Quick answer

Hand wash lace, mesh and satin in cool water with a gentle detergent, then press the water out in a towel and dry flat away from heat and sunlight. Satin can handle a cold, gentle machine cycle inside a mesh bag, but lace and fine mesh should never go in the dryer.

How to hand wash lace lingerie without snagging it

Fill a clean basin with cool water and a capful of gentle detergent. Submerge the lace piece and let it soak for five minutes, then move it gently through the water with your fingertips. Do not rub, wring or scrub lace against itself, because the friction is what causes pilling and broken threads.

Rinse in cool water until no suds remain. To remove water, lay the piece on a clean towel, roll the towel loosely and press down. Never twist lace to speed up drying, and keep it away from hooks, zippers and anything with a rough surface while it is wet.

Mesh lingerie care: what makes it different

Mesh is a knit, so it stretches and recovers. That means it holds its shape best when you wash it in cool water and avoid heat entirely. Warm water and hot dryers relax the fibers, which is why mesh pieces can start to feel loose or baggy over time.

If a mesh piece has a smooth microfibre finish, turn it inside out before washing so the outer surface does not rub against other items. Skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and can leave a dull film on sheer mesh.

Satin lingerie washing: protect the shine

Satin gets its sheen from the weave, not a coating, so the goal is to keep the surface smooth. Wash satin in cool water on its own or with similar colors, and use a detergent without bleach or enzymes. If you machine wash, place the piece in a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle with a low spin.

Heat is the main enemy of satin. Air-dry it flat or hang it on a padded hanger, and iron only on the lowest setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric if wrinkles bother you.

Lingerie drying tips for delicate fabrics

Lay lace, mesh and satin flat on a clean towel or drying rack in a spot with good airflow. Hanging wet lace by its straps can stretch them, and direct sunlight can fade dyed fabrics over time. A dryer is not worth the risk for any of these three fabrics.

If you are short on space, hang satin on a padded hanger and lay lace and mesh flat on a rack. Rotate the piece once while it dries so the underside gets air too. Most delicate pieces are dry within a few hours.

How to prevent lace pilling and snags

Pilling happens when loose fibers rub together, so the fix is less friction, not more washing. Wash lace pieces separately from bras with hooks, denim or anything with a zipper, and store them flat or folded rather than crammed into a drawer.

For pieces with crystals or hardware, like the Anastasia Garter Belt, check the embellishments before washing and fasten any hooks so they cannot catch on lace. If a snag happens, do not pull it. Use a fine needle to work the thread back to the wrong side.

Frequently asked questions about delicate fabric care

Can I machine wash lace lingerie?

Only on a cold, gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, and only if the lace has no crystals or fragile trims. Hand washing is still the safer default for eyelash lace and embellished pieces. When in doubt, hand wash.

How often should I wash lace and mesh?

After every one to two wears, because body oils and lotions weaken elastic over time. If you only wore the piece briefly and did not sweat, airing it overnight is enough before putting it away. Wash less often than you think, but never skip it for weeks.

What detergent should I use for satin?

A mild liquid detergent without bleach, enzymes or fabric softener. Softener leaves a residue that dulls satin's sheen and can trap oils in lace. Simple and unscented is safest.

How do I stop lace from pilling in the wash?

Wash lace separately from hooks, zippers and heavy fabrics, turn pieces inside out and avoid wringing. Pilling is friction damage, so reducing rubbing is the real fix. Separate, turn inside out, never wring.

Can I put satin in the dryer?

No. Heat shrinks and dulls satin and can melt any stretch fibers blended into it. Air-dry flat or on a padded hanger instead. Air dry only for satin.

Fabric care in practice: three pieces from our collection

  • Anastasia Garter Belt: Black lace garter belt in a chic midi style with eyelash lace and black teardrop crystals on every piece. The crystals and eyelash edging need a gentle hand wash and flat drying to avoid bending the hardware or crushing the lace edge.
  • Cherry Thong: Cherry red thong made from heavy weight microfibre with a silky finish and a strappy elastic back. Microfibre holds color well but dislikes heat, so cool water and air drying keep the silky finish and the elastic from relaxing.
  • Nakeds 2.0 Mahogany String: Nakeds 2.0 Mahogany String in mahogany, with discreet packaging and 45-day returns. A simple string style is a good candidate for a mesh laundry bag if you prefer a cold, gentle machine cycle over hand washing.