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The care guide No. 423
How do I wash lace lingerie without damaging it?
Cold water, a mild soap and no wringing. Most lace damage comes from heat, friction and hanging a wet piece by the straps.
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.
Lace is a looped fabric, so it snags on hooks, zips and rough surfaces; 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 safest routine is a short hand wash in cold water, a gentle squeeze instead of a wring, and flat drying away from direct heat. Check the care label on the piece first; if there is no label, treat it as delicate. This routine works for lace, mesh and pieces with small bows or hardware.
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Pieces for this answer.
01
Before the water
Close any hooks, remove detachable straps and pads, and check the pockets for anything that could catch. Sort light and dark colours. If there is a care label, follow it; if not, use cold water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, which can break down stretch fibres and leave a coating on lace.
02
Hand wash
Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the piece and move it gently for about a minute. Do not rub, scrub or twist. Pay attention to the underarm and waistband areas, then rinse in clean cold water until the water runs clear. If a stain needs more work, treat it before washing and avoid hot water, which can set it.
03
Dry and store
Press the water out between two towels; do not wring. Reshape the piece and dry it flat in the shade, away from radiators and direct sun. Hanging a wet lace piece by the straps stretches them. Store folded or flat, away from hooks and Velcro. If you need to iron, use the lowest setting with a cloth between the iron and the lace, and avoid the elastic.
04
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 a stain.
05
Rinsing and pressing
Rinse until the water runs clear. Press the water out between two towels instead of wringing. Reshape the lace before drying.
06
Storage
Store folded or flat, away from hooks and Velcro. Do not hang a wet piece by the straps. Keep lace away from rough surfaces and jewellery.
07
Know the lace
Stretch lace is more forgiving than rigid lace. A lined cup can be washed more easily than an unlined one. Check the care label and the trims before choosing hand or machine washing.
08
What not to do
Do not wring, bleach, tumble dry or hang a wet piece by the straps. Do not iron directly on lace or elastic. Avoid rough hooks and Velcro in the wash.
09
Drying flat
Press the water out in a towel, reshape and dry flat in the shade. Turn the piece over once so both sides dry. Do not put it on a radiator.
10
A quick routine
Fill a basin with cold water and a little mild detergent. Submerge, move gently for a minute, rinse and press the water out in a towel. The whole routine takes less time than a machine cycle.
11
No fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a coating on lace and can reduce stretch. Use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. If the lace feels stiff, rinse again in cold water.
12
A final note
Wash lace less often than you think and handle it gently when you do. A short hand wash and flat drying keep the pattern and the elastic intact far longer than a machine cycle.
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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.
How do I wash lace lingerie without damaging it?
Can lace go in the washing machine?+
Sometimes. Use a mesh bag, a delicate cycle, cold water and a low spin, and never put it in the dryer.
How often should I wash lingerie?+
After every two or three wears, or after one wear if it has been against the skin in hot weather.
What detergent should I use?+
A mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and strong stain removers.
Can I dry lace in the sun?+
Dry it in the shade. Direct sun and heat can fade colour and weaken elastic.
Can I iron lace?+
Only on the lowest setting, with a cloth between the iron and the lace, and never directly on the elastic.
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.