Lingerie, while often hidden from view, plays an integral part in our daily life, so learning how to fold, store and care for your lingerie to keep those delicates in good shape and comfortable for as long as possible is useful for everyone. By taking proper care of our underwear, we can prolong their life, reducing the need for frequent replacements and therefore living more sustainably - which is a win, win for everyone!

Read on for easy-to-follow folding tips, ideas for organising your underwear and the best ways to care for the items in your lingerie drawer.

Looking After Your Lingerie

Having a systematic and organised storage system for your lingerie brings plenty of benefits including helping to maintain its shape, colour, and elasticity, as well as making it much easier to find what you want to wear each morning. If that's not enough, proper care will also help to maintain the structure of your bras, knickers, and corsets, reducing the risk of damage from crumpling or crushing, which can prove uncomfortable to wear.

Time to Declutter: Lingerie Edition

Before diving into the organising, let's face it, some of your lingerie will be way past its best, so here are some handy tips to help you decide what stays and what goes:

• Out with the old: Discard anything that's discoloured, ripped, stained, or dotted with holes.
• Yearlong idle: Haven't worn it in the last year? There's likely a good reason for it. Time to say goodbye.
• Faded fashion: Color fading is a clear sign of wear. If the vibrant colour it once had is no more, it's time to let it go.
• Damaged seams and elastic: If the seams are coming undone or the elastic is losing its stretch, it's time for them to retire.
• Misshapen underwires: Underwires poking through or losing their shape, especially due to machine washing without a lingerie bag, is a telltale sign they need replacing.
• Fit issues: Bodies change, especially during times like pregnancy. If it doesn't fit properly anymore, or worse, never did, it's not worth keeping.
• Comfort is key: Uncomfortable lingerie isn't worth the hassle. Ditch bras that ride up and thongs that dig in.

Now, you're ready for a fresh start with your lingerie storage!

 

How To Fold Bras

It might seem tempting to quickly fold your bras in half and stash them in your drawer, but this can harm their longevity and fit. Doing so compresses the cups, distorting their shape and leaving unsightly creases that might show when worn or cause irritation on the delicate skin in this area. So, what's the better solution?

Instead of folding, try stacking your bras inside each other, like nesting dolls. This way, the cups maintain their shape, ensuring they provide the same level of support and comfort as they did when you first bought them.

 

Shop the best non-wired bras for easier storage!

 

Drawer Dividers Can Help

To further organise bras and make this nesting approach easier, consider using drawer dividers. These handy tools provide designated spots for each bra or each section of bra that you've grouped together, making it easy to see at a glance what you have to choose from.

For further organisation brownie points, it can be fun to organise your bras based on colour, style or occasion. For example, having your sports bras, strapless, push-up bras, or delicate bras each stored together or lining up all of your red underwear into one section.

This simple trick will allow you to find the exact bra you need at any given time without turning your entire drawer upside down.

 

Benefits of Correctly Storing Bras

• Longer lifespan: Proper storage maintains the bra's shape, elasticity, and support, extending its lifespan.
• Less time-consuming: When your bras are organised, you won't waste time rummaging through your drawer to find the one you need.
• Improved aesthetics: Bras that are stored properly look neater and are less likely to have visible creases or wrinkles.
• Increased convenience: Stacking and sorting bras by colour or occasion makes choosing the right one a breeze.

 

Organising and Folding Knickers

While you might not think they take up much space, you'd be surprised how much space you can actually save by properly folding, storing and organising your knickers. Not only will you gain valuable inches back in your drawers, but well-stored underwear also makes getting dressed in the morning a lot quicker, especially if you're looking for a particular pair of lucky pants or your go-to faves.

Start by categorising your knickers. This might seem overkill, but trust us, it pays off. Consider sorting them by type – everyday wear, lace, big comfy pants, sporty ones, or even by colour. Having different piles will streamline your morning routine, making it easier to grab exactly what you need.

Once sorted, it's time to fold your knickers neatly using the "square method." Here's how it works:

1. Lay your knickers flat on a surface.
2. Fold the bottom part up to meet the waistband.
3. Bring both sides to meet each other in the middle, creating a square shape.
4. Fold this square in half, and voila! You have perfectly folded knickers.

Folding Thongs

1. Lay your thong down the rear side up.
2. Bring up the bottom of the thong to meet the top section so it overlaps the waistband.
3. Then bring both sides of the waistband into the middle, effectively dividing it into thirds. Some people prefer to roll their thongs, so feel free to try that option too.
4. Now, it's ready to go into your drawer, neatly stacked with the others.

