You’ll probably agree that when it comes to clothing, lingerie holds a special place. Over the course of history, lingerie and undergarments have played a variety of roles, from the most utilitarian, such as the strophium “bra” favored by the Greco-Romans, to the most romantic, such as the lacy negligees made famous by Marilyn Monroe. Today, lingerie has become a veritable fashion item with seasonal collections that offer ever-changing textures, shapes, styles, and colors. Yet despite the many facets of lingerie, it always deserves the utmost care and attention—particularly when it needs laundering.
How to keep your lingerie looking beautiful:
- First things first. Always start by reading the label on your lingerie. It may contain specific instructions to bear in mind.
- Spot the stains. Inspect your lingerie for any stains and, if necessary, apply an appropriate stain remover.
- Hand or machine? Delicate materials like lace, as well as beads, feathers, and other adornments, are best washed by hand. Refer to the label to be sure. In all cases, cold water is the most suitable temperature choice because it reduces the risk of color transfer and shrinkage, ensuring that your lingerie looks better longer.
- If by hand: Using a sink or wash basin, fill with water and use a detergent suitable for delicates or lingerie. Allow your garments to soak for around 30 minutes, then gently rub them together and rinse using fresh water until no soap residue remains. Squeeze out any excess water, taking care not to pull or tug. You may want to use a towel to absorb additional moisture.
- If by machine: Close any zippers, as well as the hooks and eyes of your bras before washing, as this will prevent stretching, snagging, or tearing. For additional protection, consider using a mesh laundry bag. Choose the delicate cycle and low spin.
- Opt for fresh air. Tumble drying is not advised, as the heat could severely damage your fragile lingerie. Instead, either hang to dry or lay flat on a drying rack.
- Tame the wrinkles. If your lingerie has wrinkles, a cool iron applied to the reverse side of your garment may be suitable depending on the garment’s label. If not, steaming is often effective as well as gentle. Try either a garment steamer or simply hanging your lingerie in the bathroom while you shower!
Hey! What about the guys?
These tips apply to ALL delicate undergarments, and that includes menswear! So, gentlemen, if you want to keep those silk boxers looking their finest, simply follow the above instructions.
For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.