Caring for lace lingerie at home: what actually works

Lace is more resilient than its reputation suggests, but it does need specific handling

Lace lingerie has a reputation for being fragile. Some of that reputation is earned, but most of it comes from lace being washed incorrectly. The fabrics used in Dew Geyser commissions, both the Calais and Kyoto lace options, will last for years with straightforward care.

Washing

Hand washing is the safest method for all lace lingerie. Use cool water and a small amount of a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. In Japan, several pharmacy brands make suitable options; look for products labelled for silk or delicate use. Avoid anything with bleach or optical brighteners, which degrade lace fibres over time.

If you use a washing machine, use a mesh laundry bag and the most gentle cycle available, with cold water. The bag prevents the lace from catching on the drum or on other garments. Even so, hand washing is preferable for pieces with hand-sewn trim or embroidery.

Drying and storage

Never wring lace. Press the water out gently by rolling the piece in a clean towel, then lay it flat on a dry towel to air dry. Hanging lace while wet distorts the pattern, particularly in pieces with a structured cup, because the weight of the water pulls the fabric out of shape before it sets.

For storage, fold lace pieces loosely rather than rolling them tightly. A drawer lined with acid-free tissue paper is ideal. Avoid storing lace in direct contact with cedar blocks or strong-smelling sachets, which can transfer odour to the fabric over time. The Dew Geyser presentation box is suitable for long-term storage if kept in a cool, dry place.

If a piece develops a small snag or a loose thread, do not pull it. Bring the thread to the back of the fabric with a blunt needle and secure it there. Most minor damage of this kind is easy to manage without professional repair.