How to Properly Wash Your Silk Lingerie, the French Way

Dora Fung
·Market Director
Updated

Illustration by Tippan Norden

Let’s be honest, when it comes to keeping our bras and panties in good shape, most of us fail. Those pretty, lacy pieces can start to look like wilted cabbage if you don’t take proper care of them. But once you start investing in better lingerie—which all women should at some point—proper care becomes dire. Here are five tips on how to maintain your underpinnings by French couture lingerie designer, Carine Gilson.

1. DON’T OVERDO IT 

“I give my client specific tips. Wearing silk is a pleasure, but as a natural material, silk needs to ‘rest.’ Also you should try to avoid wearing the same item several days. Most of the time, dry cleaning is recommended. In general, the washing

machine is not recommended, however hand wash can be used if you follow certain steps.”

2. THE PROPER WAY TO WASH 

“Only wash silks by hand in cool water (28 ° C max). Hot water damages some fabrics and can even leave stains, so dip gently in cool water and do not soak silk for too long, or rub. Rinse abundantly with cold water (possibly adding a teaspoon of white vinegar in the final rinse for bright or dark colors). Wrap and roll gently in a towel to remove water; never leave it in the towel or in any damp conditions. Never rub silk when wet! Do not leave wet and crumpled, but do leave to dry flat in a dry room away from direct sunlight or artificial heating.”

3. DETERGENT MATTERS 

“I suggest using a mild detergent without phosphates: Soyelle is my choice.”

These are also great for delicate fabrics:

Nordstrom Lingerie Wash, $18, Nordstrom.com

Le Blanc silk & lingerie wash, $16, abchome.com

4. BEST WAY TO STORE  

“Align the bras in a drawer and use another drawer for knickers and thongs.”

5. IS HANGING LINGERIE IMPORTANT? 

“Yes, put on hangers in your closet with your favorite sweaters. But do not put your negligees on hangers when they are wet, it relaxes the silk!”