by Lorianne Twill

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: March 30, 2012

Nothing feels sexier than pulling on those red satin panties or favorite black lace bra as you get dressed, mentally preparing yourself for whatever is coming that day. Even just wearing these as a foundation under your clothes helps to give you that extra boost of confidence to nail today's big proposal at work or make it through your best friend's latest attempt at matchmaking. But how do you take care of these favorite pieces so that they are ready to support you every time you reach in the lingerie drawer?

Most lingerie companies recommend hand washing of all delicates. The rough spinning motions of washing machines can damage delicate fabrics, speeding along the inevitable break-down of fibers and elastics. Hand washing in cold water does prolong the life of lingerie. However, most of us don't have the time to spend an hour each weekend standing over the bathroom sink patiently washing out our bras and panties. But can you really put your most delicate bras and panties in the wash? I am remembering the time my husband tried helping out and put a load of his own jeans in the wash and inadvertently grabbed my favorite pair of lace panties along with it. Imagine my horror as this balled up piece of frizzy lace came tumbling out of the dryer along with the denim. Fortunately, with the invention of lingerie bags (synthetic mesh bags that you can put your lingerie inside of), machine washing is now an alternative to hand washing. A few tips to follow when machine washing lingerie:

Always wash using cold water

Use the gentlest setting the machine allows

Add extra gentle detergent to further safeguard the fibers and elastic. Specialty detergents made specifically for lingerie are available at department stores like Nordstrom, or online at e-stores like beauty.com

Make sure to fasten all hooks and closures on the pieces before washing. If left undone, the hooks on bras or garters can snag other pieces in the load

Once the machine cycle is done, spread out the lingerie on a towel laid over a flat surface and let air dry. Bras also fit nicely over the towel bar in the bathroom. Resist the temptation to wring out or twist bras or other garments with wires, boning or stays. The twisting motion will ruin the shape of the piece.

As you launder your lingerie, take the opportunity to make sure your pieces are still in good condition. Check seams, test hooks, look to see if the underwire is close to breaking through the fabric. Repeated wearing and washing will break down fabrics and elastics over time, so periodically spot check to see if preventative maintenance is needed. If you are unsure about doing alterations or reattaching elastics or hooks on your own, check the services offered at your local tailor or department store. Nordstrom, for a fee, will do alterations on lingerie, from shortening the shoulder straps for a better fit to repairing seams.

Like all investments, lingerie requires special care and attention to continue to perform its best for you. With a little TLC, your favorite garments will continue to support you time and again. Just make sure when your husband helps you with the lingerie, it's not in the laundry room.

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