1 - Sorting your underwear before washing
2 - Whether by hand or in the washing machine, always wash your lingerie gently!
3 - Which washing method should you choose for your underwear?
4 - Old-fashioned tips for washing
5 - FAQs
📌Key takeaways: Essential best practices
- Check the care label
- before washing
- Sort by colour and fabric type
- Use a laundry bag for delicate items
- Choose a suitable mild detergent
- Avoid the tumble dryer to preserve the fibres
Sort your underwear before washing
To avoid any disasters, remember to separate colours, but also fabrics! Blacks, coloured items and whites must not be washed together. Whilst cotton and synthetics can cope well with machine washing, silk, wool and satin – as well as corsets, bustiers, basques and stockings – must be hand-washed. However, this crucial step is only the beginning.
Remember to sort your items according to:
🔹 Colour
- whites,
- light colours,
- dark colours.
🔹 Fabric
- cotton/elastane,
- synthetics (polyester, microfibre),
- delicate fabrics (silk, wool, satin, lace).
Whether by hand or in the washing machine, always wash your lingerie gently!
🧼Hand washing (gentle method)
For delicate items and fabrics such as silk, satin or lace:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water (≤ 30 °C) and add a mild detergent or Marseille soap.
- Soak for 5 minutes.
- Gently press (massage) without rubbing.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, then cold water.
- Squeeze out excess water without wringing, then leave to air-dry.
⭐ Ideal for: silk, satin, lace, delicate bras
🫧Machine wash (convenient and safe)
- Place your underwear in a washing bag. (For those who like to ‘do it yourself’, a pillowcase that fastens will do the trick)
- Fasten the hooks on your bras to prevent them from snagging on other items of clothing.
- Select a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C to preserve the elasticity of the fabrics.
- Opt for perborate- and chlorine-free liquid detergents, as these are too harsh for your underwear.
- Avoid fabric conditioners. (They can make the fabrics stiff, damage the elastic and even cause skin irritation)
- Avoid tumble drying, as this can distort your garments. Instead, lay them flat to dry in the open air.
Once your underwear is completely dry, you can put it away. Delicate fabrics will be even better protected if wrapped in tissue paper or fabric.
Which washing method should you choose for your underwear?
| Type of underwear | Recommended washing method | Recommended temperature | Care instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton briefs, panties or boxer briefs | Machine wash | 30 to 40°C depending on the care label | Wash colours separately |
| Bra | Machine wash on a delicate cycle | Maximum 30°C | Fasten the hooks and use a laundry bag |
| Lace lingerie or delicate materials | Hand wash | Below 30°C | Use a mild detergent and avoid wringing the fabric |
| Period underwear | Machine wash on a delicate cycle | Maximum 30°C | Rinse with cold water before washing and avoid using fabric softener |
| Shapewear | Machine wash on a delicate cycle | Maximum 30°C | Avoid tumble drying to preserve elasticity |
Grandma’s washing tips
Quick tips to preserve the colours of your underwear:
- After your first wash, rinse your lingerie in 1 litre of water with a little vinegar and a sugar cube, then rinse with clean water.
- Do not separate lingerie sets to avoid colour differences.
- No bleach – it causes the fibres to yellow!
- Always check the label for specific care instructions (dry cleaning).
- And as it’s summer, let’s not forget our lovely swimsuits, which should be rinsed after every swim. You can then wash them either in the washing machine, taking the same precautions as for lingerie, or by hand using shower gel or shampoo.
FAQ: How should you wash your underwear properly?
At what temperature should you wash your underwear?
Most underwear can be washed at 30°C, which is a suitable temperature for preserving the fibres and colours whilst minimising wear and tear on the fabrics. Cotton items can withstand higher temperatures, but you should follow the instructions on the care label.
Can you machine-wash bras?
Yes, you can machine-wash your bras provided you take a few precautions: use a laundry bag, fasten the hooks and choose a delicate cycle at a low temperature. This helps to protect the underwires, elastic and delicate fabrics.
Should you wash new underwear before wearing it?
Yes, it’s recommended that you wash new underwear before wearing it for the first time to remove any residues from manufacturing, transport or storage.
Why should you avoid using fabric softener when washing your lingerie?
Fabric softener can damage certain fibres, reduce the effectiveness of technical fabrics and weaken elastic over time. To preserve the quality of your underwear, opt for a gentle, suitable laundry detergent.
Can you put your underwear in the tumble dryer?
It is best to avoid using a tumble dryer for lingerie, as the heat can stretch the elastic and distort the fabrics. Air-drying naturally helps to extend the life of your garments.
How do you wash a lace bra without damaging it?
Hand washing is recommended for lace bras or delicate fabrics. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent, and handle the garment gently without wringing it out.
How often should you wash your underwear?
Briefs, knickers and boxers should generally be washed after every use. For bras, the frequency depends on how often they’re worn, how much you sweat and your daily activities.
Discover our ‘DIM Tips’ section: practical guides, lingerie advice and the latest fashion inspiration available in DIM Mag’.
