Part 2: Lingerie & Underwear
Let’s be honest—when you live in a warm climate like I do (hello, northern NSW), your lingerie works hard. My bras get sweaty, my underwear is on rotation daily, and while I love a delicate lace piece, I also love practicality. So yes, I machine wash everything. But with care.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to strike a balance between caring gently for beautiful lingerie and giving it a proper clean so it actually lasts. These are the routines, products, and little habits I come back to—designed for real women, wearing real underwear, every day.
1. Wash bras and underwear after each wear
This one might surprise you after Part 1, but lingerie is the exception. Especially living in a humid climate, I wash my bras and underwear after every wear. Our bodies sweat, and elastics can break down faster when they hold onto body oils or skincare residue. A gentle wash goes a long way.
My go-to setup for washing lingerie with love and care.
2. Always use lingerie bags
I machine wash all my intimates but always pop them in lingerie bags. I actually keep lace and mesh pieces in their own bag so they don’t get caught on hooks or trims from other styles. It's such a simple step that prevents snags and damage.
3. Choose a gentle cycle—but don’t skip the agitation
I use a gentle cycle and cool water for everyday washing, but I still want my garments to get a proper clean. That’s why I love the agitation of the machine for my cotton pieces like the Shanti and Siane crops—it helps lift sweat and oils. Every few washes, I use an oxygenated bleach (like the one from Koala Eco) for a deeper clean.
4. Use cold or warm water—strategically
Cold water is perfect for lace and mesh. But for cotton basics, I sometimes use a warm wash, especially if I’ve been applying body products or sweating more than usual. Oils and residue build up and can actually degrade elastic over time, so a gentle warm wash helps keep everything fresh.
5. Use the right detergent
I’m a fan of Koala’s laundry products—low-tox, effective, and their oxygenated bleach keeps whites bright without harsh chemicals. For silk or wool lingerie, I switch to a wool wash and add a little eco fabric softener on occasion. It’s a small ritual that makes things feel special.
Air drying preserves the integrity of delicate fabrics.
6. Air dry with care
I mostly dry my lingerie in the shade, but a little morning sun is great for freshness. Just avoid full midday sun—it’s too harsh and can weaken fabrics over time. For silk, I dry pieces flat, often on a towel, to help them keep their shape.
7. Hand wash silks
Silk is the one fabric I hand wash every time. I use a wool wash and cool water, then lay them flat to dry. It’s quick, calming, and helps them feel beautiful every time I wear them.
8. Fold, don’t hang
I fold all my lingerie—no hanging. It keeps the shape better, especially for soft cup bras and anything made with stretch. I also rotate seasonal pieces and store delicates carefully so they don’t get crushed or tangled.
A little repair can add years to your favourites.
9. Mend what you can
Being fuller busted, I’ve had the underwire pop out more than once. When it happens, I just slip it back in and sew a little patch over the seam to hold it. It's a quick fix that keeps a favourite piece going. Even just tightening a strap or replacing a hook is worth doing.
10. Know when it’s time to let go (or make it a backup)
I wear my clothes hard—but I’ve had Eco Intimates that have lasted over 10 years. That’s thanks to the quality of the cottons and elastics I use. That said, elastics naturally lose their stretch after a few years, especially in pieces you wear every few days. I keep my most worn-out sets as backups—for laundry day, or cosy at-home days where comfort wins.
One thing I wish more women knew? That machine washing on a gentle cycle can sometimes be better than hand washing. That little bit of agitation is what helps remove oils and bacteria properly. And honestly—your lingerie is meant to be worn, not kept pristine in a drawer.
I love matching sets (even if I’m wearing the Base Range!) and mixing my Luxe and Base pieces so I always feel like I’m wearing something that suits my mood. It’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about making these small rituals part of your everyday.
