Underwear Care
Underwear is worn hard and washed often, so a little care keeps the fabric soft, the elastic springy and the fit true. This hub covers washing, drying and storage to get the most life out of every pair.
Washing
Wash Temperature
Warm enough to clean, cool enough to protect elastic.
How it works
A 30 to 40 degree wash cleans effectively while protecting elastane, as hotter washes break down stretch fibres over time.
Why it matters
Cooler washing keeps the waistband and fabric springy and colours bright, extending the life of the pair.
Avoid Fabric Softener
Softener coats fibres and dulls wicking and stretch.
How it works
Fabric softener leaves a residue that coats fibres, reducing breathability and the recovery of stretch fabrics.
Why it matters
Skipping softener keeps performance and wicking underwear working as intended and the elastic responsive.
Separate Colours
Wash darks and whites apart to keep colour true.
How it works
Washing whites and colours separately stops dye transfer that greys whites and muddies bright shades.
Why it matters
It keeps white vests and undershirts crisp and coloured underwear looking new for longer.
Gentle Cycle
A slower spin protects seams and elastic.
How it works
A gentle or synthetics cycle uses lower agitation and spin, putting less stress on seams and waistbands.
Why it matters
It is especially worth it for modal, bamboo and performance pairs, which can be damaged by harsh cycles.
Drying
Air Dry
Line or flat drying protects elastic and fit.
How it works
Air drying avoids the heat of a tumble dryer, which is the main cause of perished elastic and shrinkage.
Why it matters
It keeps waistbands springy and the fit true, and most underwear dries quickly on a line.
Avoid High Heat
High dryer heat perishes elastic and shrinks fibres.
How it works
High tumble-dryer heat degrades elastane and can shrink cotton, slackening the waistband and altering the fit.
Why it matters
If you must tumble dry, a low or cool setting preserves stretch and shape far better than high heat.
Keeping shape
Storage
Folded, dry storage keeps pairs in good order.
How it works
Storing underwear clean, dry and loosely folded avoids crushing elastic and lets fabric breathe.
Why it matters
Good storage keeps pairs fresh and ready and avoids the musty smell of damp or over-packed drawers.
Timely Replacement
Knowing when elastic and fabric are past their best.
How it works
Underwear wears out as elastic slackens, fabric thins and the fit loosens, usually within a year or two of regular wear.
Why it matters
Replacing tired pairs keeps support and comfort where they should be, as no wash restores perished elastic.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I wash underwear at?
A 30 to 40 degree wash cleans effectively while protecting the elastane, as hotter washes break down stretch fibres over time. Cooler washing keeps the waistband springy and colours bright.
Can I tumble dry underwear?
You can, but high heat is the main cause of perished elastic and shrinkage. Air drying is best for keeping the waistband springy and the fit true, and if you do tumble dry, use a low or cool setting.
Why should I avoid fabric softener on underwear?
Fabric softener leaves a residue that coats the fibres, reducing breathability and the recovery of stretch fabrics. Skipping it keeps performance and wicking underwear working as intended and the elastic responsive.