Lingerie Care Guide

Beautiful lingerie deserves a little ritual. The pieces you save for your private hour are made from delicate lace, fine mesh, soft satin and shaped boning, and a few simple habits will keep them looking as lovely as the night you first wore them. This guide covers how to wash, dry and store every piece in your drawer, so your favorites stay ready whenever the moment calls.

Start with the label

Every garment has its own needs, so check the care label before the first wash. When in doubt, treat the piece as the most delicate item you own. Hand washing is always the gentlest choice, and it takes only a few minutes.

How to hand wash lingerie

Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent or a gentle lingerie wash. Submerge the piece and swirl it softly for two to three minutes; avoid scrubbing, twisting or wringing, which can stretch lace and weaken elastic. Rinse in cool, clean water until no suds remain, then press the water out gently between your palms or roll the piece in a clean towel.

If you prefer the machine

Fasten every hook and clasp, then place each piece in its own mesh laundry bag. Choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a short spin, and wash lingerie only with other light fabrics. Skip fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce stretch.

Drying, the gentle way

Never put lingerie in the tumble dryer. Heat breaks down elastic and can warp molded cups and underwire. Lay pieces flat on a towel or hang them by the center gore or the side seams, never by the straps, and dry them away from direct sunlight and radiators so colors stay rich.

Care by fabric

Lace: wash inside a mesh bag or by hand, and reshape scalloped edges while damp; our Lace Lingerie Sets last longest with this treatment. Sheer mesh: use the coolest water and dry flat, since mesh can snag on zips and jewelry; see our Sheer & Mesh edit. Satin and satin-feel fabrics: hand wash quickly and dry away from heat; press with a cool iron through a cloth if needed. Faux leather: spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry; do not soak. Corsets and bustiers: spot clean rather than submerge, especially if the piece has steel or plastic boning, and air it out between wears; shop Corsets & Bustiers. Costumes: remove headpieces and accessories before washing, and hand wash the base piece; browse Costumes for your next role.

Storing your lingerie

Keep bras with molded cups nested together rather than folded in half, so the shape stays smooth. Fold sets, teddies and Bodysuits & Teddies loosely and store them in a drawer lined with a soft cloth or a breathable pouch. Lay corsets flat or hang them by the waist tape. Keep stockings and garter belts in their own bag so clips do not snag lace. A small sachet of lavender keeps everything fresh.

Small habits that make a difference

Rotate your favorites so elastic has time to recover between wears. Put lingerie on before perfume, lotion or body glitter, which can stain delicate fabrics. Wash new pieces before the first wear, and wash bras every two to three wears and other pieces after each wear.

With a little care, your lingerie stays soft, shapely and ready for every private hour. Ready to add something new? Explore our Lingerie Sets and find the next piece you will love. For sizing help, visit our Size Guide, and for any questions, our team is always here on the Contact page.