Online shopping is probably one of the best and most convenient services that the internet has offered us over the years.  For those days when you don’t feel like leaving the house or don’t have time to go out and try everything on, shopping online is a one-click wonder.  However, it does come with it’s negatives as well, for instance you don’t always get the personalized attention you may find in stores and boutiques.  Blogs that cover lingerie and style are great for finding new items that you might want to buy, but hardly ever talk about how to care for your lovely lingerie. This week, we’re showing you how to care for your beloved garments.

While you can sometimes get away with washing bras and delicates in a machine when you’re in a time crunch, you should never put them through the dryer.  The high heat will alter the elastic, and therefore leave you with a different fitting garment.  If you put everyday basics like bras and panties through the washing machine, be sure to select a delicate or hand-wash cycle.  Also, place them in a mesh washing bag to keep straps, clips, and underwires from getting caught and wrapped around your other clothes.

Image via OneGoodThingBy Jillee

Image via OneGoodThingBy Jillee

However, items you should always hand wash are your finer lingerie garments.  This means delicate fabrics like silk and lace.  To hand wash, you’ll want to separate whites and colors, and then fill a basin with warm water and a mild detergent and soak for up to 30 minutes.  Investing in a soap specifically for lingerie and hosiery is a good choice, as it will extend the life of your garments for as long as possible.

 

Image via OneGoodThingByJillee

Image via OneGoodThingByJillee

 

After you are done soaking and rinsing out all of the soap, lay your garments flat to dry, or hang them–never ring them out!  Such delicate fabrics can loose shape easily if they’re mistreated, and no body wants a baggy lingerie set!

 

Image via Amazon.com

Image via Amazon.com

If your garments are starting to show a little wear a tear, whether from improper washing, or just being worn frequently, there are some ways to extend out their lifespan just a little longer.  Products like Sweater Saver is a great option for removing pills which may have built up after a little too much dryer time.

Image via The Underfashion  Club

Image via The Underfashion Club

 

Also, store your garments in a way that preserves their shape. So don’t crumple up your bras or twist them in the middle to fold one cup into the other.  Using drawer dividers is ideal, but if you don’t have that kind of hardware, you can hang them on a hanger or simply stack them in a drawer like you might find in lingerie stores.