How to Wash & Care for Delicate Lingerie So It Lasts for Years

A good bra can cost as much as a nice dinner out — but unlike dinner, it should last for years. The difference between lingerie that survives three months and lingerie that survives three to five years is almost entirely down to how you wash, dry and store it.

Here's the complete care routine we recommend for every SANTCARA piece, from silk slips to everyday cotton.

Why careful washing pays off

Lingerie is engineered from delicate fibres, fine elastics and small fastenings, all under regular tension. Harsh detergent, hot water and tumble drying break down elastane — the stretch fibre that gives a band its support — long before the fabric itself wears out. Gentle care protects the stretch, the shape and the colour all at once.

The gold standard: hand-washing

It sounds fussy, but hand-washing takes about three minutes and dramatically extends the life of your favourite pieces — especially bras, silk and lace.

1. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water (never hot).
2. Add a small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent — a delicates wash or even a gentle shampoo works. Avoid fabric softener, which coats and degrades elastic.
3. Submerge the piece and swirl gently. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
4. Rinse in clean cool water until no suds remain.
5. Never wring or twist. Press the water out gently, or roll the piece in a clean towel and squeeze.

Treat silk and lace like you'd treat a cashmere jumper: cool water, gentle detergent, no wringing, dry flat.

Machine-washing safely

Real life happens, and most everyday cotton and modal pieces machine-wash perfectly well. To do it safely:

• Always fasten bra hooks first so they don't snag other items.
• Use a mesh lingerie bag to protect straps, wires and lace.
• Select a cold, delicate/gentle cycle (30°C or below).
• Use a mild detergent and skip the softener.
• Wash lingerie with like colours and light fabrics — never with jeans, towels or anything with zips.

As a rule: cotton and modal are machine-friendly on cold; silk, fine lace and structured underwire bras are happiest hand-washed.

Drying without damage

This is where most damage happens — and it's the easiest step to get right. Never tumble dry lingerie. Heat is the enemy of elastane, and a single hot cycle can permanently slacken a band.

• Reshape cups and lace with your fingers while damp.
• Dry flat on a clean towel, or hang from the centre gore (not the straps, which can stretch under the weight of water).
• Keep silk and coloured pieces out of direct sunlight, which fades dye and weakens fibres.

Storing lingerie properly

How you store bras matters as much as how you wash them:

• Never fold one cup into the other — it creases and deforms moulded cups. Stack bras front-to-back with cups nested in the same direction, or lay them flat.
• Hang slips and camisoles, or fold them loosely; don't cram them.
• Keep everything somewhere dry and dark. Damp drawers can mark silk and cotton.

Rotate to extend life

Elastane needs time to recover its stretch. Wearing the same bra two days running keeps it under constant tension and wears it out faster. Ideally, rest a bra for a day between wears and rotate through a few favourites. A capsule of well-cared-for pieces will outlast a drawer full of neglected ones.

Care FAQ

How often should I wash my bra?

Every two to three wears is plenty for most people, unless you've been exercising or it's very hot. Over-washing wears elastic out faster.

Can I use stain remover on lace or silk?

Spot-test first on a hidden area. For silk, dilute any treatment heavily and rinse quickly; harsh removers can leave water marks.

My band has gone loose — can I fix it?

If the fabric is still sound, move to a tighter hook. If it's stretched beyond that, it's usually a sign the elastane has worn — time for a replacement, and gentler care next time.