The short version

• Hand wash in cool water, never hot
• Use a mild detergent or a dedicated delicates wash, never bleach
• Never wring or twist, press the water out instead
• Dry flat in shade, never in direct sun and never in a dryer
• Store bras stacked, not folded inside out

Hand washing, step by step

1. 1

   Fill a basin with cool water

   Cool or lukewarm only. Hot water breaks down elastic, which is what makes a band lose its grip and a strap stop holding.

2. 2

   Add a small amount of mild detergent

   A teaspoon is enough. Swirl it through the water before the garment goes in, so undiluted detergent never sits directly on lace.

3. 3

   Soak for 15 to 20 minutes

   Let the water do the work. Agitating lace and embroidery is what pulls threads loose.

4. 4

   Squeeze gently, do not rub

   Press the fabric between your palms. Rubbing two lace surfaces against each other causes pilling and snags.

5. 5

   Rinse in clean cool water

   Rinse until the water runs clear. Detergent left in the fabric stiffens it and irritates skin.

6. 6

   Press out the water in a towel

   Lay the piece flat on a dry towel, roll the towel up and press. Never wring or twist, especially anything with an underwire.

If you must use a machine

We would rather you did not, but if it is unavoidable there is a way to reduce the damage.

• Fasten every hook first, an open hook snags everything in the drum
• Use a mesh laundry bag, one garment per bag
• Cold water, delicate cycle, lowest spin speed available
• Never wash lingerie with jeans, towels or anything with a zip
• Never tumble dry, the heat is worse than the wash

Drying without damage

Dry flat on a towel, in shade with air moving around it. Direct sunlight fades dyed lace and weakens elastic, and a dryer does both faster.

Do not hang a wet bra by its straps. The weight of the water stretches the straps permanently, which is one of the most common ways a good bra is ruined.

Storage and rotation

• Stack moulded cups inside one another rather than folding one cup into the other, folding creases the foam permanently
• Lay lace pieces flat rather than cramming them into a full drawer
• Rotate between at least two or three bras rather than wearing one daily, elastic needs a day to recover its shape
• Keep hooks fastened in storage so they do not catch on neighbouring pieces

How often to wash

Every two to three wears for a bra in normal conditions, and after every wear in hot weather or after exercise. Briefs are washed after every wear, always.

Washing too often wears elastic out faster, but leaving body oils in the fabric degrades it too. Two to three wears is the practical balance.