How to Wash Bras, Camisoles, and Chemises Without Ruining Them

Quick answer

Hand wash bras, camisoles, and chemises in cool water with a mild detergent, then press—never wring—the water out and dry them flat or hanging away from direct heat. If you must use a machine, put each piece in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle and skip the dryer entirely. The goal is to protect elastic, silk, and embroidery from heat, agitation, and harsh chemicals.

Why heat and agitation are the real enemies

Elastane in bra bands and straps breaks down over time with exposure to heat and friction. Hot water and a hot dryer speed up that breakdown, which is why bands stretch out and straps lose snap. Silk camisoles and chemises are equally vulnerable: heat can dull the sheen and weaken fibers, while agitation can snag lace or embroidery. Even a non-padded bra with a hidden mesh support sling relies on fine materials that a rough wash cycle can distort. Keeping water cool and movement minimal is the single most effective way to extend the life of these pieces.

Sort and prepare before water touches anything

Separate lights from darks and keep heavily dyed items away from pale silks. Close all hooks and clasps so they don't catch on lace or tulle. If a bra has removable pads, take them out. For camisoles and chemises, turn them inside out to protect the outer surface. Check pockets and adjust straps so they don't tangle. This two-minute prep prevents most of the snags and pulls that happen in the wash.

Choose the right detergent and water temperature

Use a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicates or a tiny amount of gentle shampoo. Avoid detergents with bleach, enzymes, or fabric softener—softener coats fibers and reduces the stretch recovery of bra elastic. Fill a sink or basin with cool water, not warm. If you wouldn't wash your own hands in it, it's too hot for lingerie. For machine washing, select the delicate cycle with a cool rinse and an extra rinse if available.

Hand washing step by step

Submerge one or two items at a time and gently squeeze the soapy water through the fabric. Do not scrub or twist. For bras, focus on the band and underarm areas where body oils collect, using your fingertips. For camisoles and chemises, let them soak for up to five minutes, then lift them out and squeeze gently. Rinse in cool water until no suds remain. Never let silk or lace sit in water longer than necessary.

Machine washing without the damage

If you use a machine, place each bra, camisole, or chemise in its own mesh lingerie bag. Use a front-loading machine if possible; top-loaders with a central agitator are harsher. Choose the shortest delicate cycle and cold water. Wash only lingerie in that load—no towels, jeans, or zippers. Skip the spin cycle or set it to low. Even with these precautions, hand washing remains the safest option for silk and embroidered pieces.

Drying and reshaping

After washing, gently press the water out against the side of the sink or wrap the item in a clean towel and press. Never wring or twist. Lay bras flat to dry, reshaping the cups and smoothing the band. Hang camisoles and chemises by the straps or lay them flat on a drying rack. Keep everything out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or vents. A fan in a well-ventilated room speeds drying without heat damage.

Your 6-step delicate wash routine

1. 1. Prep and sort: Close hooks, remove pads, turn items inside out, and separate lights from darks. Keep dyed silks away from pale fabrics. Checkpoint: all clasps closed and no loose straps.
2. 2. Fill a basin with cool water: Add a mild liquid detergent or gentle shampoo. Never use bleach, enzymes, or fabric softener. Checkpoint: water is cool to the touch and lightly sudsy.
3. 3. Submerge and gently squeeze: Let items soak for up to five minutes. Gently squeeze soapy water through the fabric, focusing on bra bands and underarms. Do not scrub or twist. Checkpoint: no rubbing or wringing at any point.
4. 4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the basin and refill with cool water. Lift and squeeze gently until no suds remain. Do not let silk or lace sit in water. Checkpoint: rinse water runs clear.
5. 5. Remove water without wringing: Press the item against the side of the sink or roll it in a clean towel and press. Never twist or wring. Checkpoint: item is damp, not dripping, and still shaped correctly.
6. 6. Dry flat and reshape: Lay bras flat and reshape cups. Hang camisoles and chemises by straps or lay flat on a rack. Keep away from direct sun and heat. Checkpoint: air circulates around the item; no direct heat source.

How these care steps apply to specific pieces

• Stella Cami: The Stella Cami is a silk camisole with a classic V-neck, designed for layering under sheer shirts or wearing as a top. Silk needs cool water and no wringing; hand washing preserves the drape and sheen, while a mesh bag on delicate helps if you machine wash.
• Selina Cami - Petrol: The Selina Cami - Petrol is a silk camisole with a lace-detailed V-neck, also meant to be seen or layered. The lace detail can snag, so turning it inside out and using a mesh bag is especially important; avoid bleach and fabric softener.
• Anita Plunge Bra: The Anita Plunge Bra is a non-padded bra with bold floral embroidery on sheer stretch tulle and a hidden mesh support sling. Embroidery and mesh are delicate; hand washing or a mesh bag prevents snags, and skipping the dryer keeps the stretch tulle and support sling from losing shape.