Quick answer

Hand wash your shapewear in cool water with a gentle detergent, then air dry flat away from heat. Never use fabric softener or bleach, and store it flat or rolled to avoid stretching the compression fabric.

Why proper care matters for compression garments

Shapewear and fajas rely on tightly woven elastic fibers to deliver firm compression and a smooth silhouette. Heat, harsh detergents, and rough handling can break down those fibers, causing the garment to lose its shaping power and fit. A little extra care each wash can double the usable life of your investment.

Step-by-step shapewear care routine

  1. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild, bleach-free detergent. Submerge your shapewear and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the compression zones. Common mistake: using hot water or machine washing. Heat sets stains and breaks elastic fibers.
  2. Rinse thoroughly without twisting: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool clean water. Swish the garment gently until no suds remain. Press the water out with your palms—never wring or twist the fabric. Checkpoint: if you see suds after the third rinse, repeat. Residual detergent can irritate skin and weaken fibers.
  3. Air dry flat away from heat: Lay the shapewear flat on a clean, dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, heaters, or dryers. Do not hang it, as the weight of wet fabric can stretch the waistband. Common mistake: tossing shapewear in the dryer. Even low heat can permanently damage compression panels and silicone grips.
  4. Store flat or rolled, never folded: Once completely dry, lay the garment flat in a drawer or roll it loosely. Avoid folding it along the same crease lines, which can weaken the fabric over time. Keep it separate from items with zippers or hooks that could snag. Checkpoint: if you notice the waistband rolling down during wear, your storage method may be stretching the silicone grip.

Products that benefit from careful maintenance

  • Extra High Waisted Firm Shaper Short: This Extra High Waisted Firm Shaper Short uses PowerSlim® fabric for firm compression and a silicone anti-slip grip at the waistband. The silicone grip can lose its tackiness if exposed to fabric softener or high heat, so washing it gently and air drying preserves the stay-put feature.
  • Strapless Sculpting Step-in Body Shaper with Short Bottom: The Strapless Sculpting Step-in Body Shaper has double-layered tummy fabric and DuraFit® compression fabric that is super soft and cool to the touch. Double-layered areas need extra care to avoid pilling; always turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the inner layer.
  • Post-Surgical Mid-Thigh Girdle made of Soft Compression Fabric, Hook-and-Zip Closure: The Post-Surgical Mid-Thigh Girdle has a soft flex fabric and no seams or elasticated leg bands for superior comfort and flexibility. Seamless and bandless designs are more delicate; avoid twisting or wringing them out to prevent distortion of the compression zones.