Good lingerie isn't fragile, but it is particular. Lace, mesh, fine elastic and underwire all respond badly to heat, rough handling and strong detergent. The good news is that learning how to wash lingerie properly takes about ten minutes and saves you replacing pieces you love. Here's everything you need to know, from the basin to the drying rack.
Why lingerie needs different care
Most everyday clothes can cope with a 40°C wash and a tumble dryer. Lingerie usually can't. Elastane, the fibre that gives bras and briefs their stretch, weakens with heat and friction. Lace snags on zips and hooks. Underwires can work their way out of their channels if a bra is spun hard in a drum. And moulded cups can dent or crease if they're folded the wrong way while wet.
None of this means you have to be precious. It just means a gentler routine.
Check the label first
Every piece should have a care label, and it's worth a glance. Most lingerie will say hand wash or a delicate machine wash at 30°C. Some pieces with embellishment, such as crystals, chains, beading or feathers, may say hand wash only or spot clean. If the label and this guide disagree, follow the label.
How to hand wash lingerie
Hand washing is the gentlest option and, once you're used to it, it's quick.
What you'll need
- A clean basin or sink
- Cool to lukewarm water, no warmer than 30°C
- A mild liquid detergent, ideally one made for delicates or wool
- A clean towel
Step by step
- Fill the basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent. A teaspoon is usually enough.
- Fasten every bra hook so it can't catch on lace.
- Submerge the pieces and gently swish them through the water. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Press the fabric softly with your hands, paying a little extra attention to the band and gusset. Don't scrub or twist.
- Drain the basin and rinse in clean cool water until no suds remain.
- Press out excess water gently. Never wring lingerie, as it stretches the elastic and distorts the shape.
- Lay the piece flat on a towel, roll the towel up and press to absorb more water.
Can you machine wash lingerie?
You can, if the label allows it and you take a few precautions.
Use a mesh laundry bag
A mesh lingerie bag is the single most useful thing you can buy for this. It stops hooks catching on other clothes, keeps straps from tangling and protects underwires. Use one bag per two or three bras so they aren't crushed together.
Choose the right cycle
Select the delicate, hand wash or wool cycle at 30°C or lower, with a low spin. Wash lingerie with other light fabrics, never with jeans, towels or anything with zips.
Skip the fabric softener
Fabric softener coats fibres and breaks down elastic over time. It can also reduce the breathability of cotton gussets. A mild detergent is all you need.
How to dry lingerie
Drying is where most damage happens, so this part matters.
- Never tumble dry. The heat weakens elastic and can warp underwires and moulded cups.
- Dry flat on a towel or a drying rack, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
- If you hang a bra, hang it from the centre between the cups, not by the straps, which can stretch when wet.
- Reshape moulded cups with your hands while they're damp so they dry in their natural curve.
- Let pieces dry fully before putting them away. Damp lingerie in a drawer can develop marks and smells.
Caring for special fabrics
Lace and mesh
Treat these as the most delicate pieces you own. Hand wash where possible, keep them away from anything with Velcro or zips, and never wring. Small snags can usually be eased back into place with a fingertip while the fabric is damp.
Satin and silk-feel fabrics
Wash in cool water with a gentle detergent and dry flat or on a padded hanger out of the sun. If a piece needs smoothing, use a cool iron on the reverse with a cloth between, or hang it in a steamy bathroom.
Synthetic leather and hardware
Harnesses and pieces with metal rings or chains shouldn't go in water unless the label says so. Wipe synthetic leather with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then dry with a soft towel. Keep metal parts dry to avoid marks.
Embellished pieces
Crystals, beads and feathers are best spot cleaned. Dab the area with a damp cloth and a little detergent, then let it air dry. Avoid soaking, which can loosen glue and stitching.
How often should you wash lingerie?
- Briefs and thongs: after every wear.
- Bras: every two to four wears, depending on the weather and how long you've worn them.
- Bodysuits: after every wear, as they're worn close to the skin.
- Nightwear: every few wears, or more often in warm weather.
Rotating your bras helps too. Giving each one a day off between wears lets the elastic recover its shape.
What about swimwear?
Swimwear isn't lingerie, but the same rules apply. Rinse in cool fresh water as soon as you can after the pool or the sea, as chlorine and salt both break down elastane. Hand wash gently, dry flat in the shade and never leave a damp swimsuit rolled in a towel.
Signs a piece needs replacing
Even with good care, lingerie has a lifespan. It's time for a new piece when the band rides up even on the tightest hook, the elastic has lost its spring, the wire has started to poke through, or the cups have lost their shape. Good care stretches that lifespan considerably.
The short version
Cool water, mild detergent, no wringing, no tumble dryer. Use a mesh bag if you machine wash, dry flat away from heat and reshape while damp. It's a small routine that makes a real difference.
Part of the Fire ritual
In the Byvoria day, Fire is the evening and the pieces you choose for yourself. Looking after them is part of that: a few quiet minutes at the end of the week that mean your favourite set is still your favourite set next year.
When you're ready to add something new, the Lingerie Sets collection is a good place to start, with a size chart on every product page and free tracked UK delivery.