Lingerie Care Guide
Made to be worn. Made to be cared for.
Beautiful lingerie isn't something to save.
The pieces we wear closest to the body live with us. They move, stretch and soften over time. Caring for them gently helps preserve their shape, softness and elasticity — so they can be worn, washed and worn again.
Hand washing remains the gentlest way to care for delicate lingerie. But we know it isn't always practical. Here's how to choose what works for the piece in front of you.
Hand Wash or Machine Wash?
When in doubt, hand wash.
Underwired bras, structured bodysuits, corsets, lace and particularly delicate pieces are best washed by hand.
To hand wash:
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of lingerie wash.
- Gently submerge the garment and leave it to soak for around 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly without rubbing, twisting or wringing.
- Gently reshape before drying.
For pieces that can be machine washed, use a lingerie bag, fasten hooks and clasps, and choose a cold, delicate cycle with a low spin.
Knickers, bralettes and softer, unstructured pieces are generally the best candidates for machine washing.
Always check the individual care label first.
What You Wash With Matters
Delicate fabrics deserve a delicate formula.
Choose a gentle wash made for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners and harsh detergents, which can affect delicate fibres and elasticity over time.
For Intensify Me Boutique, we've selected Bondi Wash Lingerie Wash — a gentle, plant-based wash suitable for lace, silk and satin.
It uses natural enzymes to help remove perspiration, body oils and stains while caring for delicate fabrics, and is lightly scented with White Cypress & Geranium.
Discover Bondi Wash Lingerie Wash →
A Little Protection Goes a Long Way
If you're machine washing, a lingerie bag creates a protective barrier around delicate pieces, helping prevent lace, straps and hooks from snagging or tangling.
Before washing:
- Fasten hooks and clasps.
- Place garments inside the lingerie bag.
- Choose a cold, delicate cycle.
- Use a low spin setting.
Structured and underwired pieces are still better washed by hand.
Skip the Heat
Heat and elasticity aren't good companions.
Never tumble dry delicate lingerie.
Instead, gently reshape each piece after washing and allow it to air dry, preferably flat and away from direct heat and strong sunlight.
Avoid ironing delicate lingerie unless the individual care label specifically allows it.
How Often Should You Wash Your Lingerie?
There isn't one rule for every piece.
Knickers: after each wear.
Bras and bralettes: generally after a few wears, depending on the season and how they're worn.
Bodysuits: depending on how and where they're worn.
And sometimes, of course, a piece simply needs washing sooner.
The care label should always come first.
Wear It. Wash It. Wear It Again.
Good lingerie is meant to live with you.
A little care simply helps it do so for longer.