Quick answer
Wash lace, mesh, and embroidered lingerie by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent, then air-dry flat or hanging by the band. Store bras stacked with cups nested, and fold briefs loosely so elastic isn't stretched. Skip the dryer and fabric softener—they break down spandex and dull lace faster than anything else.
Sort before you soak
Separate lights, darks, and brights before any delicate lingerie laundry session. Dye from a new dark brief can bleed onto a pale lace bra in minutes. Also separate by fabric weight: a structured bra with mesh lining needs gentler handling than a simple cotton brief. If you're washing embroidered lingerie, keep it away from anything with hooks or zippers that can snag threads.
Choose the right detergent and water temperature
Use a mild liquid detergent labeled for delicates or hand washing. Powder detergents can leave residue in lace and mesh. Water should be cool or lukewarm—never hot. Hot water weakens the elastic in bra straps and bands, and it can shrink lace. If you're spot-treating, dab, don't rub, and rinse thoroughly before the main wash.
Machine washing without wrecking your lingerie
If you must use a machine, put each bra or brief in a fine-mesh lingerie bag. Hook bra closures so they don't catch on other items. Choose the delicate cycle with a low spin speed, and use cold water. Never machine-wash a bra with molded cups or heavy embroidery—the agitation will distort the shape. When in doubt, hand wash.
Drying flat vs. hanging
Lay bras flat to dry with cups shaped by hand. Hanging a wet bra by its straps stretches them out; hanging by the band is better but can still distort a molded cup. Briefs can be hung by the waistband or laid flat. Keep everything out of direct sunlight, which fades colors and weakens fibers. Never put lingerie in a dryer—heat destroys spandex and can melt delicate trims.
Storing bras and briefs so they keep their shape
Store bras properly by stacking them with cups nested inside each other. This keeps the cups from crushing and prevents straps from tangling. Use a drawer divider or a soft box—not a tight vacuum bag. Fold briefs in half or roll them loosely; don't stretch the waistband over a hanger. For long-term storage, keep pieces in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic, which traps moisture.
Your 7-step lingerie care routine
- 1. Sort by color and fabric: Separate lights, darks, and brights, and keep structured bras away from simple briefs. Checkpoint: if you're unsure, wash separately.
- 2. Pretreat stains with a gentle dab: Apply a drop of mild detergent to stains and dab with a soft cloth; never rub. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing embroidery or lace, which causes pilling.
- 3. Fill a basin with cool water: Add a capful of delicate detergent and swirl to mix. Checkpoint: water should be no warmer than your hand.
- 4. Submerge and gently agitate: Let items soak for up to 15 minutes, then press them gently with your palms. Mistake to avoid: wringing or twisting—it stretches elastic.
- 5. Rinse until water runs clear: Use cool water and avoid running water directly onto lace. Checkpoint: no soapy residue should remain.
- 6. Remove excess water without wringing: Press items between a folded towel to absorb moisture. Mistake to avoid: hanging a wet bra by its straps.
- 7. Dry flat and store properly: Lay bras flat with cups shaped; hang briefs by the waistband or lay flat. Once dry, stack bras with cups nested and fold briefs loosely. Checkpoint: never use a dryer or store in plastic.
Lingerie made for gentle care
- Emma Mint Green Lace Wireless Bra: Wireless, unpadded, with soft lace and supportive mesh lining; adjustable straps and a 2 x 3 hook-and-eye closure. The mesh lining and wireless design mean this bra holds its shape well when hand-washed and laid flat to dry—no underwire to bend out of shape.
- Ziggy Mango Lace and Spotted Mesh Brief: Spotted mesh with lace edges, satin bow detailing, and a full mesh back. Mesh and lace edges snag easily, so this brief belongs in a lingerie bag or hand wash, and should be stored flat to avoid pulls.
- Eddie Pink Crossover Wrap Bra: Pink mesh with fishnet panels and satin elastic harness detail; each strap is adjustable. The multiple adjustable straps and fishnet panels can tangle or stretch if washed with heavy items—keep it separate and lay it flat to dry.
