I remember vividly when I was 17, I found this how to be a lady book in my high school library. It shared how to host a dinner party, how to set the table, things like dating and dressing, but one of the things that I found fascinating, was it shared how to launder and help your intimates last longer! It was mind blowing. Up until that point, I really hadn’t given how I wash my underwear any thought. Just throw it in with everything else and hope for the best. I don’t think I even air dried my bras at this point in time. From that point on, I made it a point to wash everything “like a lady”. Why was that the only thing I retained?! Who knows! But I have been laundering my intimates like that one chapter ever since.
In my years as a young fashion designer, I have learned a little more in depth information on how to wash intimate items so they last longer. From understanding the washing instructions on tags, to just flat out knowing I don’t want to ruin this $100 (or more 🙃) item that I adore! Today I am sharing all about how to launder like a fashion designer, intimates edition! From what to classify as an intimate, soaps to use, how to read the wash labels, and a few of my favorite intimate brands to buy and invest in!
What are intimates?
Intimate apparel is the type of clothing that can be worn next to the skin, and acts like a second skin. It supports the more “intimate” parts of our bodies and also acts as a barrier to the outside world. While yes, intimates are functional, they are becoming more and more fashionable! With Valentine’s Day coming up, I have seen more and more women style Teddys, bodysuits, and longline bras/bralettes as tops or essential layering pieces for a sexier night out look. And I am here for it! Your intimates can also be your workout wear, since these act like a second skin in the gym and are protective barriers for you while working out. I also like to classify my lounge wear, washable silks and satin items, and anything marked “Delicate wash” as intimates becomes I will likely launder all of these together.
What are those weird symbols on the tags?
This was a new one I learned in college. The symbols on your tags MEAN SOMETHING! It is not just some random alien lingo that is on your tags attached to your garment. When your intimates are being developed, they have to go through a series of “wash tests”. This is a fashion industry requirement where an item is graded for how many washes it lasts, the rate of color fade, abrasion testing, and overall how will this garment last/look after 5, 10, 30 washes! These symbols on your tags are the results of those wash tests. They tell you the how on how to wash your garments help ensure the longevity of your garments!
Each symbol means a different thing. From drying, washing, and ironing instructions, this handy tag tells you everything. Tide has also made it super easy for you to keep track of how to read your tags with this handy dandy downloadable guide! Generally though, intimates are hand wash for bras, anything with an underwire, lace, or a softer delicate fabric you can spot clean as needed. However, always refer to the tags attached to the garment for accurate washing instructions.
What detergents do I use?
Soap MATTERS! Whether you have sensitive skin, love the scent of fresh laundry, or are just picky (like me 😌 I am that person). What soap you choose to wash your intimates in does indeed matter. For all your clothes really! For your intimates, you want to use something that is mild, gentle, and/or made for delicate items. Personally, I enjoy using the all free and clear laundry detergent because it has no dyes, scents, any fluff. It is gentle enough for my delicates, but powerful enough to clean and lift dirt when I really need it too. If I have some extra dirty or stinky delicates (like my period panties from Joyja), I will add a couple tablespoons of borax for extra stain and odor lifting. Other great soaps to try are the Persil Original deep clean soap, Tide free and clear, or for hand washing, try a gentle soap like Mrs Myers for a good cleaning and stain lifting power that is gentle on your hand wash only.
How do I dry my intimates?
Repeat after me…air drying is WORTH IT! I hate air drying as much as the next person. But when we were building our house and I saw that our laundry area had a clothes rack, I JUMPED for joy! I have become accustomed to air drying quite a bit of my wardrobe, and the rack helps! Don’t have a rack? You can always flat dry your intimates on top of the washer and dryer, your *CLEAN* bathroom counter, or dry them on a clean bath towel. If you are a hanger, like me, you can get a tension rod for your laundry closet, use a bottom rack in your closet, or get a pop up rack! You can find lovely bamboo ones online, or even find a vintage one at your local thrift store. Just like the washing instructions though, always refer to the tag for the *official* instructions on how to dry your intimates if you don’t want to air dry them!
These are a few of my favorite things!
Sassy, Sexy, and comfortable Intimates
Launder like a fashion designer this year!
This year, my mission is to help you fall in love with your wardrobe, and take care of those items that you love PROPERLY! Whether you invested in a lovely new undergarments wardrobe, or you are trying out a couple thing from a new brand before you spend a chunk of change. My goal is to ensure that you know how to launder your clothes like the professionals in the fashion industry!
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