 Benefits Of Correctly Storing Knickers

• Improved longevity: Proper storage reduces wear and tear, helping your knickers last longer.
• Maintained shape: Correct folding and storage helps to keep the original shape of your knickers, ensuring they fit well every time.
• Efficient organisation: A well-organised drawer makes it easier to find the pair you want quickly and without fuss.
• Less clutter: Correct storage saves space, giving you a less cluttered, more manageable drawer.

 

Storing Corsets, Body Suits, and Other Lingerie

Corsets and bodysuits require special attention when it comes to storage.

Corsets: Due to their boning structure, corsets should ideally be stored flat. Stacking them on top of each other is the best way to maintain their shape. If you're short on space though, use a container so that they more or less stand up. Alternatively, you can fold them into a third by bringing the sides in. However, when stacking, be careful not to allow for any snagging.

Corsets with detailing or sharper parts need to be positioned carefully so they don't tear other ones. You could use packaging paper or pillowcases between corsets for added protection.

Body Suits and Other Lingerie: The same principles apply. Store flat, and avoid folding in ways that could damage the structure or decorative elements. If you're dealing with delicate lace or sheer fabrics, consider individual storage bags or compartments for extra protection.

 

Efficient Methods For Storing Lingerie

 

Whether it's making room for your everyday wear or preserving that special occasion lingerie, finding the right storage solution can be a game-changer when it comes to caring for underwear.

• Save Space: Store bras and knickers by category using the folding methods we discussed earlier. This not only keeps things neat but also makes the most out of your drawer space.
• Care for your Straps: Avoid twisting or overstretching the straps. Place them neatly over the rest of the bra when storing.
• Individual Hangers: Hang corsets, bodysuits, and special pieces on individual hangers. This helps maintain their shape and lets you easily see what you have.
• Fabric-Covered Boxes: Not only do these boxes add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe, but they also provide excellent protection for your lingerie. Ideal for more delicate or seldom-worn pieces.
• Drawer Dividers: These are great for organising your knickers, thongs, and other smaller items. They turn a chaotic drawer into a well-ordered haven.

 

Looking for new Bras? Shop our huge range!

Washing Your Lingerie, Including Delicate Fabrics

Taking the time to wash your lingerie properly can drastically extend its lifespan.

Silk and Satin Lingerie: Silk and satin are delicate fabrics that should be hand washed in cold water. Use a mild detergent or a special silk-friendly product. Never wring these items out to dry. Instead, press gently with a towel to remove excess water and then let them air dry.

Lace Lingerie: Lace is especially delicate and can snag or tear easily. It's best to hand wash lace items using a gentle detergent or within a mesh laundry bag. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel before laying flat to dry.

Cotton Lingerie: Cotton is more durable, so it can usually be machine washed. However, to keep your cotton pants and lingerie in top shape, it's best to use the gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Always air dry to prevent shrinkage.

Underwire Bras and Corsets: The underwires and boning in these items make them a little trickier to clean. Hand wash them in cold water and lay them flat to hang to dry. Never fold or wring out bras with underwire or corsets as this could distort their shape.

Sports Bras and Activewear: These items are often made from synthetic materials designed to wick moisture. They're usually safe to machine wash on a cool setting, but always avoid using fabric softener as it can interfere with the moisture-wicking properties. Air-dry to maintain their shape.

General Tips: Always check the care label on your lingerie items before washing. When in doubt, hand wash. This method is gentler on fabrics and can help your lingerie maintain its shape and colour. Finally, remember to separate your colours – washing light and dark items together can lead to discolouration.

 

Caring for Lingerie: Key Points to Remember

• Proper care and storage of lingerie can prolong its lifespan and maintain its shape.
• Avoid folding bras in half as it can distort their shape. Instead, stack them inside each other.
• Use drawer dividers to keep bras in place in your drawer.
• Organise underwear by colour or occasion for easier access.
• Use the "square method" for a neat, efficient way to fold knickers.
• Reuse old shoe boxes as drawer organisers for your knickers.
• Store corsets and bodysuits flat in your drawer to avoid distorting their shape.
• Use storage containers or pillowcases for added protection, especially for items with delicate details.
• Pay attention to the material of your lingerie: silk, satin, lace, and cotton all require different care.
• Hand wash delicate items and air dry them to maintain their shape.

 

By taking these steps to care for, fold, and store your lingerie properly, you can extend their lifespan, keep them looking their best, and enjoy a more organised and efficient wardrobe.