5 Common Lingerie Care Mistakes That Ruin Your Favorite Pieces

Quick Answer

The most common lingerie care mistakes are machine washing, using regular detergent, wringing out wet pieces, drying with heat, and ignoring care labels. To keep your delicate pieces looking and fitting their best, hand wash with a gentle detergent, press out excess water, and lay flat to dry. When in doubt, follow the care tag—it's there to protect your investment.

You've found the perfect bra or chemise that makes you feel amazing. You wear it, you love it, and then you toss it in the washing machine with your regular laundry. A few weeks later, the lace is frayed, the underwire is poking, and the color has faded. Sound familiar?

Lingerie is made from delicate fabrics and intricate details that need special care. Most damage doesn't happen during wear—it happens during washing and drying. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can significantly extend the life of your favorite pieces and keep them looking beautiful.

Mistake 1: Tossing Lingerie in the Washing Machine

The washing machine is the number one culprit behind stretched-out straps, misshapen cups, and broken underwires. Even on a delicate cycle, the agitation can be too harsh for fine lace, satin, and mesh. The tumbling action can also cause hooks to snag other fabrics, leading to pulls and tears.

The fix: hand wash your lingerie. Fill a basin with cool water and a gentle detergent, then soak your pieces for about 10 minutes. Gently swish them, then rinse thoroughly. This simple habit can make a world of difference. If you absolutely must use a machine, place your lingerie in a mesh laundry bag and use the most delicate cycle with cold water—but know that hand washing is always safer.

• Always fasten hooks before washing to prevent snags.

Mistake 2: Using Regular Detergent

Regular laundry detergents contain enzymes and brighteners that can break down elastic fibers and dull colors. Over time, this can cause your bras to lose their stretch and your lace to become rough and brittle. Fabric softeners are even worse—they coat the fibers and can reduce moisture-wicking and shape retention.

The fix: invest in a detergent specifically formulated for delicates. These are gentler and free of harsh chemicals. Look for options labeled for lingerie or delicate fabrics. A small bottle goes a long way, and it's a fraction of the cost of replacing your favorite bra.

• Avoid bleach and chlorine-based products—they can yellow white lace.

Mistake 3: Wringing Out Wet Lingerie

It's tempting to twist and wring out a wet bra to speed up drying, but this is a surefire way to distort the cups and break the underwire. Wringing also stretches the elastic and can cause permanent wrinkles in satin and lace.

The fix: gently press the water out with a clean towel. Lay the piece flat on a towel, roll it up, and press to absorb excess moisture. Then, reshape the cups and lay flat to dry. Never hang a wet bra by the straps—the weight of the water will stretch them out.

• Reshape the cups after pressing to maintain their form.

Mistake 4: Drying with Heat

The dryer is just as damaging as the washing machine. High heat shrinks elastic, melts synthetic fibers, and can cause lace to become stiff and brittle. Even air-drying in direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken fibers.

The fix: always air-dry your lingerie away from direct heat and sunlight. Lay pieces flat on a drying rack or a clean towel. This might take longer, but it's the only way to preserve the fit and feel of your delicates. If you're in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed up the process, but never use a heater or hairdryer.

• Rotate your bras so you're not wearing the same one every day—this gives the elastic time to recover.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Care Labels

Care labels are there for a reason. They tell you exactly how to wash, dry, and iron your lingerie. Ignoring them is like gambling with your favorite pieces. Some items, like those with feathers or rhinestones, may require special handling or even dry cleaning.

The fix: take a moment to read the care label before you wash. If it says hand wash only, follow that. If it says dry clean, take it to a professional. When in doubt, err on the side of caution—hand washing is almost always the safest option for delicate lingerie.

• Store your lingerie flat or in a drawer with dividers to avoid crushing delicate details.

Diagnosis: Is Your Lingerie Care Routine on Track?

• Symptom: Your bra straps slide off or the band feels loose after only a few washes. This is a classic sign of elastic damage from machine washing or heat drying.
• Likely Cause: Washing in hot water, using a dryer, or wringing out the bra can break down elastic fibers. Switch to hand washing in cool water and always air-dry flat.
• Corrective Action: Start hand washing all your delicates with a gentle detergent and reshape them while damp. If the bra still doesn't fit after a few proper washes, the elastic may be permanently damaged.
• When to Stop or Choose Another Option: If the elastic is permanently stretched or the underwire is poking out, it's time to replace the bra. Consider a new piece and commit to a gentle care routine from day one.

Pieces That Need Extra Care

• Scarlett Open Cup Marabou Bra, Garter & G-String Set: This ultra-flirty three-piece set is the epitome of playful pleasure. With an unwrap-me bra, floaty feather garter, and sleek & skimp G-string—it's the perfect all-in-one set for a night of fun. The marabou feathers are extremely delicate and can shed or flatten if machine washed. Hand washing and air-drying will keep the feathers fluffy and the set looking its best.
• Ziggy Rhinestone Draped Garter: Introducing the Ziggy Collection. Top off your lingerie, festival, or burlesque look with a glint of sparkle and shimmer. Rhinestones can loosen or fall off with rough handling. Gentle hand washing and flat drying will help keep the stones securely attached and the sparkle intact.

Taking a few extra minutes to care for your lingerie properly will save you money and keep your favorite pieces looking beautiful. Hand wash, air dry, and always read the label. Your delicates will thank you—and so will your confidence.