Underwear goes through a lot—but rarely gets the attention it needs. A little extra care can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how good it feels.
With the right wash-and-care habits, you can keep every pair fresher, more comfortable, and in great shape for longer. Here's how to do it right.
1. Wash Smarter, Not Harder: Know Your Fabric First
Not all underwear is created equal—and neither are the ways you should care for them. Knowing your fabric is the first step to keeping your favorite pairs in top shape.
Cotton & Bamboo
These fabrics can handle cold or warm machine washes. Always use gentle cycles and better skip the dryer—air drying keeps them in shape and prevents shrinkage.
Synthetics (like Nylon & Polyester)
Handle with care: wash cold with mild detergent in a mesh bag, and air dry only to maintain shape and elasticity
Delicates (Silk, Lace, Mesh Fabrics)
Treat with extra care. Hand wash in cold water with a mild soap. Avoid rubbing or wringing—air dry, away from direct sunlight or clips.
2. Prep Smart: What to Do Before You Hit Wash
a. Sort Before You Wash by Fabric & Color
Don't just toss everything in and hope for the best—taking a moment to sort your underwear properly can make a big difference.
By Fabric: Cotton and bamboo can handle more agitation, while lace, silk, and synthetics need a gentler touch. Separating by fabric helps preserve stretch, softness, and shape.
By Color: Always wash whites, lights, and darks separately to avoid color bleed and dullness. No one wants once-white briefs turning greyish-blue.
Bonus Tip: Washing underwear on their own—away from zippers, hooks, and heavy fabrics—reduces friction, protects the fibers, and keeps things more hygienic.
b. Choose a Gentle Detergent
Delicate underwear deserves delicate care. Harsh detergents can damage fibers, cause fading, and irritate sensitive skin. Instead, choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent —especially for lace, silk, or microfiber. And skip the bleach and fabric softeners—they do more harm than good.
c. Always Read the Care Label
Don't skip the label—it tells you exactly how to wash, dry, and care for your underwear. Following those tiny instructions helps keep fabric soft, colors bright, and fits just right.
d. Pre-Treat Stains Early
Stains happen—but don't let them settle in. Dab a little gentle stain remover or mild detergent on the area, let it sit for 10 minutes, and gently rub with your fingers or a soft brush.
3. Consider Hand Washing
Hand washing is the gentlest way to care for your most delicate underwear—think lace, silk, or mesh. It cuts down on friction, protects elasticity, and helps fabrics stay vibrant longer. Just soak in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, gently swish, rinse well, and press dry in a towel (no wringing!). A few extra minutes go a long way in keeping your underwear—and your skin—happy.
4. Machine Wash —— Make It Gentle
Short on time? Machine washing is okay—if done right. Use cold water, a mild detergent, and set your washer to “delicate” or “hand wash”. Always tuck your underwear into a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags and stretching, and turn them inside out for extra protection. Skip the dryer if you can; air-drying is still best. But if you must tumble, go low and slow. Think of it as machine washing... with a little extra love.
5. Air Dry for Best Results
When it comes to drying your underwear, slow and gentle wins the race. High heat from dryers can damage elastic fibers, causing shrinkage, warping, and a poor fit.
Instead, gently press out excess water (no wringing!), lay flat on a towel to absorb moisture, then hang or lay flat to dry. Bonus: if the sun's out, let your undies soak up a bit of natural light—it's a natural disinfectant. Skipping the dryer is a small step that makes a big difference in comfort and longevity.
6. Tumble Dry with Caution: Low Heat, Low Risk
Air drying is always best—but when life calls for a quick dry, go easy. If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat or delicate setting to protect your underwear's shape, stretch, and softness. Always check the care label first, and avoid mixing delicate items with heavy or high-heat fabrics. Once the cycle ends, remove promptly to prevent lingering heat from doing more harm. It's not ideal, but with care, tumble drying doesn't have to be a disaster.
7. Store Smart: Keep Your Underwear in Top Shape
How you store your underwear matters more than you think. Tossing them into a messy drawer can lead to wrinkles, stretched elastics, and lost shape—especially for delicate fabrics like lace or mesh.
Easy Care, Everyday Comfort
Taking proper care of your underwear doesn't have to be complicated. With a few mindful habits—like sorting by fabric and color, choosing gentle detergents, hand washing when needed, and storing with care—you can keep your favorite pairs looking and feeling great for longer.
At BAMBOO COOL, we make underwear care even easier. Our bamboo fabric is naturally breathable, antibacterial, and durable—designed to withstand regular wear and gentle washing without losing shape or softness. Whether you wash by hand or machine, BAMBOO COOL underwear stays fresh, comfy, and effortlessly low-maintenance—so you can spend less time on laundry and more time living in comfort.