Most of us put more thought into choosing lingerie than storing it. Then a favourite bra comes out of the drawer with a dented cup, or a lace brief has caught on a hook and pulled a thread. Knowing how to store lingerie well keeps every piece in shape, makes it easier to find what you're after, and means packing for a weekend away takes minutes. Here's how to do it, at home and on the move.
Why storage matters
Lingerie is made from fine materials: lace, mesh, satin, elastic and thin underwires. Squash a moulded bra into a corner and the cup creases. Leave hooks open in a drawer and they snag everything near them. Store satin in direct sunlight and the colour fades. A little organisation prevents all of it.
How to store bras
Moulded and padded bras
Never fold a moulded cup in half or push one cup inside out into the other. Instead, nest bras of a similar shape inside each other, cup into cup, and line them up in a row from front to back. Think of a neat stack of bowls. Fasten the hooks first so they don't catch.
Unlined and lace bras
Soft bras without moulding are more forgiving. You can fold them gently in half along the centre, tucking the straps and band into the cups. Keep them separate from heavier pieces so the lace isn't crushed.
Bralettes
Bralettes can be folded or rolled. If yours has removable pads, keep them in place so they don't go missing, or store the pads together in a small pouch.
How to store briefs and thongs
Rolling is the most space-efficient way to store knickers. Fold the sides in, then roll from the waistband down. Small rolled pieces sit neatly in a drawer divider and you can see every one at a glance.
Thongs and very delicate lace briefs can be folded flat instead, so the fine fabric isn't stretched by a tight roll.
How to store bodysuits and nightwear
Bodysuits
Fold bodysuits in thirds lengthways, then in half. Pieces with chains, rings or embellishment are best laid flat or kept in a fabric pouch so hardware doesn't scratch or snag anything else.
Satin nightdresses and robes
Satin creases easily and loves space. Hang robes and longer nightdresses on padded or velvet hangers, which won't leave marks at the shoulder. Shorter slips can be folded loosely along existing seams and placed on top of a drawer, not underneath heavier items.
How to store harnesses, gloves and accessories
Harnesses made from synthetic leather keep their shape best when hung on a hook or laid flat in a drawer of their own. Avoid tight coiling, which can leave creases in the straps. Keep metal rings and buckles from resting against lace.
Gloves can be laid flat in pairs, and small accessories such as masks or headwear can live in a lidded box so they stay clean and dust-free.
Setting up a lingerie drawer
Use dividers
Drawer dividers or small fabric boxes are the easiest upgrade you can make. One section for bras, one for briefs, one for bodysuits and sets, and one for accessories. You'll stop rummaging, and fine fabrics will stop rubbing against each other.
Keep sets together
If you love wearing matching sets, store each brief with its bra. Fold the brief and tuck it inside the cup of its matching bra, or keep the pair together in a divider section.
Leave some space
Overstuffed drawers crush moulded cups and snag lace. If you can't close the drawer without pressing down, it's time to edit.
Let things breathe
Natural fibres and delicate fabrics like to breathe. Avoid sealing lingerie in plastic for long periods. If you want to protect a special piece, use a cotton or muslin bag instead.
Add something fresh
A small lavender or cedar sachet keeps a drawer smelling clean. Avoid spraying perfume directly onto fabric, as it can stain.
How to store lingerie for travel
Use a dedicated pouch
A padded lingerie travel case or a simple fabric pouch keeps bras protected and stops them being squashed by shoes and toiletries. A drawstring bag works perfectly well too.
Protect moulded cups
Nest moulded bras together, cup into cup, and fill the inner cup with rolled briefs or socks. It keeps the shape and saves space at the same time.
Pack in the right place
Place your lingerie pouch near the top of a suitcase or against a firm side, never at the bottom under heavy items.
Bring a laundry bag
Keep a separate bag for worn pieces so clean lingerie stays fresh. A mesh wash bag doubles as both.
Satin on the road
Fold satin nightwear loosely around a layer of tissue paper, or roll it. Hang it in the bathroom when you arrive and the steam from a shower will ease out most creases.
Seasonal storage
If you rotate your wardrobe, make sure every piece is clean and completely dry before storing it for a season. Keep stored lingerie in breathable bags in a cool, dark place, away from radiators and sunny windows. Swimwear and beachwear follow the same rules: rinse, dry fully and store flat.
Signs your storage isn't working
- Cups with dents or creases that don't spring back
- Lace with pulled threads
- Elastic that feels stiff or crackly
- Colours fading along fold lines
Any of these is a sign to give your pieces more room or a different home.
The short version
Nest moulded bras, roll briefs, hang satin, give hardware its own space, and leave room in the drawer. When you travel, use a pouch and fill your cups. That's all there is to it.
Where Fire fits in
In the Byvoria day, Fire is the evening: the pieces you choose for yourself and reach for when the day is yours. A well-kept drawer means the set you want is always there, in the shape it was made in.
If your drawer has a gap, have a look through our Lingerie Sets and Nightwear collections. Sizes vary by piece, so check the chart on each product page. UK delivery is free and tracked.