Lingerie & Dress Care: Tips to Make Your Pieces Last Longer

It’s been a wonderful night with friends out on the town. Your BFF is gathering herself to head home and- Oh No! Her glass tip over and the rest of her wine is now on your dress! Stains. Snags. Wrinkles? Lets talk about it.

When you invest in beautiful lingerie and dresses, you’re investing in pieces that make you feel confident, sexy, and empowered. Like any good investment, taking care of these delicate items is essential to ensure they last as long as possible. Whether it’s a delicate lace bra, a silk dress, or a high-end satin bodysuit, proper care will keep your garments looking new and feeling luxurious.

Why Proper Care is Important

Lingerie and dresses are often made of delicate fabrics like lace, silk, satin, or intricate mesh, which means they require special attention. Improper washing or storage can lead to damage such as stretching, fading, or even tearing. When you know how to care for your garments, you preserve their beauty and prolong their lifespan, ensuring that they stay a part of your wardrobe for years to come.

Washing Your Lingerie the Right Way

One of the most crucial steps in lingerie care is washing. Most lingerie, especially bras, should not be tossed in the washing machine with your regular laundry. Here’s why and how to properly clean them:

Hand Washing: The Best Method

For most delicate lingerie, hand washing is the safest and most effective method. Follow these steps:

1. Use Cold Water: Hot water can cause fabrics like lace or silk to lose their elasticity or color. Fill a basin or sink with cool water.
2. Mild Detergent: Invest in a gentle, lingerie-specific detergent. Regular detergents can be too harsh and can wear down the delicate fabrics.
3. Soak, Don’t Scrub: Let your lingerie soak for about 10 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause it to stretch or weaken.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse in cool water until all the detergent is out.
5. Air Dry: Never put lingerie in the dryer! Lay your lingerie flat on a towel to dry or hang it up, but avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

Using a Washing Machine: If You Must

While hand washing is the best, it’s understandable that sometimes you might want to use the washing machine. If you do:

1. Use a Lingerie Bag: Place your lingerie in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling and stretching.
2. Delicate Cycle: Set your washing machine to a cold, gentle cycle.
3. Avoid Harsh Detergents: As with hand washing, opt for mild detergent.

Caring for Your Dresses

Dresses often have their own set of care instructions depending on the fabric. Whether you’re working with a light cotton sundress or a formal silk gown, knowing how to care for each fabric type is key.

Cotton Dresses

Cotton is one of the easier fabrics to care for:

• Washing: Most cotton dresses can be machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle.
• Drying: You can air dry or tumble dry on low. Air drying will help prevent shrinkage.
• Ironing: If needed, iron on a medium setting to remove wrinkles.

Silk Dresses

Silk dresses are elegant but require more attention:

• Washing: Hand wash in cool water with a detergent designed for silk. Alternatively, many silk dresses are best left to the dry cleaner.
• Drying: Never wring out silk—this can damage the fibers. Instead, roll the dress in a towel to remove excess water, then lay flat to dry.
• Steaming: If wrinkles appear, steaming is the best way to remove them without harming the fabric.

Lace & Satin Dresses

Lace and satin dresses are both delicate and prone to damage if not cared for properly:

• Washing: Always hand wash lace and satin in cool water with mild detergent.
• Drying: Lay flat to dry and avoid wringing or twisting.
• Storage: For satin, hang the dress to avoid creases. For lace, it’s best to fold carefully with tissue paper to maintain the integrity of the fabric.

Storing Your Lingerie & Dresses

Proper storage is just as important as washing. How you store your lingerie and dresses can make all the difference in maintaining their shape, fabric, and structure.

Lingerie Storage

• Bras: Stack bras flat to avoid misshaping the cups. If you’re short on space, hanging bras on hooks is a great alternative.
• Underwear & Bodysuits: Store in a drawer, but avoid folding these items too tightly, as it can create creases in delicate fabrics.
• Satin or Silk Lingerie: Store folded neatly with tissue paper between layers to prevent wrinkles or creasing.

Dress Storage

• Hang Delicate Dresses: For dresses made of fabrics like silk, satin, or lace, hanging them is best to avoid wrinkles. Use padded hangers to maintain the shape of the shoulders.
• Use Garment Bags: For special occasion dresses or those that are particularly delicate, invest in breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and dirt.
• Rotate Seasonal Pieces: If you have dresses that you don’t wear often or that are seasonal, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and damage fabrics over time.

Quick Fixes for Common Problems

Even with the best care, accidents happen. Here are some quick fixes for common lingerie and dress problems:

Snags in Lace

Use a needle or a fine crochet hook to gently pull the snagged thread back into place. Don’t cut it, as this can lead to unraveling.

Stains on Delicates

Always wash ASAP for best results! For tough stains like wine or makeup, spot treat with a gentle stain remover designed for delicates. Always test the product on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric. Gently massage a gentle detergent into the fabric with cold water after allowing it to soak about 10 minutes.

Additional stain tips for all your clothes:

• Protein-based stains: These stains are tough to remove, but technology has improved in recent years. Sweat and pet urine are common protein-based stains. 
• Oil-based stains: Dish soap can be used to pretreat oily stains. 
• Enzymatic stains: Pretreat with a liquid detergent and a clean toothbrush. 
• Blood stains: Treat with 3% hydrogen peroxide, soda, or table salt. 
• Tannin stains: These stains include red wine, coffee, and tea. A solution of white vinegar and water can be used to dab the stain. 
• Dye stains: These stains can be difficult to remove. 
• Turmeric stains: Rinse with cold water as soon as possible. For machine-washables, soak in a solution of cool water and laundry detergent for 20 minutes. 
• Grass stains: Pretreat or soak with a product containing enzymes. 
• Fruit and juice stains: Pretreat or soak with a product containing enzymes. 
• Ink stains: For ballpoint ink, create a petroleum jelly “dam” around the stain. 
• Permanent marker stains: Use a clean toothbrush to rub Amodex ink and stain remover into the spot. 

Wrinkles in Silk or Satin

A handheld steamer is your best friend when it comes to wrinkles in delicate fabrics. Hold the steamer about an inch away from the fabric and gently move it back and forth. Avoid ironing, which can leave marks on delicate fabrics.

Eco-Friendly Care Options

If you’re mindful of the environment, consider eco-friendly detergents made from natural ingredients. Look for biodegradable detergents that are free from harsh chemicals like phosphates and parabens. You can also wash your delicates in cold water to save energy and reduce your environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

Your lingerie and dresses are more than just clothes—they are extensions of your style and confidence. With the right care, you can enjoy your favorite pieces for many years, maintaining their beauty and fit. Remember to wash them gently, store them properly, and handle them with care. By investing a little time in the upkeep of your wardrobe, you’re also investing in your own comfort and confidence.