Real talk: How to wash your lingerie
K look, I have some cutie-cute lace undies I bought months ago but haven’t worn. Not for lack of opportunity but if I’m being truthful… it’s because I wasn’t sure how to care for them post-wear. Are they handwash only? Gentle cycle? Why do I even buy these if I’m going to leave them unworn?
Enter Carla Mackie - owner of Uplift Intimate Apparel in Carmel, IN - to help us decipher how to best care for and wash your lingerie.
Here’s how to wash your lingerie:
Bras
Bras should be washed after every second wear, depending on how much you sweat. Most important tip: Always allow a day off between wearings to allow the elastic to recover.
To wash: Use a fabric-friendly laundry product - Uplift Intimate Apparel recommends items from The Laundress or Soak Wash laundry line. Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry on a clothing rack or over a shower rod.
Panties or underwear
Panties should be washed after every use. Basic cotton briefs may be dropped into a regular wash cycle; delicate lace panties should go in a mesh laundry bag. Tip: A pillowcase works in a pinch!
To wash: Machine wash in cold water using the delicate or gentle cycle. Cotton may go in the dryer, all others should be laid out to air-dry.
Sports bras
Athletic bras should be washed after every wear. The trick is to remove the pads first - pads should be hand-washed; the bra itself will survive a machine cycle.
To wash: Machine wash on delicate or gentle in warm or hot water. Use a sports detergent if you have one. A mix of baking soda and vinegar will help get super tough odors out. Tumble dry on low heat.
Shapewear
For this, we went straight to the Spanx website ‘cuz Spanx = the queens of shapewear. They note: “All SPANX should be rotated daily (but especially bras). They will live longer and maintain their like-new shape longer if they're not worn two days in a row. This allows the fabric time to recover its shape after each wear.”
To wash: Always hand wash and line dry for the best results and the longest life. If hand washing isn't an option, put your SPANX in a lingerie bag and wash on the delicate cycle.
One thing we didn’t mention? How to care for boxers. CityMom Sarah says: Use your best judgement.
Other great tips for how to wash your lingerie:
Turn items inside out so detergents can access the dirtier, messiest parts of garments for a true clean.
Fabric softener should be avoided on any intimates as it naturally builds a filmy barrier on clothing and can potentially trap odors.
Intimates, athletic clothes, or swimwear do not belong in the dryer.
Need a fabulous at-your-fingertips reference sheet? We have this one bookmarked from Uplift Intimate Apparel (and frankly, it’s hanging on my laundry room wall).
