After spending a significant amount on fine bras or lingerie, it’s important to care for them properly—not only does it make these garments last longer, but remember, this is one of the pieces of clothing closest to your skin. You want to make sure the soft, fine fabrics the bra or lingerie remain soft, silky as long as possible. Carefully washing, drying and maintaining your purchase will retain the integrity of the design and fabric.
Hand washing is the best way to go with most fine bras and lingerie, particularly the sought after brands like Mary Jo or Prima Donna bras. Here are a few points to follow when caring for your bra or lingerie.
1. To keep these fantastic, silky fabrics the way they were when you first purchased them, use a detergent made for hand washing, like Woollite.
2. Make sure any clasps, hooks or buttons are fastened so they won’t snag the material, or loosen at the seams.
3. Really hand washing, (with your hands!) is a great idea. Using the delicate detergent, make sure you don’t ring the material, or use excessive squeezing. Gently allow the bras or lingerie to soak. Using a small plastic bin in the sink or tub usually works perfectly.
4. If the idea of actually using your hands is daunting, most washing machines have a delicate cycle. Use a lingerie bag or washing bag for your bra and lingerie, so it won’t get caught or pulled during the cycle. Use the special detergent mentioned above, and set on the delicate cycle, on cold (not warm!).
5. Hang dry or dry flat, on a clothes horse, coat hanger or special drying rack. Don’t ever dry in the dryer. Not only will the fabric possibly shrink, but it will sacrifice the life span of the bra or lingerie.
6. Store in a lingerie drawer, without other garments like jeans, belts or accessories that might have hooks, zippers or anything else that might snag the fabric of the bras or lingerie.
7. Storing a scented sachet in your lingerie drawer is a nice touch, leaving the bra and lingerie with a pleasant smell. An inoffensive, natural choice is lavender.
Remember, the sentiment that you are treating yourself well with fine lingerie goes for caring for that lingerie as well!
Lacy Hughes is a journalist and advice columnist, who has written for national and local magazines and books on women’s issues and advice. She lives in Charleston, NC. BitsofLace.com specializes in Plus Size Bras (http://www.bitsoflace.com) and other fine lingerie. Visit the website to find more information on bra care and to purchase your favorite bras and care accessories.
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