How to Care For Your Luxury Lingerie

Luxury lingerie deserves a little special care and attention, that’s why we have partnered with Clothes Doctor, a British company that produces a range of eco-friendly products to cleanse, revive and reinvigorate the pieces you love. Each one is naturally fragranced with beautiful blends of essential oils. Lingerie is our second skin, so any laundry products we use will inevitably be transferred onto and absorbed by our skin. These products are non-toxic and very gentle on the skin, so are not only good for your lingerie, but for your skin too.

This how-to guide is packed with tips on how to care for your luxury lingerie, from washing and drying to storage and handling so that your best lingerie continues to look and feel as luxurious as the day you purchased it. Certain fabric types, such as silk, delicate Leaver’s lace, and gold-plated hardware trims require specific care routines so always check the label on your lingerie before washing.  Being mindful of the needs of the material will help you to maintain the quality and appearance of your lingerie, to keep your precious pieces looking their best and extend their life span. 

How to Hand Wash Underwear  

When you consult the care labels on your lingerie, you’ll see that in almost all cases, we recommend handwashing Tatu Couture Lingerie rather than machine-washing. Machine washing, even at a low temperature in a garment bag, can cause snags to the delicate fabrics, damage underwires and stretch elastics. Hand washing doesn't have to be a hassle, just follow our step-by-step guide below:

The Steps of Handwashing

1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm rather than hot water and add 2-3 caps of our Eco Wash for Silk and Delicates. Using a gentle, lingerie-specific detergent is crucial to avoid damaging delicate fabrics and elastics. Harsh chemicals found in regular detergents can weaken fibres and dull colours so stick to mild laundry detergents.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. If there are any detachable trims, remove these first. Drop your delicate underwear into the basin and gently submerge it, then agitate the water with your hands to distribute the liquid and water. (It is normal for a little dye to be released). Leave your item to soak for a few minutes before gently rubbing clean. You want to gently agitate the fabric but without resorting to squeezing, wringing or vigorously rubbing. Gentle circular motions work well to release dirt.
   
   

3.  Rinse with fresh cool water until the garment is free from soap and then gently press between your hands or against the sink.
   
   

   Drying Methods

   Absorb excess water with a towel and leave it to dry flat on a towel. Alternatively, you can hang it over an airer to air dry, reshaping the items as needed, making sure to position the item correctly on a hanger to prevent stretching.

   While drying, keep your garments out of direct sunlight, away from radiators, and never tumble dry your garments, as the heat and friction can damage the elastics and delicate materials, shortening the lifespan of your garment. 

   Bear in mind that heat damages elastic so if you’re ever ironing delicates, avoid using high temperatures or steam.

   Storing Your Lingerie

   You should store your lingerie in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight which can fade colours over time. To store your lingerie safely, we recommend using our specially designed Travel Bags, which are available to purchase on our website. These satin bags are the perfect way to store and protect your delicate lingerie items to keep them free from snags and tears, especially when travelling.
   
   Additional Care Tips
   
   Always handle your lingerie with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring dirt or oils from makeup or lotions onto the fabric. Be mindful of delicate lace and embellishments when putting on or taking off items. People often forget about the potential damage that can be caused by long nails, and jewellery such as necklaces and rings, which might snag on thin or delicate material like lace. Avoid spraying perfumes directly onto your lingerie, as the alcohol found in perfume formulas can cause damage.