Quick answer

Hand washing is the safest method for all lingerie, especially pieces with lace, mesh, or adjustable straps. Use cold water and a gentle detergent, then lay flat to dry. Machine washing is possible if you use a mesh bag and a delicate cycle, but it shortens the lifespan of stretch lace and thin straps.

What you need to wash lingerie by hand

To hand wash lingerie, you only need a clean sink or basin, cool water, and a mild detergent made for delicates. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or stain removers, as they break down elastic and lace fibers. A clean towel for drying is also helpful.

Always check the care tag first. Most panties and bras with lace or mesh, like the Claudia Panty Black with its soft dotted mesh lace, benefit from hand washing to preserve the trim and satin bow.

How to machine wash lingerie safely

If you choose to machine wash, place each item in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent snagging. Use a cold water delicate cycle and a low spin speed. Never mix lingerie with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can stretch or tear delicate fabrics.

The Eden Panty White has thick double adjustable straps that can tangle in the machine. A mesh bag helps keep the straps intact and prevents digging marks on the lace.

Drying lingerie the right way

Never wring out lingerie or put it in the dryer. Heat destroys elastic and shrinks lace. Instead, gently press the garment between two towels to remove excess water, then reshape it and lay it flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight or radiators.

For thong panties like the Stacey Adjustable Thong with super soft stretch lace, laying flat preserves the adjustable straps and gold hardware. Hanging by the straps can cause them to stretch out over time.

Step-by-step lingerie washing routine

  1. 1. Fill a basin with cool water: Use a clean sink or bowl. Add a capful of gentle delicates detergent and swirl to dissolve. Hot water can shrink elastic and fade colors. Checkpoint: Water should feel cool to the touch, not warm or hot.
  2. 2. Submerge and gently agitate: Place your lingerie in the water and gently swish it around for 2–3 minutes. Rub fabric against itself only where needed (like the gusset). Avoid scrubbing lace or mesh. Common mistake: Rubbing lace vigorously can cause fraying or holes.
  3. 3. Rinse with cool water: Drain the soapy water and refill with fresh cool water. Swish the garment until no suds remain. Repeat if necessary. Leftover detergent can irritate skin and stiffen fabric. Checkpoint: Water runs clear with no bubbles.
  4. 4. Press out excess water: Lay the lingerie on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up gently and press to absorb moisture. Do not twist or wring, as this distorts the shape and breaks elastic fibers. Common mistake: Wringing out a thong like the Stacey Adjustable Thong can permanently stretch the straps.
  5. 5. Reshape and lay flat to dry: Unroll the towel and place the lingerie on a drying rack or a second dry towel. Smooth out any wrinkles and reshape the straps, lace, and gusset. Let it air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Verdict: Flat drying preserves the fit of adjustable straps and delicate trim. Never hang by the straps.

Lingerie that benefits from proper washing

  • Claudia Panty Black: Claudia Mesh Thong Panty with soft dotted mesh lace and embroidered trim, thong cut, double straps, lace trim, satin bow. The delicate lace trim and satin bow are prone to fraying if machine washed. Hand washing keeps the decorative details intact and the mesh from snagging.
  • Eden Panty White: Eden Thong Panty with high cut, thick double adjustable straps, lace lined with mesh, cotton gusset. The adjustable straps can lose elasticity if exposed to heat or aggressive washing. Hand washing and flat drying help maintain the seamless fit and prevent strap distortion.
  • Stacey Panty Black: Stacey Adjustable Thong with super soft stretch lace, gold hardware, adjustable straps, cotton gusset. Gold hardware can tarnish or scratch if tumbled with other items. Washing in a mesh bag or by hand protects the finish and keeps the straps adjustable for a perfect fit.