How to wash and care for lingerie so it lasts
lingerie is durable when it is cared for correctly and noticeably less durable when it is not. The main risks are heat and mechanical stress. Both are easy to avoid once you know what they do to the fabric.
What heat does to elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fibre that provides stretch and recovery. It is stable at low temperatures but begins to degrade above 40 degrees Celsius. The degradation is not immediately visible. The fibre does not melt or discolour. Instead, it gradually loses its ability to return to its original length after stretching. A waistband that once sat flat starts to roll. A bra cup that once held its shape starts to sag.
Tumble dryers are the most common cause of this kind of damage because they run at 60 to 80 degrees. A single cycle at high heat will not destroy a piece, but repeated exposure shortens the life of the fabric significantly. Radiator drying is less damaging than a dryer but still warmer than ideal.
The washing routine that works
Hand washing in cool water is the gentlest option. Use a small amount of detergent designed for delicates or wool. Submerge the piece, work the fabric gently with your hands, rinse thoroughly, and press out excess water without wringing. Lay flat on a clean dry towel and reshape before leaving to dry.
If you prefer machine washing, use a mesh laundry bag to reduce mechanical friction, select a delicate or hand-wash cycle, and set the temperature to 30 degrees. Do not wash lingerie with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can stretch the fabric during the spin cycle.
- Cool water, 30 degrees maximum
- Delicate or wool detergent
- Mesh bag for machine washing
- No wringing, press gently instead
- Lay flat to dry, not on a radiator
Storage and rotation
Fold briefs flat rather than rolling them, which can stretch the waistband over time. Bras can be stacked cup-to-cup or laid flat. Avoid hanging bras by the strap for long periods, as the weight of the cup pulls on the strap attachment point.
A piece washed correctly from the start will still fit well after two years of regular wear. The care card included with every Ocelot Furnace order covers the same points in brief.