Quick answer

Wash TENCEL bras and underwear in cold water with a gentle detergent, either by hand or in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle. Skip the dryer and lay them flat to dry. This keeps the fabric soft, protects the fit, and helps bras hold their shape.

Why TENCEL and micro modal need a gentler routine

TENCEL and micro modal are prized for being breathable and twice as soft as cotton, but that softness comes from fine fibers that can pill or stretch when they are treated roughly. Heat and agitation are the two biggest threats: hot water can shrink or dull the fabric, and a hot dryer can break down the fibers over time. A gentle wash routine protects both the feel and the fit, so your everyday pieces stay comfortable for longer.

Hand wash vs machine wash: which is right for you

Hand washing is the safest option for bras with structured cups or lace details, because it puts the least stress on seams and elastics. If you prefer a machine, use a mesh laundry bag and a delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water. Either way, the goal is to minimize friction and heat. For everyday briefs without delicate trim, a mesh bag on a gentle cycle is usually enough.

What to avoid in detergent and water temperature

Use a mild, liquid detergent free of bleach and fabric softener. Bleach weakens fibers, and fabric softener can coat the fabric and reduce breathability. Water should be cold or lukewarm at most. If you are washing a load with other items, keep TENCEL separate from heavy fabrics like denim or towels that can rub and cause pilling.

Step-by-step TENCEL wash routine

  1. 1. Sort and pretreat: Separate TENCEL and micro modal items from heavy fabrics. Pretreat any stains with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water, then gently rub the fabric together. Avoid hot water, which can set stains and damage fibers. Checkpoint: never use bleach or hot water on stains.
  2. 2. Choose your wash method: For bras with cups or lace, hand wash in a sink of cold water with a drop of gentle detergent. For briefs and simple bras, place them in a mesh bag and run a delicate cycle with cold water. If machine washing, use the shortest cycle available. Common mistake: overloading the machine causes friction that leads to pilling.
  3. 3. Rinse and remove excess water: After washing, rinse with cold water until no suds remain. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can stretch it out of shape. Instead, gently press the water out with your hands or roll the item in a clean towel. Checkpoint: if the water runs clear, rinsing is done.
  4. 4. Dry flat away from heat: Lay bras and briefs flat on a clean towel or drying rack, reshaping cups and smoothing waistbands as you go. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or dryers. Hanging a wet bra by its straps can stretch them, so flat drying is best. Common mistake: putting TENCEL in the dryer, which can shrink it and break down elasticity.
  5. 5. Store with care: Once completely dry, store bras stacked or hanging without crushing the cups. Fold briefs loosely. Avoid cramming them into a drawer, which can crease the fabric and distort the shape over time. Checkpoint: ensure items are fully dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Products that benefit from this care routine

  • The Everyday Soft Balcony: The Everyday Soft Balcony is part activewear, part everyday wear, with a built-in bra and quick-dry Workout fabric. The structured cups and quick-dry fabric mean you should hand wash or use a mesh bag to protect the shape and performance.
  • The Everyday Cheeky: The Everyday Cheeky is made from breathable micro modal that keeps you dry for up to 10 hours and is twice as soft as cotton. Gentle washing preserves the softness and breathability that make these briefs comfortable all day.