How to Care for Silk Shorts and Keep Them Luxurious
By Aubade® Official Store: French Luxury Lingerie | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the essential steps to wash, dry, and store your silk shorts so they stay soft, shiny, and luxurious for years. Expert tips for silk sleep shorts care.
Quick answer
To keep your silk shorts luxurious, hand wash them in cool water with a gentle silk detergent, never wring or twist, and air dry away from direct sunlight.
Why silk needs special care
Silk is a natural protein fiber that is delicate and can be damaged by harsh detergents, heat, and rough handling. Unlike cotton or synthetics, silk can lose its luster, become brittle, or develop white streaks if washed incorrectly. Taking a few extra minutes to care for your silk shorts properly will preserve their softness, color, and shape.
Even high-quality stretch silk, like the kind used in the Aubade Smocky Night Shorty Féline, benefits from gentle treatment. The elastane blend adds comfort and fit, but the silk surface still needs the same careful washing routine to stay smooth and shiny.
Common mistakes that damage silk shorts
The most common mistake is using regular laundry detergent, which contains enzymes that break down silk fibers. Another is tossing silk shorts into the washing machine on a normal cycle—agitation can cause fraying and loss of shape. Heat is also a culprit: hot water, the dryer, and even direct sunlight can weaken silk and fade its color.
Avoid wringing or twisting wet silk, as this can create permanent creases and damage the fibers. Instead, gently press out excess water with a towel.
Step-by-step silk shorts care routine
- 1. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot) and add a capful of mild silk-specific detergent. Submerge your silk shorts and gently swish them for 2–3 minutes. Do not scrub or rub the fabric. Hot water can shrink and dull silk. Always use cool water.
- 2. Rinse thoroughly without twisting: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cool, clean water. Gently press the shorts underwater to rinse out all detergent. Repeat until no suds remain. Never wring or twist the fabric. Residual detergent can cause yellowing over time. Rinse until the water runs clear.
- 3. Press out excess water with a towel: Lay the wet shorts flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up like a jelly roll and gently press to absorb moisture. Unroll and remove the shorts—they should be damp, not dripping. Wringing creates permanent wrinkles and weakens the fibers.
- 4. Air dry away from heat and sunlight: Lay the shorts flat on a drying rack or a second dry towel in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Do not hang them, as the weight of wet silk can stretch the fabric. Never use a dryer or radiator. Direct sunlight fades colors; heat from dryers can make silk brittle.
- 5. Store flat or loosely folded: Once completely dry, fold your silk shorts loosely and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging silk shorts on thin wire hangers, which can leave marks. Use a breathable cotton bag if storing for longer periods. Never store silk in plastic bags—they trap moisture and can cause mildew.
Product spotlight
- Smocky Night Shorty Féline: The Smocky Night Shorty Féline is made from stretch silk that adapts to body shapes and movement. Stretch silk is more forgiving than pure silk, but it still requires the same gentle care to keep its elasticity and sheen.
Smocky Night Shorty Féline
