Why Proper Lingerie Care Matters
Beautiful lingerie is an investment — and like any investment, it rewards you when you look after it. Proper washing and storage can dramatically extend the life of your delicate pieces, keeping lace intact, elastic springy, and colours vibrant for years to come.
Always Check the Label First
Before anything else, check the care label on each piece. Lingerie fabrics vary enormously — from silk and satin to lace, mesh, and microfibre — and each has its own requirements. When in doubt, treat it gently and err on the side of caution.
Hand Washing: The Gold Standard
Hand washing is the safest method for most lingerie, especially delicate lace, underwired bras, and silk pieces. Here's how to do it properly:
- Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water — never hot, as heat damages elastic and delicate fibres.
- Add a small amount of gentle lingerie wash or mild soap.
- Submerge your pieces and gently swirl them — avoid scrubbing or wringing.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed.
- Press (don't wring) excess water out by rolling the item in a clean towel.
- Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Can You Machine Wash Lingerie?
Some lingerie can be machine washed, but only with the right precautions. Always use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics and prevent straps from tangling. Select a delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin speed. Avoid washing lingerie with heavy items like jeans or towels.
Underwired bras should ideally always be hand washed — machine washing can warp the wires and damage the cups over time.
Drying Your Lingerie
Never put lingerie in the tumble dryer. The heat and tumbling action will break down elastic, shrink fabrics, and cause lace to fray. Instead, reshape your pieces while damp and lay them flat on a clean towel or a drying rack. Bras should be dried cup-side up to maintain their shape.
How Often Should You Wash Lingerie?
As a general rule, bras should be washed every 2–3 wears, while knickers should be washed after every wear. Shapewear and bodysuits worn close to the skin should also be washed after each use. Washing too frequently can wear out fabrics faster, so finding the right balance is key.
Storing Your Lingerie Properly
How you store your lingerie is just as important as how you wash it. Follow these tips to keep everything in great condition:
- Bras: Store them in a drawer with cups nested inside each other — never fold one cup into the other, as this distorts the shape. If you have the space, lay them flat in a single layer.
- Knickers and briefs: Fold neatly and store in a dedicated drawer. Avoid overstuffing, which can stretch waistbands.
- Delicate sets: Store lace and silk pieces in breathable fabric pouches or tissue paper to prevent snagging.
- Avoid plastic bags: These trap moisture and can cause mildew on natural fabrics like silk and cotton.
Dealing with Common Lingerie Problems
Yellowing: White and nude lingerie can yellow over time. Soak in a solution of cool water and white vinegar before washing to help restore brightness.
Stretched elastic: Unfortunately, once elastic is stretched, it can't be fully restored. Prevention is key — always wash in cool water and air dry.
Pilling: Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills from microfibre and jersey pieces.
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How to care for embroidered lace lingerie
A lace embroidered bra set deserves a little extra care. Embroidery adds texture and detail, but those fine threads and sheer mesh foundations are delicate, so the right washing and storage keep them beautiful for longer.
What embroidered lace is (and types of embroidered lace)
Embroidered lace is made by stitching decorative thread onto a base fabric, usually a fine mesh or tulle. You will find several types: floral embroidery on sheer mesh, as on the Aria Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set in White; metallic or golden thread, as on the Arabella Sheer Embroidered Lingerie Set in Baby Blue; and embroidery with scalloped or eyelash edges. Because the base is so light, the stitched areas are where snags are most likely.
Hand washing a lace embroidered bra set
Always check the care label first. Aria and Arabella are labelled hand wash only, and the Amy Royal Blue Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set is labelled hand wash only, do not tumble dry, lay flat to dry.
Fill a basin with cool water and a little gentle detergent made for delicates. Fasten any hooks so they cannot catch the embroidery, then submerge the set and swirl it gently for a few minutes. Avoid rubbing or wringing, which can pull threads loose. Rinse in clean, cool water until no suds remain.
Drying flat and storing without snagging
Press out excess water by rolling the set in a clean towel, then lay it flat to dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Reshape the cups while damp. Once dry, store embroidered pieces flat or loosely folded, with cups nested, in a drawer away from zips, hooks and rougher fabrics. A soft pouch gives extra protection, especially when travelling, and keeps delicate embroidery from catching on other pieces. Browse more pieces in our embroidered lingerie collection.
For more advice on choosing, fitting and styling your pieces, explore our lingerie guides.
Frequently asked questions
How do you wash an embroidered lace bra?
By hand in cool water with a mild detergent, pressing rather than rubbing, then lay flat to dry; follow the care label.
Can embroidered lingerie go in the washing machine?
The Little Nooks embroidered sets featured are labelled hand wash only, so avoid the machine.