How to Care for Lingerie: Bra and Panty Tips
By Kemmi: Jewelry & Lingerie – Montreal – KEMMI Collection | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash, dry, and store your bras and panties so they keep their shape, color, and delicate lace. Practical care tips for lace, mesh, and embroidered lingerie.
Quick answer
Hand wash your bras and panties in cool water with a gentle detergent, then reshape and lay flat to air dry. Avoid the washing machine and dryer to protect lace, mesh, and underwire.
Why hand washing matters for lace and mesh
Delicate fabrics like eyelash lace and fine mesh (used in the Amelia Thong Panty) and sheer embroidered panels (like the Florea Bra) are easily snagged or stretched by machine agitation. Hand washing keeps the fibers intact and the shape true.
The trade-off: convenience vs. longevity
Machine washing on a gentle cycle is faster, but it shortens the life of underwire bras and thin panty seams. If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag and a cold delicate cycle, but expect to replace pieces sooner.
Lingerie care FAQ
- How often should I wash my bras and panties?
- Wash bras after 2–3 wears (or after heavy sweat). Panties should be washed after every wear. Rotating between multiple pieces extends the life of each. Have at least 3–4 bras in rotation to reduce wear frequency.
- What is the best way to hand wash lingerie?
- Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle lingerie detergent. Submerge the item, gently swish for 2–3 minutes, then let soak for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with cool water until soap is gone. Do not wring or twist. Never wring or twist lace or mesh fabrics.
- How should I dry lace bras and panties?
- Gently press out excess water with a clean towel (rolling works well). Reshape the item and lay it flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight or heat. Never hang a bra by the straps—it stretches them out. Always reshape the cups and straps while damp.
- Can I use a washing machine for delicate lingerie?
- Yes, but only as a backup. Place each piece in a mesh lingerie bag, use a cold water delicate cycle, and skip the spin cycle. Even then, expect some wear on lace and underwire over time. Machine washing is a convenience trade-off, not a care best practice.
- How do I store bras and panties to keep their shape?
- Store bras with cups nested (not folded) in a drawer. For padded or underwire bras, keep them flat. Panties can be folded gently. Avoid overcrowding the drawer to prevent snagging. Never hang bras by the straps for long-term storage.
Products mentioned in this guide
- Amelia Thong Panty: Made with delicate eyelash lace and skin tone mesh. The fine lace and mesh require gentle hand washing to prevent snags and maintain the playful, cheeky look.
Amelia Thong Panty - Florea Bra: Designed with fine mesh panels and intricate flower embroidery, structured underwire. The embroidered panels and underwire can warp in the machine; hand washing keeps the sculpted silhouette and floral details intact.
Florea Bra - Lingerie Eden White Bottom: Unique piece made of soft white lace with an elegant and stylish design. White lace can yellow or gray over time; proper washing with a gentle detergent helps preserve its bright white appearance.
