How to Care For Your Shapewear Fabrics to Ensure Longevity

Shapewear is a wardrobe staple that helps create a head-to-toe streamlined silhouette. When choosing your shapewear pieces, consider the fabric details and care instructions. For instance, if your shapewear has delicate-looking mesh panels, lace edges, or complicated ribbons, stick to hand-washing to preserve its elasticity. This will also help to prolong its lifespan.

Washing

The fabric used for shapewear is made from significantly impacts the garment’s durability, comfort, and use. Generally, the best fabric to wear in your shapewear is made from nylon or spandex and provides good compression while still being lightweight and stretchy. Depending on the size and material of your shapewear, it might be machine washable or need to be hand washed. Check the label to see what washing instructions are provided, as some shapewear fabrics can be easily damaged with harsh detergents or bleach. If your shapewear is washable, put it in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent it from getting tangled up with other clothing items while washing. Set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle, and use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Make sure you do not add fabric softener, as it can damage the elasticity of your shapewear fabric. Once your shapewear is washed, gently press it to remove excess water, carefully not to stretch the fabric. Never wring it out, as this can cause it to lose its elasticity, drastically shortening your body shaper’s life. Hang it to dry in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Drying

Whether you have matching shapewear panties/shorts and tops or a single body shaper, keeping it looking good is essential. That means washing it regularly. Sweat, body oils, and bacteria build up in fabric over time. Washing removes those substances and helps the shapewear last longer. When it comes to drying, it’s best to let your shapewear air dry instead of using the dryer. High heat damages the fabrics and can cause them to lose their elasticity. This can cause the garment to stretch out and become misshapen. When you do wash your shapewear, avoid twisting or wringing it out, as this can damage the fabric. Instead, gently squeeze the excess water out.

Hand washing your shapewear takes extra work, but protecting your garments is worth the effort. Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent your shapewear from getting tangled with other clothes in the wash and a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or fabric softener. Then, let it air dry away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. Taking care of your shapewear ensures it will fit well and provide its desired results for as long as possible.

Storage

The fabrics of your shapewear can affect how well it performs and the overall lifespan. When you choose the suitable material, you can expect your garment to last longer — and continue to give you a flattering look you love under your favorite tops. Some synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex don’t let your skin breathe, which can be uncomfortable when worn for long periods. A good rule of thumb is to avoid putting your shapewear in the dryer. The heat can permanently damage elastic fabrics. Instead, air-dry your shapewear on a flat surface out of direct sunlight. It would be best if you also stored your shapewear correctly when it’s not in use to ensure longevity. Keeping your shapewear neatly folded will prevent it from stretching or becoming misshapen. Store it away from damp areas or direct sunlight, which can cause mildew and discoloration. If you have multiple pairs of shapewear, rotate them out so they get a day to rest between wears. This can help extend their life and elasticity and is a great way to save money on your wardrobe. Think of your shoes — the ones you wear daily break down more quickly than those that don’t get much use.

Rotating

As we mentioned earlier, the fabric of your shapewear plays a considerable part in its quality, comfort, and benefit to you. If you choose a breathable material like microfiber, it minimizes odor and helps your body to keep cool while sculpting in place. Additionally, it can stretch and recover quickly, minimizing any potential pinching or digging of seams. Your shapewear may have delicate details such as lace edges or complicated ribbons, depending on your situation. If it does, it’s best to stick to hand washing for the longevity of your garment. Machine washing can cause the elastic fibers to wear out and cause your shapewear to lose effectiveness over time. Another way to ensure that your shapewear lasts as long as possible is to rotate it. If you wear the same shapewear daily, it’s essential to have an extra hand to wash one and a fresh, clean pair to wear. Generally, shapewear worn daily should last about three months with proper care. However, if you’re going to be wearing your shapewear less often or if you’re only using it for special occasions, then it’s even more important to take good care of your garments so that they will stay in top condition.