The Do's and Don'ts of Lingerie Care

Quick answer

To keep your lingerie looking and fitting its best, always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, never wring or twist, and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer and harsh chemicals, and store bras with cups nested to preserve their shape. Follow these simple rules and your Curvy Kate pieces will stay beautiful for years.

Your favorite bra or brief can last much longer than you think—if you treat it right. Lingerie is delicate by design, and everyday washing and drying habits can stretch elastic, fade colors, and break down fabrics faster than you'd expect. Whether you're caring for a new Curvy Kate balcony bra or a trusty everyday brief, a few mindful habits make all the difference.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the do's and don'ts of lingerie care, step by step. You'll learn how to wash, dry, and store your pieces so they keep their support, shape, and color. We'll also point out common mistakes to avoid—so you can skip the guesswork and keep your collection feeling like new.

The Golden Rules of Washing Lingerie

When it comes to washing, the golden rule is simple: hand wash your delicate pieces in cold water with a mild detergent. Hot water and harsh detergents can break down elastic and fade colors, so stick to cold and gentle. If you must use a machine, place your bras in a mesh laundry bag and select the delicate cycle with cold water. Always fasten hooks before washing to prevent snags.

Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they can damage the elastic and fabric. Instead, choose a detergent specifically designed for delicates or a mild soap. After washing, gently press out excess water—never wring or twist, as this distorts the cups and band. Roll your bra in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight.

• Use a mesh bag for machine washing to protect delicate straps and hooks.
• Skip the dryer entirely; heat is the enemy of elastic.

Drying and Storing: Preserving Shape and Support

How you dry and store your lingerie is just as important as how you wash it. Always dry bras flat on a towel, never hanging by the straps, as the weight of water can stretch them. Avoid clothespins and direct heat. For briefs, you can hang them to dry, but keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

When storing, don't fold cups inside out—this can crush the shape. Instead, nest the cups together and place bras in a drawer with space to breathe. If you're short on space, stack them carefully with the cups facing up. For briefs, fold them simply and store in a separate compartment to avoid snagging on hooks.

• Rotate your bras to give elastic time to recover between wears.
• Use drawer dividers to keep each bra's shape intact.

Common Lingerie Care Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some habits can shorten the life of your lingerie. One common mistake is wearing the same bra multiple days in a row without a break. Elastic needs time to recover, so rotate your collection. Another mistake is using hot water or high heat in the dryer, which can permanently stretch and misshape your bras.

Also, avoid using regular laundry detergent, which often contains enzymes that break down delicate fibers. And don't store bras in tight, overcrowded drawers where they can get crushed or misshapen. Finally, never iron your lingerie—the heat and pressure can ruin the fabric and shape.

• Check the care label on each piece for specific instructions.
• When in doubt, hand wash and air dry—it's always the safest option.

Your Step-by-Step Lingerie Care Routine

1. Step 1: Sort and Prep: Separate your delicates from heavier items. Fasten hooks, and place bras in a mesh bag if machine washing. Check for stains and pre-treat with a gentle stain remover. Preparation prevents snags and ensures even cleaning.
2. Step 2: Wash with Care: Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, gently swishing the fabric. If using a machine, select the delicate cycle with cold water. Never use bleach or fabric softener. Cold water and gentle detergent protect elastic and color.
3. Step 3: Rinse and Press: Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Press out excess water without wringing or twisting. Roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture. Avoid wringing to maintain the bra's shape and support.
4. Step 4: Dry Flat: Lay bras flat on a dry towel, reshaping the cups. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never hang bras by the straps. Flat drying prevents stretching and misshaping.
5. Step 5: Store Properly: Once completely dry, nest the cups together and store in a drawer with space. Avoid folding cups inside out or overcrowding. Proper storage extends the life of your lingerie.

Care Tips for Your Curvy Kate Favorites

• Curvy Kate Victory Side Support Balcony Bra Rose Pink: Expertly crafted with a four-part cup and side support panels to shape and uplift for an effortlessly elegant silhouette. The side support panels and four-part cup construction need gentle handling to maintain their supportive shape. Hand washing and flat drying help these technical features perform wear after wear.
• Curvy Kate Boost Diamante Padded Balcony Bra Black: Lightly padded cups and diamante straps make this perfect for party season so you can dance the night away in comfort. Padded cups can lose their shape if crushed in the wash or dryer. The diamante detailing is delicate, so hand washing is essential to keep the sparkle intact and avoid snagging.

Caring for your lingerie doesn't have to be complicated. By following these do's and don'ts, you'll keep your Curvy Kate pieces looking beautiful and providing the support you love. Treat them with a little extra attention, and they'll reward you with lasting comfort and style.