How to care for your shapewear?
Équipe SELORA
Well-maintained shapewear retains its elasticity and support much longer than pieces washed without care. The elastic fibers used in bodysuits, panties, and girdles are sensitive to heat and repeated friction: a few simple steps are enough to preserve their shape.
Here is how to wash, dry, and store your shapewear so that it keeps its support for longer.
Table of contents
- How to wash your shapewear
- How to dry it
- What to avoid
- How to store it
- How often should you wash your shapewear?
- Frequently asked questions
How to wash your shapewear
Cold washing is the most important rule for preserving the spandex present in most sculpting pieces: water that is too hot gradually weakens the elastic fibers and causes the piece to lose its support.
- Wash your piece in cold water, preferably by hand;
- If you use a machine, place the piece in a laundry bag and choose a delicate cold cycle;
- Use a mild detergent, without bleaching agents or harsh fabric softeners;
- Avoid rubbing or wringing the fabric: gently press it to remove excess water.
How to dry it
The tumble dryer should be avoided systematically: the heat relaxes the elastic fibers irreversibly, which permanently reduces the support of the garment.
- Let it dry flat, on a clean towel, away from any direct heat source;
- Avoid hanging the piece by the support band, which can deform it over time;
- Do not iron elastic fabrics: the heat of the iron damages the fiber just as much as a tumble dryer.
What to avoid
- Hot or boiling water, which relaxes elastic fibers;
- The tumble dryer, even on low heat;
- Detergents containing bleach or bleaching agents;
- Washing with clothes that have zippers or rough surfaces, which can snag the fabric;
- Drying in direct sunlight, which can fade the color.
How to store it
Once dry, fold your shapewear without folding it too tightly at the support band to avoid permanently creasing the fabric. Avoid storing it rolled into a ball for long periods, which can fatigue the elastic fibers.
A dedicated drawer, protected from humidity and direct light, helps keep the piece in good condition between two washes.
How often should you wash your shapewear?
As with any lingerie worn against the skin, washing after each use is recommended for hygiene reasons. If you rotate several pieces during the week, this also allows each piece to regain its shape between wears, rather than being worn for several days in a row.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my shapewear in the tumble dryer?
No, the heat of the tumble dryer relaxes the elastic fibers irreversibly and reduces the support of the piece. Drying flat, in the open air, is recommended.
At what temperature should I wash a girdle or a sculpting bodysuit?
In cold water, ideally by hand or in the machine on a delicate cycle using a laundry bag.
Why has my girdle lost its support?
The loss of support is often linked to repeated washing in hot water or the use of a tumble dryer, which gradually relaxes the elastic fibers. Cold maintenance and flat drying help preserve the support for longer.
Conclusion
Taking care of your shapewear requires little effort: a cold wash, drying flat, and careful storage are enough to preserve the support and shape of the piece over time. Conversely, heat—whether from water, a tumble dryer, or an iron—remains the main enemy of elastic fibers.
Discover our selection of SELORA shapewear and consult our size guide to choose the right piece for your daily life.
To go further
Also check out Which size to choose for a sculpting bodysuit? and How to wear a sculpting bodysuit under a fitted dress?
