How to Wash Designer Underwear So It Lasts

Grey laundry drying on a clothesline with clothespins

Good underwear isn't cheap, so treat it right.

Rule 1: Read the label

Care labels differ by brand and fabric. Two real examples:

  • HOM Classic (cotton/modal): 40°C mild wash, no tumble dry, cool iron, no bleach, no dry clean.
  • HOM H-Fresh (polyamide): machine wash cold (up to 85°F), no bleach, no tumble dry, no iron, no dry clean.

Rule 2: Skip the dryer

Both HOM labels above say no tumble dry. Heat is tough on elastane and waistbands. Air-dry flat or on a rack.

Rule 3: Wash cool, gentle, and with similar colors

Use a mesh laundry bag for strings, thongs and jocks so straps don't tangle.

Rule 5: Rotate

A bigger rotation means each pair gets washed less often.