Washing bras and knickers without ruining them
Short answer: Bras and thin knickers last longest in a laundry bag at 40 degrees without fabric softener. What ruins them is heat and hooks catching on other clothes.
Laundry bag
The bag stops hooks tearing at other clothes and stops straps being stretched. See when to use a laundry bag.
40 degrees
A higher temperature wears the elastic without making the underwear noticeably cleaner.
No tumble dryer
The heat destroys the elastic in the underband faster than anything. Air dry instead.
No fabric softener
Fabric softener lays a film and reduces the ability of the fabric to move moisture. See fabric softener and bamboo.
Close the hooks
Close the hooks before washing, even when you use a bag. See how to wash a bra.
See the range
See the models in bamboo bra without underwire and bamboo knickers.
See also
The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Drying
Lay the bra flat to dry rather than hanging it by one strap. Otherwise the weight of the water pulls the strap out of shape, and it is never quite the same again. See bamboo underwear for women.
Frequently asked questions
Should bras always go in a laundry bag?
It extends the life considerably, especially for models with hooks.
Can underwear be washed at 60 degrees?
It is not advised. The heat wears the elastic without making the underwear cleaner.
Why no fabric softener?
It lays a film that reduces the moisture transport.
