How to care for your lingerie and bras ?
When you have lingerie that you love, it's essential to take good care of it to preserve its quality and comfort.
Your lingerie is crafted from delicate materials such as embroidery and lace. To maintain its elasticity and colour, our guide will show you how to care for your lingerie properly, so you can enjoy your favourite pieces for as long as possible.
Essential tips before washing your lingerie
Separate whites, blacks and colours to keep each shade looking vibrant for longer.
Fasten your bras to prevent the hooks from catching on lace or tulle.
Avoid chlorine-based products and fabric softener when washing your lingerie.
Always follow the care instructions on the garment label.
Why is hand washing best for your bras?
A gentle approach to delicate lingerie
Hand washing is strongly recommended for your lingerie, particularly your bras. These delicate items can be damaged by the rigours of a machine wash, while dry cleaning should be avoided altogether.
Tip: Wear your bra two or three times before washing it to help preserve the quality of its fibres over time.
How to hand wash your lingerie,
step by step
1) Fill a basin with cold water and add a spoonful of soap or mild detergent, free from chlorine-based agents.
2) Submerge your lingerie in the water and leave it to soak for no more than 5 minutes, gently moving it around in the water from time to time. Do not rub the garments against one another.
4) Rinse thoroughly in clean, cold water.
5) Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing the garments.
At what temperature should you wash your lingerie?
Although hot water may seem more effective, it can damage the elasticity of your lingerie and cause it to lose its shape, particularly when it comes to underwired bras
Always use cold water below 30°C to help preserve the fibres and colours.
Can you machine wash your lingerie?
We strongly recommend hand washing your underwear. However, if you do choose to machine wash it occasionally, there are a few precautions to follow.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether a garment can be machine washed, always check the care label first.
If you occasionally machine wash your bras, always place them in a mesh laundry bag to minimise friction and stress on the fabrics during the wash cycle.
If you choose to machine wash your bras occasionally, select a delicate cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C, with a spin speed of 600 rpm. Remember to fasten your bras on the tightest hook setting and place them in a mesh laundry bag for protection.
Choose a mild detergent or soap, such as traditional Marseille soap, to help preserve the fibres of your lingerie. Fabric softener should be avoided, as it can affect the elasticity. You should also avoid bleach and other chlorine-based products, which can damage the fabrics.
To keep your white lingerie looking bright, wash it separately from black or coloured items. Try not to leave your bras too long between washes, either. Over time, perspiration can contribute to yellowing.
To brighten white lingerie, you can soak it in water with a little bicarbonate of soda for one minute. Never use bleach or chlorine-based products, as these can actually cause lingerie to turn yellow.
How to dry your underwear properly?
Just as with washing, heat is best avoided when drying your lingerie. Keep your garments out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Tumble drying and ironing should also be avoided, as they can cause irreversible damage to the fibres.
We recommend laying your lingerie flat to air dry, either indoors or in a shaded spot.
Tip: Lay your bras flat on a towel to absorb any excess water while they dry.
How to store your bras without losing their shape
Place your bras flat in a drawer or wardrobe to help preserve the shape of the cups.
To maintain optimal support and keep the fabrics supple, alternate between bras, wearing them every other day to give the fibres time to recover their elasticity.
Tip: When packing for a holiday, leave enough room in your bag or suitcase to place your bras on top of your other clothes at the end. Store your briefs in a mesh bag or pouch.
Browse our collections
Taking a little extra care with your lingerie every day means you can enjoy your favourite pieces for longer.
Discover Empreinte lingerie, crafted with French expertise and a commitment to quality,
and designed to enhance every woman’s natural beauty since 1946.
Bras
Panties & Stockings
