How to Care for Your Underwear to Keep Them Like New

Quick Answer

To keep your underwear like new, always wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle, use a mesh laundry bag, and air dry flat. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat, which can break down elastic and damage delicate fabrics. For the longest lifespan, hand wash your most delicate pieces.

Your underwear works hard every day, yet it often gets the shortest shrift in the laundry basket. Tossed in with towels and dried on high heat, even the best-made bras and briefs can lose their shape, softness, and support in just a few washes. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can keep your favorite pieces feeling and looking like new for months longer.

Caring for your underwear isn't just about aesthetics—it's about preserving the materials that provide comfort and support. Whether you're wearing a high-waist brief or a supportive wirefree bralette, understanding how to wash, dry, and store these garments makes a real difference. Here's your practical guide to underwear care, with expert tips you can start using today.

Why Underwear Needs Special Care

Unlike your everyday cotton tees, most underwear is made from delicate materials like mesh, microfiber, and lace. These fabrics are chosen for their softness, breathability, and invisible fit under clothes—but they're also more vulnerable to damage. Harsh detergents, hot water, and aggressive drying can break down fibers, cause pilling, and stretch out elastics.

Elastic is the unsung hero of your underwear. It provides the gentle hug that keeps everything in place. However, elastic is heat-sensitive and can degrade quickly when exposed to high temperatures. That's why your favorite pair of high-waist briefs might start rolling down or losing their snap after just a few hot washes. Understanding this helps you see why the care instructions on your lingerie labels aren't just suggestions.

• Always check the care label before washing—it's your best guide.
• When in doubt, choose the gentlest cycle and the coldest water.

Washing Your Underwear: Step-by-Step

Start by sorting your underwear by color and fabric type. Wash dark colors together and light colors together to prevent dye transfer. For delicate items like mesh or lace, place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from snagging. If you're hand washing, fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent.

When using a washing machine, select the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent that's free of bleach and optical brighteners, which can weaken fibers. Avoid fabric softeners—they coat the fabric with a waxy residue that reduces absorbency and can break down elastic over time. Instead, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften and deodorize.

For stubborn stains, treat them before washing with a gentle stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub the stain, then let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Never use hot water on stains, as it can set them permanently.

• Use a mesh bag for machine washing to prevent tangling and tearing.
• Skip fabric softener—your underwear's elastic will thank you.

Drying and Storing Your Underwear

The dryer is the number one enemy of underwear. High heat shrinks fabrics, melts elastic, and causes colors to fade. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring) and lay your underwear flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid hanging bras by the straps, as this can stretch them out. For quicker drying, roll your underwear in a towel to absorb moisture, then reshape and lay flat.

Once dry, store your underwear properly to maintain their shape. Fold bras and place them in a drawer with space to breathe—don't stuff them into tight spaces where they can get crushed. For briefs, you can fold them neatly or roll them. Keep your underwear away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fabrics.

If you're storing seasonal pieces, use a breathable cotton storage bag rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mildew. Rotate your underwear regularly so you're not always wearing the same pairs, giving the elastic time to recover between wears.

• Air dry flat to preserve shape and elasticity.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Your Underwear Care Routine in 5 Steps

1. Check the care label: Look for specific instructions on your underwear's label. Follow the recommended water temperature and cycle type. Checkpoint: If the label says hand wash only, don't risk the machine.
2. Wash in cold water: Use cold water and a gentle detergent. Place delicate items in a mesh laundry bag. Checkpoint: Hot water is the fastest way to ruin elastic.
3. Skip the dryer: Air dry flat on a towel, away from direct heat and sunlight. Checkpoint: Never wring out your underwear—gently squeeze instead.
4. Store with care: Fold bras and briefs neatly in a drawer. Avoid overcrowding and keep them away from moisture. Checkpoint: Proper storage prevents misshaping and extends life.
5. Rotate your pairs: Don't wear the same pair two days in a row. Give elastics time to recover their shape. Checkpoint: Regular rotation reduces wear and tear.

Underwear That's Worth the Extra Care

• Mesh High Waist Brief - Archive: Made with our signature flossy mesh, meaning they're breathable, supportive and will likely be the envy of all other underwear. Because mesh is delicate, hand washing or using a mesh bag is essential to prevent snags. Its breathability is a key feature, so avoid fabric softeners that can clog the weave.
• Bio High Waist Gee: Made from our butter soft Bio Butter which moulds to your body as you move. Bio Butter fabric is designed to mold to your body, but heat can break down its special properties. Wash in cold water and air dry to maintain that buttery softness and perfect fit.

With these simple underwear care habits, you can keep your favorite pieces feeling soft, supportive, and looking new for longer. Remember: cold water, gentle detergent, and air drying are your best friends. Your underwear works hard for you—show it a little love in return.