How to Care for Your Lingerie: Washing, Drying, and Storage Tips

Quick Answer

To keep your luxury lingerie in top condition, always check the care label, hand wash with a gentle detergent in cold water, and dry flat away from direct sunlight. For machine washing, use a mesh bag and a delicate cycle. Store bras flat or hanging by the center gore, and fold other items to maintain their shape.

Luxury lingerie is an investment in both comfort and style, and proper care ensures it retains its beauty and fit over time. French brands like Aubade use delicate fabrics and intricate embroidery that require special attention. Whether you're washing a lacy bra or a silk chemise, following the right steps can make all the difference.

This guide provides practical lingerie care tips, covering how to wash lingerie by hand or in the washing machine, how to dry it without damage, and how to store it to preserve its shape. Let's dive into the best practices for keeping your delicate pieces looking gorgeous.

Understanding Fabric Care Labels

Before anything else, always read the care label on your lingerie. It tells you the recommended washing temperature, whether bleach is safe, and if the item can be tumble dried. Labels also indicate if the piece is hand wash only or suitable for machine washing. Following these instructions is the first step in proper lingerie care.

Many luxury brands, including Aubade, use French embroidery and delicate materials like tulle and satin. These fabrics require gentle handling. If the label says 'hand wash,' it's best to follow that advice to avoid damaging the embroidery or stretching the fabric.

• Check the care label on every new piece before washing.
• When in doubt, hand wash with a gentle detergent.

Hand Washing Lingerie: The Gentle Approach

Hand washing is the safest method for delicate lingerie. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for delicates. Submerge the garment and gently swish it around. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, which can distort the shape and damage fibers.

Rinse thoroughly in clean water until no soap remains. Press the water out gently without wringing. Roll the item in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture. This method is ideal for items with intricate embroidery, like the Art of Ink Half cup bra, which features delicate Lycra floral embroidery and a rhinestone gem between the cups.

• Use a detergent specifically for delicates or wool.
• Never wring or twist; always press water out.

Machine Washing Lingerie: When and How

Some lingerie can be machine washed, but it requires extra precautions. Place each item in a mesh lingerie bag to protect it from snagging. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a low spin speed. Always fasten hooks and clasps to prevent them from catching on other items.

If you're washing multiple pieces, separate whites from colors to avoid color bleeding. Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softeners, as they can break down elastic fibers. Machine washing is suitable for more durable pieces, but for items with delicate lace or embroidery, hand washing is still recommended.

• Always use a mesh bag for machine washing.
• Skip fabric softeners to preserve elasticity.

Drying Lingerie: Air Dry Only

Never put lingerie in the dryer, as heat can damage elastic and shrink delicate fabrics. Instead, lay items flat on a clean, dry towel. Reshape them gently while they are damp to maintain their original form. If you prefer to hang, use a padded hanger for bras and hang them by the center gore, not the straps, to prevent stretching.

Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause fading and weaken fibers. For items like the Satin Memories Waistcincher, with its shimmering satin straps, proper drying is essential to keep the fabric smooth and the structure intact.

• Always air dry lingerie flat.
• Never use a dryer or hang by straps.

Storing Lingerie to Preserve Shape

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the shape and longevity of your lingerie. Bras should be stored flat or hung by the center gore to avoid stretching the straps. If stacking, place them in a drawer with enough space to prevent crushing. For briefs and other items, fold them neatly and store in a drawer with dividers.

Keep your lingerie away from direct light and humidity, which can cause discoloration and mildew. Consider using a lingerie box or organizer with compartments to keep delicate pieces separate. This is especially important for items like the Voodoo Kiss Cheeky brief, which features sheer fabric and detailed embroidery that can be easily damaged if crushed.

• Store bras flat or hang by the gore.
• Use a lingerie organizer to keep items separate.

Step-by-Step Lingerie Care Routine

1. Check the care label: Before washing, always read the care label to understand the recommended cleaning method and temperature. This prevents accidental damage from using the wrong wash cycle.
2. Hand wash with gentle detergent: Fill a basin with cold water, add a small amount of delicate detergent, and gently swish the garment. Avoid scrubbing and twisting. Hand washing is the safest method for delicate fabrics and embroidery.
3. Rinse and press out water: Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains, then press the water out gently. Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist, as this can distort the shape.
4. Dry flat away from heat: Lay the item flat on a dry towel and reshape it. Avoid direct sunlight and never use a dryer. Air drying preserves elastic and prevents shrinkage.
5. Store properly: For bras, hang by the center gore or lay flat. Fold other items and store in a drawer with dividers to avoid crushing. Proper storage maintains shape and extends the life of your lingerie.

Products That Benefit from Extra Care

• Art of Ink Half cup bra Symphonie Bleue: Features intricate embroidered braid and cups with vertical seaming, plus a rhinestone gem between the cups and double strap at the back. The delicate embroidery and rhinestone gem require gentle hand washing to prevent damage and keep the design intact.
• Satin Memories Waistcincher: Features shimmering satin straps meeting at a gold ring and French embroidery on lightweight tulle. The satin and tulle are sensitive to heat and friction, so always hand wash and dry flat to preserve the shimmer and structure.
• Voodoo Kiss Cheeky brief: Combines patterned embroidery with sheer fabric and a back opening. The sheer fabric and embroidery are prone to snagging, so machine washing should be avoided; hand washing is recommended.

By following these lingerie care tips, you can keep your delicate pieces looking beautiful and fitting well for years. Remember to always check the care label, hand wash when possible, dry flat, and store properly. With a little extra attention, your luxury lingerie will continue to make you feel special every time you wear it.