How to Care for Your Lingerie to Make It Last Longer

Quick answer

To make your lingerie last longer, always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, never wring or twist, and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Rotate your bras and store them properly to maintain their shape and elasticity.

Your favorite bras and briefs work hard to provide support and comfort, but they can lose their shape and stretch out quickly if not cared for properly. With a few simple habits, you can significantly extend the life of your lingerie, saving money and reducing waste.

Whether you own a delicate lace balcony bra or a smooth everyday t-shirt bra, understanding the right way to wash, dry, and store your pieces makes all the difference. Here are practical lingerie care tips that keep your Curvy Kate collection looking and feeling great wash after wash.

Why Hand Washing Matters

The delicate fabrics and intricate details of lingerie—like lace, mesh, and molded cups—can be damaged by the agitation of a washing machine. Even on a gentle cycle, the tumbling action can stretch straps, misshape underwires, and cause hooks to snag on other garments.

Hand washing is the safest method for all lingerie, especially for items with embellishments like diamante charms or delicate embroidery. It gives you control over water temperature and handling, ensuring that your pieces maintain their fit and support for longer.

• Use a lingerie-specific detergent or a mild soap without bleach or fabric softener.

Step-by-Step Hand Washing

Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (never hot) and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge your lingerie and gently swirl it for a few minutes. Pay extra attention to areas that come into contact with skin, like the underband and gusset.

Rinse thoroughly in clean water until no soap remains. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort its shape. Instead, press the water out gently with a clean towel.

Always check the care label on your specific garment, as some fabrics like recycled polyamide may have specific instructions.

• Never use fabric softener—it can break down elastic fibers over time.

Drying and Storing Your Lingerie

After washing, reshape your bras and briefs while they are damp. For bras, lay them flat on a dry towel or hang them by the center gore (the part between the cups) to avoid stretching the straps. Never use a tumble dryer, as heat can damage elastic and lace.

Store bras with the cups nested together in a drawer, or hang them by the center gore if you prefer. Avoid folding cups in half, as this can cause permanent creases. Briefs can be folded neatly or rolled to save space.

Rotate your lingerie rather than wearing the same bra two days in a row. This gives the elastic time to recover, helping the bra maintain its shape and support.

• Keep lingerie away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers.

5 Steps to Longer-Lasting Lingerie

1. Sort and Prepare: Separate dark and light colors to prevent dye transfer. Fasten hooks and clasps to avoid snagging on other fabrics or on the garment itself. Checkpoint: Always close hooks before washing to prevent them from catching.
2. Hand Wash in Cold Water: Fill a basin with cold water and add a gentle lingerie detergent. Gently swirl your pieces for about 5 minutes, paying attention to areas that need extra cleaning. Common mistake: Using hot water can shrink and weaken elastic fibers.
3. Rinse and Press Out Water: Rinse in clean cold water until no soap remains. Press the water out with a clean towel—never wring or twist the fabric. Checkpoint: The fabric should be damp, not dripping wet.
4. Dry Flat or Hang Correctly: Lay bras flat on a dry towel or hang by the center gore. Briefs can be laid flat or hung by the waistband. Avoid clothespins that can leave marks. Common mistake: Hanging bras by the straps stretches them out over time.
5. Store Properly and Rotate: Store bras with cups nested and briefs folded. Rotate your lingerie so each piece rests at least a day between wears. Checkpoint: Proper storage and rotation maintain shape and support.

Product-Specific Care Considerations

• Curvy Kate Smoothie Spacer Moulded T-Shirt Plunge Bra Latte: Feather-light Smoothie Spacer T-Shirt bra is super lightweight, semi-sheer moulded spacer cup that fits like a second skin. Seam-free fabric wraps around the body creating deep smoothing panels. The molded spacer cups are delicate and can lose their shape if machine washed. Hand washing and laying flat to dry will help maintain the smooth, seamless look under your favorite tees.
• Curvy Kate Spellbound Balcony Bra Black: Bestselling 3 piece balcony bra with Upfront Technology, cups designed to give an uplifted shape with a rounded profile. Soft, plain fabric bottom cups with statement lace top cup detail. The lace detailing on the top cup is delicate and can snag or tear in the washing machine. Hand washing in cold water will protect the lace and keep the uplifted shape intact.

Caring for your lingerie doesn't have to be time-consuming. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your favorite Curvy Kate bras and briefs for years to come, keeping them beautiful, supportive, and comfortable. Remember, a little extra attention goes a long way in preserving the quality and fit you love.