Quick answer
Hand wash bras and delicates in cool water with a gentle detergent, then air dry flat. Avoid wringing, hot water, and the dryer. This simple routine prevents stretching, fading, and hardware damage, helping pieces like the Love Struck Bra or LuLu Corset stay beautiful for years.
LuLu Corset
Why hand washing is worth the effort
Hand washing is the safest method for bras, corsets, and delicate panties because it minimizes agitation and heat that break down elastic, lace, and silk fibers. Even a gentle machine cycle can twist straps, bend underwires, and snag embroidery. Taking a few minutes to wash by hand preserves the fit and finish of your lingerie, especially investment pieces like the LuLu Corset with its spiral steel boning and embroidered tulle.
Step-by-step hand washing method
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge your items and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Let them soak for up to 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water until no soap remains. Do not rub, twist, or wring. To remove excess water, press the item between a folded towel. Lay flat to dry on a drying rack or a clean towel, reshaping cups and smoothing lace.
Common mistakes that shorten lingerie life
Using hot water, regular laundry detergent, or fabric softener can damage elastic and leave residue. Bleach is never safe for silk or lace. Washing with heavy items like jeans causes friction and snags. Leaving items to soak for hours weakens fibers. And never put bras or corsets in the dryer—heat destroys elasticity and can warp boning. Even if a care label says machine washable, hand washing is still the gentler choice for delicate fabrics.
Your 5-step hand washing routine
- 1. Prep your space: Clean your sink or basin, then fill with cool water and add a capful of gentle detergent. Check the water temperature with your wrist—it should feel cool, not warm. Mistake to avoid: using hot water, which can shrink silk and weaken elastic.
- 2. Submerge and soak: Place bras, corsets, and panties in the water and gently press down to saturate. Let soak for 10–15 minutes. Do not rub fabrics together. Checkpoint: if water turns cloudy, you used too much detergent—rinse again.
- 3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool water. Gently squeeze suds out of each item, then repeat until water runs clear. Never wring or twist. Mistake to avoid: leaving soap residue, which can irritate skin and dull fabrics.
- 4. Remove excess water: Lay a clean towel flat, place items on top, and roll the towel up like a jelly roll. Press gently to absorb water. Unroll and reshape cups and lace. Checkpoint: items should be damp, not dripping.
- 5. Air dry flat: Place items on a drying rack or fresh towel, reshaping as needed. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Allow to dry completely before storing. Mistake to avoid: hanging bras by straps, which stretches them; and never use a dryer.
Product care notes
- LOVESTRUCK BRA: Cupless silhouette with premium silk front bridge and delicate lace ruffle detailing, plus a sheer power mesh back. Hand wash to protect the silk bridge and lace ruffles from snagging and stretching.
- LULU CORSET: Smooth silk construction with embroidered tulle overlay and spiral steel boning. Never machine wash or tumble dry; hand wash and lay flat to dry to maintain the corset's structure and embroidery.
