How to Care for Lace Bras and Swimwear Without Damage

Quick answer

Hand wash your lace bras and swimwear in cool water with a mild detergent, never wring or twist, and air dry flat away from direct heat. This preserves the delicate fabric, elastic, and shape much longer than machine washing.

Step-by-step lace care routine

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add mild detergent: Use cool or lukewarm water—hot water damages elastic and can shrink lace. Swirl in a small amount of lingerie wash until it dissolves. Common mistake: using hot water thinking it cleans better. It actually shortens the life of the elastic.
2. Submerge and gently agitate for 3–5 minutes: Press the lace item underwater and gently squeeze the fabric. Do not rub, scrub, or bunch the lace. For swimwear, pay extra attention to areas that contact chlorine or salt water. Checkpoint: if you see suds turning colored, rinse immediately—dye may be bleeding. Separate dark and light lace items.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no soap remains: Drain the soapy water and refill with fresh cool water. Gently press the item to push soap out. Repeat until the water runs clear. Soap residue attracts dirt and can cause skin irritation. Common mistake: skipping the second rinse. Leftover detergent stiffens lace and irritates skin.
4. Remove excess water without wringing or twisting: Lay the damp lace item flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up gently and press to absorb moisture. Never wring—this breaks lace threads and deforms the shape. Checkpoint: if the towel is very wet, repeat with a second dry towel before moving to drying.
5. Air dry flat on a drying rack away from heat and sun: Shape the lace item back to its original form and lay it flat on a mesh drying rack or a dry towel. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Heat degrades elastic and fades colors. Common mistake: hanging lace bras or swimwear to dry. The weight of wet fabric stretches straps and bands permanently.
6. Store flat or folded, not hung: Fold lace bras and swimwear gently and store them in a drawer. Hanging can stretch straps and distort the cup shape over time. For thongs like the Amelie Ultra Violet Lace Thong, fold the lace part inward to prevent snagging. Next step: if you have multiple lace pieces, consider using a fabric-lined drawer divider to keep them separate.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Celeste Espresso Non Wired Bra, D-HH Cup Sizes, Recycled Lace: The Celeste Espresso Non Wired Bra is made from recycled nylon stretch lace, lined in beige powermesh, with a firm underband for support. Recycled lace is more delicate than virgin nylon, so hand washing and avoiding heat are essential to prevent the fibers from fraying or losing elasticity.
• Amelie Ultra Violet Lace Thong: The Amelie Ultra Violet Lace Thong is a stretch lace thong with a satin waistband and bow detail. The satin trim and bow can snag or lose shape if machine washed. Hand washing keeps the decorative details intact and the lace from stretching unevenly.
• Zambia Zebra Deep Bikini Brief: The Zambia Zebra Deep Bikini Brief is a fully lined deep bikini brief with a side cut-out design and three straps. The cut-out straps and lining need gentle handling to avoid distorting the side detail. Hand washing also prevents the elastane from breaking down prematurely.