We created the complete bra guide so you can learn everything about this essential lingerie piece. And to ensure it supports you for as long as possible, we have designed a dedicated bra care guide.
Washing your underwear requires more attention than a simple machine cycle. To keep your favorite lingerie in good condition for as long as possible, knowing how to properly care for it is essential. Just as beautiful as they are delicate, your everyday lingerie items, wash after wash, may lose their shape or stretch out and lose the optimal support and comfort that won you over.
At the end of the article, discover THE collection that answers your questions!
Better understanding lingerie care labels
Like any garment, lingerie items come with a label indicating the washing instructions to follow. These small symbols are essential to properly care for your lingerie and prevent it from shrinking or being damaged in the wash. While some pictograms are quite intuitive, others are more difficult to decipher. Here is a simple explanation to understand each of these symbols.
The pictograms always appear in the order of care steps: washing, bleaching, ironing, professional care, and drying.
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
Sans Complexe Paris tip
To preserve colors after the first wash, soak your lingerie in a mixture of water, white vinegar, and a pinch of sugar, then rinse with clean water.
Whether by hand or machine, never separate your sets to avoid color differences.
BLEACHING
IRONING
Ironing lingerie is a topic that can spark debate between those who take the time to do it and those who skip it. To ensure you follow the right practices, refer to the label:
PROFESSIONAL CARE
Some garments, due to their construction or materials, may require professional cleaning to avoid damaging the item. As dry cleaners also need guidance, here are the corresponding pictograms:
DRYING INSTRUCTIONS
If washing has its rules, the same applies to drying. Golden rule of lingerie care: no tumble dryer!
Sans Complexe Paris tip
Do not use a tumble dryer for your underwear. High temperatures can melt the fibers.
Avoid clothespins, which may leave marks and damage delicate fabrics.
How do you wash underwear by hand?
It is recommended to always wash underwear by hand. Your bottom pieces and bras are delicate items, especially underwired, padded, or lace pieces, as these parts can easily be damaged or caught in the washing machine drum.
Water at a maximum of 30°C and Marseille soap or a very gentle detergent are the perfect combination for hand washing your lingerie. Start by soaking your items for no more than 5 minutes in lukewarm water before gently soaping them. Light rubbing is only allowed to remove stains.
Rinse first with lukewarm water, then with cold water. Wringing must also be very gentle to preserve fabric elasticity. Finally, dry flat on a towel or drying rack. No ironing—your underwear does not tolerate heat!
Be sure to avoid the most common mistakes that can damage your bras!
Can underwear be machine washed?
For those in a hurry who cannot do without a washing machine, you can use it as long as you follow a few rules. The most important: sort your lingerie by separating colors, whites, and blacks.
Next, close the hooks so they do not tear lace or embroidery. Then place your items in a laundry bag. This precaution provides an extra layer of protection against the washing cycle.
Before starting the cycle, always check the label. It contains all the information you need. Otherwise, the golden rule: maximum 30°C and a delicate detergent without perborate or chlorine. Do not use fabric softener, as it can weaken fibers and irritate your skin. Choose a slow spin cycle, maximum 800 rpm.
How should you store your lingerie properly?
Often overlooked, storage plays a key role in properly caring for your lingerie every day. The underwires and cups of a poorly stored bra will deteriorate more quickly, reducing support. The ideal way to ensure your lingerie lasts is to nest your bras inside each other. This also saves space in your drawer for new pieces!
As for your panties and other bottom pieces, you can organize them by shape or style in storage boxes. This method also protects them from light: you may not know it, but prolonged exposure to UV rays can alter colors.
Home storage is not everything. When traveling, your lingerie is often exposed to transport hazards. Learn how to pack your lingerie carefully in your suitcase for stress-free travel.
The lingerie pouch is also very useful for storing your underwear wherever you go. Sans Complexe Paris offers a reusable organic cotton pouch, practical both for storage and as a gift...
Our article was written by Sélène, our content manager, in collaboration with Guilhermina, our head of design office.
