Lingerie Care 101: How to Make Your Favourite Pieces Last
Essential Tips for Preserving Your Luxurious Lingerie
Lingerie is so much more than simply what you wear underneath your clothing - it represents a daily investment in your confidence, comfort, and personal self-expression. With a little bit of care and attentive maintenance, your most cherished pieces can remain just as fabulous and stunning as the very day you purchased them. If you’ve ever wondered why your favourite bra has lost its shape, or why those once-perfect knickers now feel a little tired, this guide is for you. Because when cared for properly, lingerie doesn’t just last longer-it stays fabulous.
Why Lingerie Care Matters
Unlike everyday garments, lingerie is often made with delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and tulle. These luxurious materials offer softness and allure but require gentle handling to maintain their shape, elasticity, and beauty. With the right care, you can extend the lifespan of your bras and knickers, preserve their fit, and keep colours vibrant wash after wash.
Olyinka’s Lingerie Care Essentials:
Hand Wash Whenever Possible: The best way to wash your lingerie—especially bras—is by hand. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle lingerie detergent. Let pieces soak for a few minutes, gently agitate, then rinse in cool water. Avoid wringing or scrubbing, which can distort delicate fabrics.
Use Lingerie-Safe Detergent: Your everyday detergent may be too harsh for lingerie. Opt for a formula made specifically for delicates. For our recommendations, see our guide: Top 5 Lingerie Detergents Every Woman Should Try.
Skip the Tumble Dryer: Heat damages elastic fibres. Always air dry your lingerie flat on a towel or hang it from the center gore (the bit between the bra cups), never by the straps.
Rotate Your Bras
Wearing the same bra every day? Your bra needs a day off too. Giving bras time to rest between wears helps maintain elasticity and gives the fabric time to recover. Keep at least three in regular rotation: one to wear, one to wash, and one to rest. Read our article on why its important to rotate your bra → [Why Resting Your Lingerie Matters]
Storing Lingerie the Right Way
Proper storage matters just as much as washing. Lay bras flat in a drawer to keep their shape, and avoid folding padded cups inside out. Use drawer dividers or soft storage bags to separate items and protect lace or embellishments.
Invest in Gentle Detergents
The right lingerie detergent not only cleans without damaging delicate fibres, but also helps preserve colour, softness, and that “just-bought” feel. We’ve curated our top 5 favourite lingerie detergents to help you care for your pieces with elegance and ease → [Our Top 5 Lingerie Detergents]
The Olyinka Philosophy: Care is Confidence
Looking after your lingerie is a form of self-respect. It's a quiet luxury—a simple act that says I value myself. When you care for what’s closest to your body, you reinforce the message that you’re worth the time, attention, and love.
So go ahead - make your care routine a little more intentional. After all, fabulous always starts underneath.
Final Word
Lingerie is an investment in how you feel. With a little care, your favourite pieces can remain just as elegant, supportive, and confidence-boosting as when you first fell in love with them.
Want more expert tips on washing, storing, and protecting your pieces? Read the full guide to lingerie care here → How To Wash Your Lingerie
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Olyinka is a brand that produces beautiful, handcrafted, bespoke lingerie. Our mission is to change the narrative within the lingerie industry by encouraging, inspiring, and empowering women. We do this via our monthly newsletters, as well as giving you first access to exclusive news, freebies, and discounts. So sign up below! Become a part of our movement! And as a thank you, you will receive 10% off your first lingerie purchase. Sign up here!