Taking care of your undergarments is of the utmost importance. The better you care for your underwear, the longer it will last. However, the trick is knowing what type of material your underwear is made out of so that you can wash it properly. Whether you just bought a new lacy thong or pair of microfiber boxers from Malebasics, keep reading to learn all there is to know about washing your undergarments.
First thing’s first - always sort your clothes (and this includes your underwear) by color. Dark underwear should be washed separately from light-colored underwear. This will ensure you avoid color bleeding. In addition, you should always keep soft, delicate fabrics, like lace or microfiber, away from heavy, rigid fabrics, such as denim.
To ensure the best results every time, we recommend putting your underwear inside a mesh bag and putting the whole bag inside the washing machine. A mesh bag still allows water and detergent to penetrate it while also reducing friction and preventing delicate fabrics from getting damaged.
Most washing machines have a delicate cycle setting. Choose this anytime you’re washing underwear, as this will minimize agitation during the wash. Experts also suggest washing underwear in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking.
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is known for its moisture-wicking properties. Due to this, it tends to be very lightweight. Hand washing is ideal for microfiber, but at the very least, make sure to wash it on a gentle cycle and in cold water if using a washing machine. Do not dry in the dryer as this can shrink the underwear.
Cotton is one of the most durable underwear fabric types. As such, you shouldn’t hesitate to wash your cotton men's underwear in the washing machine. That said, be sure to follow the tips above to reduce friction and pulling and extend the lifespan of your cotton undies. Lastly, cotton can shrink, so it’s best to let them air dry or put them in the dryer at a low heat setting.
Silk and lace are two of the most delicate fabrics out there. As such, hand washing is likely the way to go. If this isn’t an option, be sure to wash your silk or lace undies in a mesh bag or on their own in cold water. Do your best to avoid wringing or twisting the fabric when washing and lay flat to dry (never put in the dryer).
Like lace, mesh and lycra are also more delicate fabrics and are usually best suited to hand washing. This is certainly the case if your mesh underwear has any type of flocking, beads, or embroidery. However, if your mesh underwear is made of polyester, nylon, or elastane, and doesn’t have any embellishments, you can wash them in the washing machine in a separate bag.
General tips for washing underwear
Sort your underwear by color
First thing’s first - always sort your clothes (and this includes your underwear) by color. Dark underwear should be washed separately from light-colored underwear. This will ensure you avoid color bleeding. In addition, you should always keep soft, delicate fabrics, like lace or microfiber, away from heavy, rigid fabrics, such as denim.
Put your underwear in a mesh bag
To ensure the best results every time, we recommend putting your underwear inside a mesh bag and putting the whole bag inside the washing machine. A mesh bag still allows water and detergent to penetrate it while also reducing friction and preventing delicate fabrics from getting damaged.
Choose a cold and gentle wash cycle
Most washing machines have a delicate cycle setting. Choose this anytime you’re washing underwear, as this will minimize agitation during the wash. Experts also suggest washing underwear in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking.
Tips for washing underwear by fabric type
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is known for its moisture-wicking properties. Due to this, it tends to be very lightweight. Hand washing is ideal for microfiber, but at the very least, make sure to wash it on a gentle cycle and in cold water if using a washing machine. Do not dry in the dryer as this can shrink the underwear.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most durable underwear fabric types. As such, you shouldn’t hesitate to wash your cotton men's underwear in the washing machine. That said, be sure to follow the tips above to reduce friction and pulling and extend the lifespan of your cotton undies. Lastly, cotton can shrink, so it’s best to let them air dry or put them in the dryer at a low heat setting.
Lace or silk
Silk and lace are two of the most delicate fabrics out there. As such, hand washing is likely the way to go. If this isn’t an option, be sure to wash your silk or lace undies in a mesh bag or on their own in cold water. Do your best to avoid wringing or twisting the fabric when washing and lay flat to dry (never put in the dryer).
Mesh or lycra
Like lace, mesh and lycra are also more delicate fabrics and are usually best suited to hand washing. This is certainly the case if your mesh underwear has any type of flocking, beads, or embroidery. However, if your mesh underwear is made of polyester, nylon, or elastane, and doesn’t have any embellishments, you can wash them in the washing machine in a separate bag.