How to care for underwear so it actually lasts

Most underwear doesn't wear out from use. It wears out from washing. Heat, harsh detergents, and the mechanical action of a dryer do more damage to elastic and fabric than wearing the same pair every day would. A few simple habits extend the life of basics significantly.

Washing: temperature and detergent ¶

Cold or warm water is better for most underwear than hot. Hot water breaks down elastic faster and can cause synthetic fabrics to lose their shape. Cotton can handle higher temperatures, but unless you have a specific hygiene reason to wash hot, warm is sufficient.

A gentle or delicate detergent is worth using for bras and styles. Heavy-duty detergents with enzymes are designed for heavily soiled items and can be harder on fine knits over time. You don't need a special lingerie wash, just a mild one.

Drying: the biggest factor ¶

The dryer is the main reason underwear wears out faster than it should. High heat degrades elastic quickly, and the tumbling action can stretch and distort the shape of bra cups. Air drying is the most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your basics.

If you use a dryer, a low-heat or air-dry setting is much better than a regular cycle. Bras should always be air dried if possible. Lay them flat or hang them by the center gore, not by the straps, which can stretch under the weight of wet fabric.

Storage and rotation ¶

Bras last longer when they're given time to recover between wearings. The foam and fabric in the cups need time to spring back to their original shape. Wearing the same bra two days in a row shortens its life faster than alternating between two or three.

For underwear, folding rather than rolling or bunching keeps the waistband elastic in better shape over time. It's a small thing, but it adds up.

None of this is complicated. Cold wash, air dry, rotate between a few pairs. The basics in the current collection are made to hold up, but they hold up longer with a little care.