Under Care
How to Care for Your Underwear: Washing, Drying & Storage Tips
The best way to care for your underwear is to follow the garment’s care label, wash it gently and avoid unnecessary heat. Hand washing and air drying can be particularly suitable for delicate fabrics, but the correct method depends on the garment and its materials.
We hate it when bad things happen to good knickers – stains, snags, stretched elastic and, worst of all, the dreaded tumble dryer!
A little extra care can make a big difference to how long your favourite pieces last. Whether you’re looking after everyday underwear, delicate lace, silk or one of your special Lingerie Letters pairs, treating your garments gently will help keep them looking and feeling lovely for longer.
The golden rule: check the care label first
Before washing anything, always check the care label.
Different fabrics, trims, elastics and embellishments can require different types of care. Some pieces can be safely machine washed on a delicate cycle, while others are better suited to gentle hand washing.
When in doubt, be kind to your knickers!
How should you wash delicate underwear?
For delicate pieces, hand washing is often the gentlest option.
1. Sort by colour
Separate whites, darks and colours before washing to help prevent colours from transferring between garments. It’s also a good idea to keep delicate items away from garments with rough zips, hooks or other features that could cause snags.
2. Use cool or lukewarm water
Fill a clean basin or sink with water at the temperature recommended on the care label. For delicate and elasticated garments, avoid unnecessarily hot water. Excessive heat can be hard on delicate fibres and elastics and may contribute to shrinkage or loss of elasticity over time.
3. Choose a gentle detergent
Use a small amount of a mild detergent suitable for delicate garments and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You don’t need much detergent to get your underwear clean. In fact, using too much can make rinsing more difficult and may leave residue behind. Avoid bleach unless the care instructions specifically say that it is safe to use.
4. Let your hands become the delicate cycle
Gently move the garment through the water and allow it to soak according to its care instructions. There’s no need for vigorous scrubbing, twisting or stretching. Friction can damage delicate fabrics, lace and elastic. Pay particular attention to areas that come into contact with the skin, but resist the temptation to give your favourite knickers a vigorous workout!
5. Rinse thoroughly
Drain the wash water and rinse gently in clean water until the detergent has been removed. Avoid repeatedly stretching or twisting the garment while rinsing.
How should you dry underwear?
Drying is just as important as washing.
Don’t wring or twist delicate pieces
After washing, gently press out excess water. For particularly delicate items, place the garment between clean, dry towels and gently press to absorb additional moisture.
Air drying is usually the gentlest option
Whenever the care label permits, allow your garments to air dry rather than exposing them to unnecessary heat. Avoid putting delicate pieces in a tumble dryer unless the care label specifically says that tumble drying is suitable. Heat can damage delicate fibres and elastic and may shorten the useful life of your favourite garments.
Avoid unnecessary heat
Your underwear generally doesn’t need ironing. When it comes to your favourite knickers, less heat is usually better!
Caring for different fabrics
Different materials need different kinds of attention.
Lace
Lace can be delicate and may snag or become distorted when exposed to excessive friction. Wash gently and avoid rough garments or surfaces that could catch the fibres.
Silk
Silk can be particularly delicate. Always follow the care label carefully and use a detergent and washing method recommended for the garment.
Satin
“Satin” describes a type of weave rather than a particular fibre, so care requirements can vary. Check whether your satin piece is made from silk, polyester or another fibre and follow its care instructions.
Mesh
Fine mesh can snag and stretch if handled roughly. Gentle washing and careful drying will help maintain its shape.
Cotton
Cotton underwear is often more hard-wearing than delicate lace or silk, but it can still shrink or fade if washed incorrectly. Follow the care label for the recommended temperature and washing method.
Elastic and stretch fabrics
Elastic is one of the hardest-working elements in many underwear styles. Repeated exposure to excessive heat, harsh chemicals and rough handling can affect its stretch and recovery. Treat elastic gently and your favourite pairs will thank you for it!
How can you make your underwear last longer?
A few simple habits can help extend the life of your favourite pieces:
- Follow the garment’s care label.
- Wash delicate items gently.
- Avoid excessive heat.
- Don’t wring, twist or aggressively scrub delicate fabrics.
- Use a suitable mild detergent.
- Keep delicate pieces away from rough fabrics and sharp hooks or zips.
- Give garments enough time to dry completely before storing them.
- Don’t leave damp underwear sitting in a laundry basket for long periods.
- Rotate your favourite pieces rather than wearing the same ones every day.
- Store delicate items where they won’t be crushed, snagged or stretched.
The better you look after your favourite pieces, the longer you get to enjoy them.
How should you store underwear?
Once your garments are clean and completely dry, store them somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.
Fold bras and delicate pieces rather than crushing them into an overstuffed drawer. Avoid hanging garments by delicate straps if doing so could cause them to stretch.
For particularly delicate or special pieces, give them a little extra space so that lace, mesh and embellishments aren’t constantly rubbing against other garments.
Your underwear drawer should be a happy place!
Common mistakes to avoid
Putting delicate underwear in a hot wash
High temperatures can be unnecessarily harsh on some fabrics, dyes and elastics. Always follow the garment’s care label.
Using too much detergent
More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner underwear. A small amount of suitable detergent is usually enough.
Wringing garments out
Twisting and wringing can put unnecessary stress on delicate fibres, seams and elastic.
Using excessive heat
Tumble dryers and hot irons can expose delicate garments to more heat than they need. Check the care label before using any heat-based drying or ironing method.
Washing delicate pieces with rough garments
Zips, hooks, Velcro and rough fabrics can catch on delicate lace and mesh. Take care when deciding what goes into the same wash.
Ignoring the care label
The care label is there for a reason! If its instructions differ from general advice, follow the garment’s specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should underwear be hand washed?
Not necessarily. Some garments can be safely machine washed using the appropriate cycle, while delicate pieces may benefit from gentle hand washing. Always check the care label first.
What temperature should you wash underwear at?
Follow the temperature stated on the care label. For many delicate garments, cooler water can be a gentler choice than hot water.
Can you put underwear in the tumble dryer?
Some pieces can be tumble dried, but many delicate garments are better air dried. Always check the care label before putting them in a dryer.
How do you dry delicate underwear without damaging it?
Gently remove excess water without twisting or wringing, then allow the garment to air dry according to its care instructions. Avoid unnecessary heat.
How often should you wash underwear?
As a general rule, underwear worn directly against the skin should be washed regularly and according to the garment’s care instructions. Factors such as activity, perspiration and the fabric can also affect how frequently a garment needs washing.
How do you wash lace underwear?
Check the care label first. If hand washing is recommended, use cool or lukewarm water and a suitable mild detergent. Handle the lace gently and avoid rubbing, twisting or stretching it.
How do you make underwear last longer?
Follow the garment’s care instructions, wash gently, avoid unnecessary heat and handle delicate fabrics and elastic carefully.
Look after your underwear and it will look after you
Good underwear deserves a little love.
Whether it’s an everyday favourite, or something special from Lingerie Letters, gentle washing, careful drying and sensible storage can help you enjoy your favourite garments for longer.
Because good knickers shouldn’t be disposable.
They deserve a long and happy life!