Delicate lace bras placed inside a mesh laundry bag, ready for gentle washing

Lingerie Care 101: How to Wash & Care for Your Intimates

Lingerie is one of the most delicate and beautiful elements of your wardrobe, and it requires a little extra attention. Learning how to wash and store it properly helps preserve the shape, softness, and longevity of each piece—so you can look and feel incredible every time you wear it.

At Angel After Dark, we believe caring for your lingerie is caring for your confidence. So let’s get into it—this is your ultimate lingerie care guide.

Why Proper Lingerie Care Matters

Collage of delicate lingerie fabrics—lace, silk, mesh, and satin—highlighting their luxurious textures and need for gentle care

Lingerie is delicate by design. With luxe fabrics like lace, silk, mesh, and satin, these pieces require a little more love than your everyday cotton basics. But the payoff? Stunning fit, longer-lasting beauty, and that irresistible fresh-washed feel against your skin.

How Often Should You Wash Your Lingerie?

  • Panties & Thongs: After every wear. Yes, every time.
  • Bras & Bralettes: Every 3–4 wears, with a rest day between to help the elastic recover.
  • Teddies, Bodysuits, Special Occasion Lingerie: Every few wears, or between long storage sessions.

Pro tip: Always wash new lingerie before wearing it. This removes any leftover residues from production and softens the fabric.

Step 1: Read the Label

Lingerie care label featuring size XS and laundry symbols, reminding wearers to follow washing instructions for delicate pieces by Angel After Dark

We get it—care labels aren’t exactly sexy. But they’re your first line of defense against damaging your most seductive pieces. Look for symbols that tell you whether to hand wash, avoid heat, or steer clear of the dryer. When in doubt, always opt for gentle care.

Step 2: Sort & Separate

Lingerie care steps: sorting by color and fabric type, washing separate from regular clothes

Just like you wouldn’t wear your favorite lace teddy with sneakers, don’t wash it with your denim.

  • Separate lights and darks
  • Group by fabric type
  • Wash hosiery separately
  • Never toss your lingerie in with your regular clothes.

Step 3: Hand Wash Like a Pro

Steps for hand washing lingerie: filling a basin, adding detergent, soaking, rinsing a bra, and drying gently with a towel.

Hand washing is the gold standard—and honestly, a little self-care ritual in itself.

Here’s how:

1) Fill a basin or tub with cool or lukewarm water

2) Add a gentle lingerie-safe detergent (or baby shampoo in a pinch)

3) Submerge your lingerie, stir gently, and let it soak for 15–30 minutes

4) Rinse with cool water until it runs clear

5) Press (never wring!) excess water out with a clean towel

Use an enzyme cleaner for tougher stains (like body oils or “bedroom spills”)—they work wonders without damaging delicate fabrics.

Step 4: Machine Washing (If You Must)

Preparing lingerie for machine washing: using a mesh bag, fastening straps, washing on delicate cycle

We get it—sometimes you just don’t have time to hand wash. If you need to machine wash:

  • Always use a mesh lingerie bag
  • Fasten any hooks or clasps
  • Use cold water and the delicate cycle
  • Choose a mild detergent made for delicates

Never overload the machine. Your lingerie deserves space to breathe.

Step 5: Skip the Dryer

Air drying lingerie: bras laid flat on towels or hung to preserve shape, delicate items drying away from sunlight to prevent fading and stretching

Heat is lingerie’s worst enemy. After washing, let your lingerie air dry. Lay bras flat on a towel, nesting the cups to help them keep their shape. For pieces like bodysuits or panties, hang them to dry from the band rather than the straps to prevent stretching. Always dry your lingerie away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and damage elasticity.

Step 6: Store with Intention

Organized lingerie storage with nested bras, drawer dividers for panties, and bodysuits hanging neatly to preserve shape and softness

Your top drawer deserves a glow-up. Keep things organized and beautiful by treating your lingerie to proper storage. Use drawer dividers or lingerie boxes to prevent tangling and crushing. Stack bras by nesting their cups together, never folding them in half—this helps them retain their shape. Delicate bodysuits and teddies can be hung on velvet hangers to avoid wrinkles and stretching.

Caring for Hosiery, Corsets & Swimwear

  • Hosiery: Hand wash every 2–3 wears. Avoid jewelry when handling!
  • Corsets: Spot clean only. Lay flat and air dry completely before storing.
  • Swimwear: Rinse immediately after use. Hand wash with cold water and mild detergent, then air dry.

The Secret to Lingerie That Lasts?

It’s love. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your intimate pieces stunning, structured, and ready for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic night in or just a moment to feel amazing for yourself.

Ready to treat your top drawer to something new?
Explore our full collection of luxurious, long-lasting lingerie at Angel After Dark.
Because confidence begins with what’s underneath.

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