How To Care For & Store Lingerie Properly

Once you’ve started investing in designer lingerie that has a luxe touch and perfect fit, you’ll want to start storing your purchases carefully. But how should you actually do this?  

In this blog, we’re explaining how to store lingerie properly, why it’s crucial to look after your higher quality bras and briefs, and how to prolong the life of your collection.

1. Always clasp bras

Whether you’ve invested in a special date-night bra or simply want to know how to keep your t-shirt bras healthy, it’s always best to fasten the bra’s clasp before you put it in a drawer. 

Traditional hook and eye fastenings can accidentally snag on fabric if left open. This could ruin the bra (and others in the drawer). 

Make a habit of doing them up to avoid this happening..

2. Lay lingerie flat

Most experts and lingerie aficionados agree that the best way to store designer bras and briefs is to lay them flat. 

This is better for their lifespan, as they’re less likely to get weighed down or stretched over time when hung. Likewise, hangers with tight clasps can damage delicate fabrics. 

While it’s better to store lingerie flat, there are some cases when you can hang luxury bras. For example, when a bra doesn’t have any heavy embellishments, padding, or underwiring. 

Some collectors even hang bras upside down to really reduce the stress on the straps. 

Ultimately, laying bras flat is better. But if your lingerie is more robust and you’re not worried about slight signs of wear, it’s okay to hang them.

3. Separate moulded and unlined bras 

If you’re laying or stacking your bras, separate moulded bras from unlined fabric bras. This helps you find bras more easily and will reduce pressure from the padding on more delicate fabrics. 

Also, don’t fold moulded bras. Folding them warps their shape and can ruin the bra's structure. 

Keeping bras flat and unfolded is the way forward — even if it does take up slightly more space.

4. Fold corsets

You shouldn't fold bras, but you might be surprised to hear that it’s okay to fold corsets.

If you want to lay your corsets or basques flat, fold them closed and keep the busk (centre front) on top.

Another way to store corsets is by opening them and draping them over a hanger. Like bra storage, this method depends on the corset's weight. Any styles with heavy beading or boning might be stretched over time.

You should aim to keep the corset fabric as flat as possible. While it is possible to steam out folds, regular steaming can damage the metal boning over time.

5. Keep stockings and hosiery protected

Alongside storing your lingerie, you should make sure your stocking and hosiery are also stored correctly. 

Stockings and hosiery can get tangled quickly. It’s best to keep them folded or even in separate packaging. 

Ziplock bags are particularly popular for this reason. They also protect dainty stockings and pantyhose from snags. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than a laddered stocking.

6. Invest in boxes or bags for special sets

You can also use boxes or bags to keep your lingerie stored securely. 

As suggested earlier, you can lay them flat within boxes or in fabric mesh bags. Clear boxes and bags are extra helpful, as you can see which pair is which through the materials.

Alternatively, you can keep the original boxes or gift wrapping. Designer lingerie comes in specialised packaging for a reason.

7. Consider themes

If you’re organising your lingerie collection, don’t forget to arrange your underwear in a clear theme or order. The most popular ways to store lingerie include:

• By colour
• By style
• By everyday wear vs special sets

These themes can make it easier to find your favourite sets, and after searching, your room won’t look like a tornado has driven through.

Drawer dividers can be extra handy when sectioning up your lingerie. You can find these on Amazon, Ikea, or other online stores.

Why is it important to store lingerie properly?

Storing your lingerie properly prolongs the life of the garments. It protects them from extra signs of wear and accidental snagging. 

Keeping your lingerie collection neat and tidy can also make life easier for you when you’re looking for a specific bra or briefs. This is especially vital as your collection grows.

Other ways to prolong the life of your luxury lingerie 

If you’re investing in designer lingerie or luxurious pieces, you’ll want to keep them as pristine as possible. 

Other ways to prolong your lingerie include:

• Following the care instructions
• Gentle handwashing 
• Air drying 
• Spot wash stains
• Investing in high-quality materials

How to store lingerie properly - Final thoughts

Ensuring your designer and luxury lingerie is stored well is critical for collectors, enthusiasts, and everyone in between. Hopefully, this blog has inspired you to take on a bit of spring cleaning. 

We’ll leave you with one final tip: Spray a spritz of perfume into your lingerie drawer or a cardstock to make your lingerie storage even more luxurious. 

Keep learning about lingerie and luxury brands today. Read more via the Maison SL blog.