How to care for shapewear so it lasts longer

Shapewear is a functional garment under more mechanical stress than ordinary underwear. The elastane fibres that provide compression degrade faster when exposed to heat, harsh detergents, and rough handling. A few consistent habits extend the life of a piece significantly.

Washing: hand wash or machine on a delicate cycle ¶

Hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent is the most reliable method. If you use a machine, a delicate or lingerie cycle at 30 degrees Celsius with the piece inside a mesh laundry bag is acceptable. Never wash shapewear at 40 degrees or above; heat breaks down elastane fibres and reduces the compression grade over time.

Avoid fabric softener. It coats the elastane fibres and reduces their elasticity, which is the opposite of what you want in a compression garment. A small amount of mild detergent is sufficient.

Drying: flat and away from heat ¶

Lay shapewear flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping it gently while damp. Do not hang it by the straps or waistband; the weight of the wet fabric stretches these areas and distorts the shape. Do not tumble dry under any circumstances, and keep it away from radiators and direct sunlight, both of which accelerate elastane degradation.

Most pieces dry within four to six hours laid flat at room temperature. If you need a piece dry quickly, pressing it gently between two dry towels removes excess water without wringing.

Storage and rotation ¶

Store shapewear flat or loosely folded, not compressed into a tight drawer. Keeping a piece permanently compressed when not in use reduces its recovery over time. If you wear the same piece daily, rotating between two pieces gives each one time to recover its shape fully between wears.

Check the waistband and grip bands every few months. If the silicone grip band at the thigh or bust has lost its tackiness, the piece will not perform as intended regardless of how well the fabric has held up.

Most of the pieces in the collection, washed and stored correctly, hold their compression grade for twelve to eighteen months of regular wear. After that, the elastane content gradually reduces and the piece is worth replacing.