How to Care for Delicate Lingerie and Make It Last Longer

By: Commando

Date:  December 22, 2025

Table of Content

How to Care for Delicate Lingerie and Make It Last Longer

Delicate lingerie is an investment in comfort, confidence, and quality—and maintaining its softness, support, and shape requires proper care. Whether you’re washing ultra-soft pieces from Commando’s Butter™ Collection or preserving the fine details of lace garments, caring for your intimates the right way dramatically extends their life. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best washing, drying, and storage techniques to help your lingerie look and feel luxurious for years.


Why Lingerie Care Matters

Protecting Fabric Performance

High-quality intimates are crafted from advanced performance fabrics—microfiber blends, elastane, luxury lace, and our signature Butter™ fabric. These materials deliver stretch, softness, and longevity, but they’re also more delicate than everyday garments. Proper care ensures they maintain their shape, color, and comfort.


Maintaining Elasticity and Support

Elastane fibers give lingerie its stretch. Heat, harsh detergents, and friction break these fibers down over time, leading to sagging bands, loose fits, and worn edges. A gentle wash routine helps preserve elasticity so your bras and underwear fit like new.


Maximizing the Life of Your Investment

With thoughtful care, high-quality lingerie can last for years. Replacing bras and underwear less frequently isn’t just cost-effective—it also reduces waste and keeps your wardrobe consistent.


Hand-Washing Best Practices

Hand-washing is the gold standard for delicate lingerie. It protects fine fabrics, prevents snags, and preserves softness—especially for styles with lace, mesh, or molded cups.


Step 1 — Use Cool Water

Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can weaken fibers and cause shrinkage.


Step 2 — Add a Mild Detergent

Choose a gentle lingerie-safe detergent. Avoid formulas with bleach, enzymes, or heavy fragrances. These ingredients break down delicate fibers and irritate sensitive skin.


Step 3 — Soak for 10–15 Minutes

Submerge your lingerie and allow it to soak. This loosens oils, sweat, and body lotions without requiring harsh scrubbing.


Step 4 — Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with cool water until all detergent is gone. Leftover soap can stiffen fabric and cause irritation.


Step 5 — Gently Press Out Water

Never wring or twist lingerie—this distorts cups and stretches elastic. Instead, press the water out gently between your palms.

Hand-washing is perfect for delicate pieces like the Double Take Lace Bralette or any lace, mesh, or underwired styles.


Machine-Washing Tips for Delicate Lingerie

Machine-washing can be safe for lingerie—if done correctly. With the right techniques, even seamless or microfiber underwear can handle a gentle wash cycle.


Always Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place your bras and underwear inside a mesh garment bag to protect them from friction, snagging, and tangling with heavier clothing. This single step dramatically increases the lifespan of your intimates.


Choose a Delicate Cycle

Select your machine’s delicate or hand-wash setting. This reduces agitation and spin intensity.


Wash with Cold Water

Cold water preserves stretch and prevents heat damage. Warm or hot water can break down elastane and fade colors.


Skip Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners coat fibers, preventing breathability and shortening the life of stretch fabrics. They also break down elastane in seamless and Butter™ items.


Drying Lingerie the Right Way

Drying is where the most damage can happen. Heat is the enemy of elastic fibers—and dryers are simply too harsh for delicate lingerie.


Step 1 — Lay Flat to Dry

Place bras, underwear, and bralettes on a clean towel or drying rack. Shape the cups gently to maintain form.


Step 2 — Avoid Direct Sunlight

Place bras, underwear, and bralettes on a clean towel or drying rack. Shape the cups gently to maintain form.


Step 3 — Never Use a Dryer

Even on a low-heat or no-heat setting, a dryer can warp shape, weaken elastic, and shorten lifespan. Air-drying is the only safe method for delicate intimates.


Caring for Different Lingerie Fabrics

Lace

Lace is fragile and should be hand-washed. Its open weave can snag in machines, even inside a bag.


Microfiber

Microfiber underwear can usually handle machine-washing in a mesh bag on cold. It dries quickly, but should still be air-dried only.


Seamless Fabric

Raw-cut edges can distort under heat. For styles like the Classic High-Rise Thong, wash cold and always air-dry.


Butter™ Fabric

Commando’s Butter™ Collection is ultra-soft and stretchy. To maintain its signature feel, wash cold with gentle detergent and dry flat.


Storage Tips to Preserve Your Lingerie

Store Bras Flat

Stack bras with cups nested to preserve shape. Avoid folding molded or underwire cups in half.


Keep Delicate Pieces Separate

Lace and mesh bras should be stored away from items with hooks, zippers, or hardware to prevent snags.


Use Drawer Dividers

Dividers keep underwear organized, prevent tangling, and reduce stretching when searching for pieces.


How Often Should You Wash Your Lingerie?

Bras

After every 2–3 wears, depending on sweat and activity level.


Underwear

After every wear.


Bralettes

Bralettes absorb body oils faster than structured bras. Wash after 1–2 wears.


FAQ: Lingerie Care

Can I wash seamless underwear in the machine?

Yes—especially styles like the Classic High-Rise Thong. Just use a mesh bag and cold water.


How long should lingerie last?

With correct care, high-quality pieces can last several years—far longer than mass-market lingerie washed carelessly.


Can I machine-wash bras with underwire?

It’s possible but not recommended. If you do, always use a mesh bag and gentle cycle, and reshape cups after washing.


Final Thoughts on Extending the Life of Your Lingerie

Caring for lingerie the right way keeps your favorite pieces soft, supportive, and beautiful for much longer. With gentle washing, smart drying techniques, and thoughtful storage, you can enjoy the luxurious comfort of Commando’s lingerie collection for years. A few extra minutes of care truly transform how your garments wear—and how you feel in them every day.