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The care guide No. 399
Can lingerie go in the washing machine?
Some pieces can, with a mesh bag and a cold delicate cycle. Corsets, stockings and delicate lace are safer by hand.
Lace Index — 2,491 lingerie styles, S–3XL, selected 4XL, $9.90–$47.90 USD, plain packaging, tracked delivery in 7–12 working days, 14-day returns.
Measure first, then choose the shape. Between sizes, take the larger.
Match the piece to the outfit, the light and how long you will wear it.
Plain packaging, tracked delivery and 14-day returns with the seal intact.
A washing machine is not automatically off-limits, but it is not the default either; Lace Index stocks 2,491 sexy lingerie styles in S–3XL, with selected 4XL, from $9.90 to $47.90, shipped in plain packaging with 14-day returns. The decision depends on the fabric, the trims and the structure of the piece. Use the care label first. If there is no label, treat structured cups, corsets, stockings and fine lace as hand-wash items, and use a mesh bag for simpler pieces.
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Pieces for this answer.
01
What can go in
Simple mesh, stretch lace and smooth satin pieces without heavy hardware are the best candidates. Close hooks, remove pads and detachable straps, and place each piece in a mesh laundry bag. Wash with similar colours on a delicate or hand-wash cycle at 30 C or lower, with a low spin. Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener.
02
What should stay out
Hand wash corsets, underwired pieces with structured cups, stockings, tights and anything with delicate lace, bows or beading. The drum and the spin can bend wires, snag lace and stretch elastic. If a piece has a hygiene seal or a removable pad, follow the label; when in doubt, hand wash.
03
Dry and check
Take the piece out as soon as the cycle ends. Do not put lingerie in a tumble dryer; heat damages elastic and can shrink mesh. Press the water out in a towel, reshape and dry flat in the shade. Check the hooks, seams and straps after washing, and store the piece flat or folded rather than hanging it by the straps.
04
Sort and prepare
Close hooks, remove pads and detachable straps, and place each piece in a mesh bag. Wash with similar colours and light items, not towels or jeans. Check the care label first.
05
Detergent and cycle
Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener. Choose a delicate or hand-wash cycle at 30 C or lower with a low spin. A short cycle is gentler than a long one.
06
Dry flat
Take the piece out as soon as the cycle ends. Press the water out in a towel and dry flat in the shade. Do not tumble dry; heat damages elastic and can shrink mesh.
07
Use a mesh bag
A mesh bag keeps the piece away from zips, hooks and the drum. Use one bag per delicate piece or a large bag with similar items. Do not overfill it.
08
What not to wash
Corsets, structured underwired cups, stockings, tights and pieces with beading or delicate lace should be hand washed. The drum and spin can bend wires and snag lace.
09
Stains and spots
Treat a stain before washing with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water. Do not rub hard; blot and rinse. Avoid hot water, which can set the stain.
10
Check the label
The care label is the first guide. If it says hand wash, hand wash. If there is no label, treat structured cups, corsets and delicate lace as hand-wash items.
11
After the wash
Check the hooks, seams and straps before storing. Reshape the cups and dry flat. A piece that is stored wet or crumpled can lose its shape.
12
A short cycle
Use the shortest delicate cycle available. A long wash adds friction and increases the chance of snagging. Remove the piece as soon as the cycle ends.
13
When in doubt
If the piece has a wire, a pad, a delicate trim or a care label you do not understand, hand wash. A few minutes by hand is safer than a damaged piece.
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At a glance
| Category | Bras & Sets |
|---|---|
| Price | From $9.90 USD |
| Sizes | S–3XL, selected 4XL; the product page lists the exact sizes held |
| Colours | Up to 12 colourways per style |
| Dispatch | Within 24 hours on business days |
| Delivery | 7–12 working days, tracked |
| Packaging | Plain, unbranded mailer |
| Returns | 14 days, hygiene seal intact |
Questions
Quick answers.
Can lingerie go in the washing machine?
What temperature should I use?+
30 C or lower on a delicate cycle. Cold water is safer for elastic and colour.
Do I need a mesh bag?+
Yes for machine washing. It keeps the piece away from zips, hooks and the drum.
Can I wash lingerie with towels?+
No. Towels create friction and lint. Wash lingerie with similar light items or on its own.
Can I use the dryer?+
No. Air dry flat in the shade. Heat damages elastic and can shrink mesh.
What should never go in the machine?+
Corsets, structured underwired cups, stockings, tights and pieces with delicate trims or beading.
Still unsure?
Send us your measurements.
Tell us the piece you are considering and the fit you want. We will compare it with the actual stock.