washing machine or dryer. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your delicate pieces looking beautiful and fitting well for years. Here’s how to care for them.
Read the Care Label First
Before anything else, check the care label on your lingerie. It provides specific instructions for that fabric and construction. Some pieces may be hand-wash only, while others might tolerate a delicate machine cycle. The label is your best guide.
At Thistle and Spire, many of our pieces feature delicate fabrics like sheer tulle, custom embroidery, and adjustable straps. For example, the Scylla Bra has a balconette underwire design with embroidered scalloped neckline, so it needs extra care to protect the intricate details and underwire structure.
Scylla Bra
- If the label is missing or unclear, default to hand washing in cold water.
Hand Washing Basics
Hand washing is the safest method for delicate lingerie. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically designed for delicates. Submerge the garment and gently swish it around—avoid scrubbing or twisting, which can damage fibers and shape.
Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water until no soap remains. Press the water out gently without wringing. For pieces with underwire like the Scylla Bra, support the cups while washing to prevent bending the wire.
- Never use hot water; it can shrink or distort elastic and lace.
Machine Washing: When and How
If you must use a machine, always place delicate items in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from snagging and stretching. Use the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin speed. Skip the fabric softener; it can coat fibers and reduce elasticity.
Even with a laundry bag, machine washing is harder on lingerie. Reserve it for less delicate items or when you're in a hurry. For pieces with heavy embellishments or boning, like the Medici Skirt with vegan leather and zippers, hand washing is strongly recommended.
- Fasten hooks and clasps before washing to prevent them from catching on other items.
Drying Delicate Lingerie
Never put delicate lingerie in the dryer. The heat can break down elastic, warp underwires, and shrink lace. Instead, gently press out excess water with a clean towel, then lay the garment flat on a dry towel or drying rack. Reshape it to its original form while damp.
Avoid hanging bras by the straps, as the weight of water can stretch them. For lace or tulle pieces, like the Medusa Bodysuit with sheer tulle and ribbon halter-tie, lay them flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Dry lace lingerie away from radiators or direct sun to prevent fading and brittleness.
Storing Your Lingerie
Proper storage helps maintain the shape and condition of your delicate pieces. For bras, either lay them flat in a drawer or hang them by the center gore (the bridge between cups) to avoid stretching the straps. For bralettes and unconstructed pieces, folding them flat is ideal.
Keep lingerie in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid overcrowding, which can crush delicate details. For items like the Mon Cœur Bralette with custom guipure appliqué, giving them space ensures the lace doesn't get snagged or misshapen.
- Store matching sets together to keep them organized and easy to find.
Step-by-Step Lingerie Care Routine
- Check the care label: Always read the care label first to see if the item is hand-wash only or machine washable. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage. When in doubt, hand wash.
- Hand wash with gentle detergent: Fill a basin with cold water and add a mild detergent. Gently swish the garment, soak for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Press out water without wringing. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
- Dry flat on a towel: Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Reshape it to its original form. Do not hang bras by straps or use a dryer. Never wring or twist delicate fabrics.
- Store properly: Fold bras and bralettes flat in a drawer, or hang by the center gore. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Give delicate pieces space to breathe.
Products That Need Extra Care
- Scylla Bra: Balconette underwire bra with custom T&S embroidered scalloped neckline and frame. Features T&S spacer hardware, adjustable shoulder and back straps, double hook and eye closures. The delicate embroidery and underwire require hand washing and flat drying to maintain their shape and prevent damage to the fabric and hardware.
- Mon Cœur Bralette - FINAL SALE: Custom guipure appliqué with lace detailing and T&S signature back straps allowing minimum 4-6" of adjustability. The intricate guipure appliqué can snag easily, so wash it in a mesh bag or by hand and store it flat to preserve the lace details.
Caring for your delicate lingerie doesn't have to be time-consuming. By following these simple steps, you can keep your favorite pieces looking beautiful and fitting well for years. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your investment.
