How to Care for Your Lingerie: Washing and Storage Tips

Quick Answer

To keep your lingerie in top shape, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, never wring or twist, and lay flat to dry. Store bras by hooking the back and nesting cups, and avoid folding or crushing delicate fabrics.

Your favorite bra or bodysuit can last for years with the right care. But washing and storing lingerie isn't like handling regular clothes—delicate lace, molded cups, and underwires need special attention to maintain their shape and support.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing, drying, and storing your lingerie. Whether you own a seamless T-shirt bra or a wire-free bodysuit, these steps will help you preserve the fit and fabric.

Why Lingerie Needs Special Care

Lingerie is made from delicate materials like lace, mesh, and microfiber, which can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape if washed in a regular machine cycle. The elastic in bands and straps is especially vulnerable to heat and agitation, which can break down the fibers over time.

Additionally, molded cups and underwires can become misshapen if twisted or crushed during washing or storage. By adopting a gentle routine, you can extend the life of your pieces and keep them looking and fitting as intended.

• Always check the care label for specific instructions.

Washing: Hand Wash Is Best

Hand washing is the safest way to clean your lingerie. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for delicates. Submerge the garment and gently swish it around, paying attention to areas that need extra cleaning, like the underarm or band.

Avoid scrubbing or twisting, as this can damage the fabric and distort the cups. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until no soap remains. If you must use a washing machine, place the bra or bodysuit in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water.

• Never use bleach or fabric softener—they can break down elastic and irritate skin.

Drying: Shape and Air Dry

After washing, gently press the garment between two clean towels to remove excess water. Never wring or twist, as this can ruin the shape and damage the fibers. Lay the lingerie flat on a dry towel or a drying rack, reshaping the cups and band as needed.

Avoid hanging bras by the straps, as the weight of the water can stretch them out. Also, never put lingerie in the dryer—the heat can melt elastics and shrink fabrics. Air drying is the only safe method.

• To dry faster, roll the garment in a towel and press to absorb moisture.

Storing: Keep Shape and Prevent Damage

Proper storage is just as important as washing. For bras, fasten the hooks before storing to prevent them from catching on other fabrics. Stack bras with the cups nested inside each other to maintain their shape, and place them in a drawer with enough room to breathe.

For bodysuits and other lingerie, fold them gently and store in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging items with heavy embellishments or delicate straps, as gravity can stretch them over time.

• Store bras in a dedicated lingerie organizer to keep them separate from other clothing.

Step-by-Step Lingerie Care Routine

1. Prepare the wash: Fill a basin with cold water and add a gentle detergent made for delicates. Check the care label for any specific instructions. Checkpoint: Use only a small amount—too much soap leaves residue that can irritate skin.
2. Hand wash gently: Submerge the garment and gently swish it for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, especially on lace and mesh areas. Common mistake: Rubbing fabric against itself can cause snags—handle with care.
3. Rinse and press dry: Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Press the garment between two towels to remove excess moisture, never wring. Checkpoint: If you see soap bubbles, rinse again to ensure all detergent is gone.
4. Dry flat: Lay the lingerie flat on a dry towel or drying rack, reshaping the cups and band. Avoid hanging by straps and never use a dryer. Common mistake: Hanging a wet bra can stretch the straps—always lay flat.
5. Store properly: Once completely dry, fasten bra hooks and nest cups together. Fold bodysuits and place them in a drawer with space to breathe. Checkpoint: Avoid overcrowding to prevent creases and deformation.

Caring for Your Parfait Lingerie

• Elise Underwire Full Bust Everyday T-Shirt Bra - Black: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and elegance with the PARFAIT Elise seamless molded T-shirt bra. This everyday essential supports and flatters your bust with seamless, light foam contour cups, designed to provide a smooth and natural silhouette. The seamless molded cups can lose their shape if not dried flat, so always lay this bra on a towel to keep the contour intact.
• Mia Wire-Free Full Bust Bodysuit - Bright Pink: The perfect bodysuit for every body! Our Mia Dot bodysuit features wire-free, mesh dot lace cups with removable and reversible padding. The removable padding should be taken out before washing to prevent it from bunching or losing its shape. Hand washing will also protect the delicate mesh lace.

With a little extra care, your lingerie will keep its shape, support, and beauty for many wears to come. Remember to wash gently, dry flat, and store properly—your delicates will thank you.