How to Wash Your Bras and Tights

Learn how to hand wash bras, tights, and lingerie to keep them looking their best. Our expert guide covers machine-washing tips and caring for your delicates

Content editor

Sarah Lafarge

How to hand wash your bras for longevity

Learning to look after your bras and wash them correctly not only helps them look their best, it also helps them to last much longer, which is good news for your bank balance.

So, how do you wash a bra? Hand washing your bras is the best way to care for the delicate fabric and other components such as lace trims and underwiring.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water and add a gentle detergent (non-bio is less irritating than biological formulations). Firstly, leave the bras to soak for up to an hour to loosen any dirt. Then gently rub the fabric to remove build-ups of perspiration and products such as lotion and deodorant. The final stage is to rinse the bras thoroughly in cold, clean water until the water runs clear and there are no bubbles or detergent remaining.

Remove excess water by gently squeezing (not wringing) the fabric. You can also roll the bra in a clean towel to remove even more moisture (this is advisable if you're washing a padded bra which has thicker fabric). It's important that you air-dry your bras either by hanging from the centre or lying flat. Do not dry in a tumble dryer or on a radiator as this can shorten the lifespan of the materials and weaken the elasticity.

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How to machine wash your bras safely

Hand washing a bra is always the best method, but there will be occasions when time is of the essence, so a washing machine can be used with care.

So, what is the best way to machine-wash a bra?

Before you put a bra into a washing machine make sure that any hooks are fastened so they don't cause any snagging. Invest in a mesh laundry bag to protect your bras especially if you are washing them with other items. Always wash with garments in similar colours to avoid any discolouration and choose a cool, delicate or hand-wash cycle (20 or 30 degrees).

Even if you're pushed for time, always avoid using a tumble dryer to dry a bra: air-drying is the best method for prolonging its life, stop it becoming misshapen or the fabric becoming less elastic.

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How to wash your tights

It's always ideal to hand wash tights to prolong their life, but this isn't always doable, so washing them in a machine is a good back-up option.

Hand wash tights in a bowl by using lukewarm (not hot) water and gentle non-biological detergent. Leave them to soak, then gently massage to remove any dirt and bacteria, paying particular attention to the feet and the crotch area. Rinse in cold water until there's no detergent remaining and the water runs clear. Gently squeeze the tights to remove any excess water and always air-dry away from direct heat.

If you need to machine-wash a pair of tights, start by turning them inside out and placing in a laundry bag to reduce the chance of any snags or tears. Choose a delicate or hand-washing cycle on your machine, keeping the temperature low at either 20 or 30 degrees.

If the tights are very sheer, hand washing is always recommended to take extra care of the delicate fabric.

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Woman wearing black bra and matching knickers

Top tips on how to better wash your lingerie

Hand washing all types of lingerie, such as knickers, shapewear and other delicate items such as silk, satin or lace nightdresses helps to keep them in better condition and prolong their lifespan.

Hand washing in cool or lukewarm water, using a gentle detergent and air-drying items away from a direct source of heat and avoiding tumble dryers is the best way to keep your lingerie items in great shape. If a washing machine is used, always place items in a mesh bag, select a gentle cycle with a low temperature and wash with similar colours.

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Published 13/02/2026