How to Wash Bras and Swimwear Without Damage
By D+ Bras and Swimwear for a Feel-Good Figure – Curvy Kate US | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash bras and swimwear without damage using gentle methods and fragrance-free laundry strips. Keep your lingerie and swimwear looking new.
Quick answer
Hand wash bras and swimwear in cool water with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent like The Lab Co Laundry Strips. Avoid wringing, never use bleach or fabric softener, and always air dry flat or line dry away from direct heat. This preserves elasticity, shape, and color.
Why regular detergent can ruin bras and swimwear
Standard laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and fragrances that break down elastic fibers and spandex over time. Swimwear is especially vulnerable to chlorine, salt, and sunscreen, which degrade the fabric if not rinsed promptly. Using a gentle, fragrance-free option like The Lab Co Laundry Strips avoids these issues and is safe for sensitive skin.
Tools you need for safe washing
Gather a clean basin or sink, cool water, a gentle detergent, and a soft towel. Avoid using a washing machine unless you use a mesh bag and a delicate cycle. For hand washing, a fragrance-free laundry strip is ideal because it dissolves easily and leaves no residue.
Step-by-step washing guide
- 1. Pre-treat stains and close hooks: Before washing, spot-treat any deodorant or lotion stains with a tiny amount of gentle detergent. Close all hooks and eyes to prevent snagging. Common mistake: skipping this step leads to snags and set-in stains. Checkpoint: Hooks closed, stains treated.
- 2. Fill a basin with cool water: Use cool or lukewarm water (below 30°C/85°F). Hot water damages elastic and causes colors to fade. Add a fragrance-free laundry strip and swish until dissolved. Checkpoint: Water is cool, strip fully dissolved.
- 3. Submerge and gently agitate: Place bras and swimwear in the water and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric for 2–3 minutes. Do not rub, twist, or wring. Common mistake: aggressive scrubbing stretches cups and bands. Checkpoint: No twisting or wringing.
- 4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Drain the basin and refill with clean cool water. Gently press the garments to release soap. Repeat until no suds remain. Residue attracts dirt and irritates skin. Checkpoint: Water runs clear.
- 5. Remove excess water without wringing: Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to absorb excess water. Press down gently. Never wring or twist. This protects the shape and elasticity. Checkpoint: Garment is damp, not dripping.
- 6. Air dry flat or line dry: Reshape cups and lay bras flat to dry, or hang swimwear by the straps. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, which can degrade fibers. Common mistake: using a dryer causes shrinkage and elastic breakdown. Checkpoint: Drying area is cool and shaded.
Product facts
- The Lab Co Laundry Strips 32 Pack Fragrance Free: The Lab Co Laundry Strips 32 Pack Fragrance Free are ultra-concentrated non-bio strips that are paraben-free, phosphate-free, phthalate-free, and free of chlorine bleach and added dyes. These strips clean delicate fabrics without harsh chemicals that damage elastic and shape, making them ideal for bras and swimwear.
- Curvy Kate Spellbound Balcony Bra Latte: Curvy Kate Spellbound Balcony Bra Latte features Upfront Technology and a three-piece balcony design with soft fabric bottom cups and lace top cups. The structured cups and lace details require gentle handling to maintain their uplifted shape and prevent snagging.
