UNDERWEAR LOVE

If you wear underwear, this post is dedicated to you..

image:https://pngtree.com/freebackground/note-purple-musical-notation-

             

This is the way I wash my undies, wash my undies, wash my undies,

This is the way I wash my undies,

Every day and night .....................lol

Just imagine how "breathtaking",  brand new underwear smells, looks, feels and fits- the bright untainted color, the taut and firm elastic, the fresh and soft fabric-----Sublime right?

Let's do this same imagining after a few washes of the same underwear, not so same, right?  You find the color faded, the elastic droopy and the fabric feels worn and saggy.

 image: bunchofanimals.com/blogs/news/mens-underwear-fabric-types

 
Well, this might be a classic case of improper washing, though it can be due to poor fabric or in other cases, old age. 

Many of us are quick to disregard the washing instructions printed on the care labels of our underwear, blaming busy schedules and no time for bailing on proper underwear care, like really underwear ------- but investing a few extra minutes comes with a list of benefits, including:

• Keeping colors bright
• Preventing elastic from stretching out and drooping
• Preserving the integrity of the fabric, which prevents sagging
• Prolonging the life-span of your underwear which ultimately saves money

Below is an easy-to-follow guide to proper underwear washing instructions that won’t cramp your style. By combining a little care label wisdom with smart short cuts, you’ll always have a drawer full of clean undies that last longer and look better. 

Image: katiecouric.com/health/wellness/best-fabric-for-underwear/

UNDERWEAR DONT'S

DRYER

Home dryers generate heat up to  82°C  which means dryer dried underwear is literally being "baked" resulting in saggy loose fabric and bands. This amount of heat also causes friction of fabrics which dull colors and silky fabrics. 

Air drying is the ideal way to help your underwear look better and last longer, however if you are in a hurry and need to use a dryer, the cool to warm cycle is preferable. It will take a little longer, but think makes more time for your underwear to look great right....wink.

FABRIC SOFTENER & BLEACH

Fabric softener, while making your t-shirts teddy bear soft, is a nightmare for nylon and polyester based microfiber fabrics. The softening agents and added fragrance wreak havoc on the knit and can leave residue. Since microfiber is already silky soft, there’s no need for this extra step. It’s ok to use on cotton, but only if absolutely necessary. Bleach is best left to heavy duty washes, as it can weaken fabrics over time. If you need the extra disinfecting power of bleach, keep usage to every other wash to keep your underwear in tip-top condition.

SUN DRYING

Just as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, it can also weaken fabrics and fade colors. Rather than sun dry, air drying in the shade, where it is exposed to fresh air is advisable.

 

Image from sewport.com/learn/garment-labeling-and-requirements

 

UNDERWEAR DO'S

100% COTTON

Cotton is a durable material, and easily the most widely used fabric used in underwear thanks to its superior moisture absorption and soft touch.

To wash cotton, separate lights from darks, and wash separately. Machine wash in warm water 

Air drying in the shade works best, however a gentle tumble dry will suffice if in a hurry. Remove immediately after drying.

STRETCH COTTON

Stretch cotton are cotton fabric infused with spandex for extra durability and a snugger fit, therefore it is important to keep heat to a minimum to maintain the stretch factor.

Separate lights from darks, and wash separately. Machine wash in cold to warm water, do not use bleach or fabric softener. Air dry in the shade or if in a hurry, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting and remove as soon as dried.

MICROFIBRE

These include nylon, spandex, and microfiber fabrics which are silky soft, stretchy and quick drying, making the need for a dryer unnecessary. 

Wash these in cold to warm water on a very basic cycle and avoid  a hot dryer as this can actually melt the synthetic fabrics, causing dropping and sagging of bands. Air-dry in the shade is the only recommended method of drying.

NATURAL FIBRES

Natural fibers like modal and bamboo are known for their ultra soft textures, but washing on too harsh a cycle can cause lint pills to develop reducing their life-span.

Best to wash these separately, sorting lights from darks. Gentle machine wash in cold to warm water,  and avoid the use of bleach or fabric softener. Air dry in the shade or if in a hurry, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting and remove as soon as dried.

SHEER OR MESH

The basic rule here is, if you can see through it, it’s delicate, so avoid washing sheer and mesh fabrics in the same cycle as rough fabrics like towels and jeans. 

Preferably hand wash these fabrics or use the cold to warm gentle wash cycle. Flat surface drying is preferred to hanging to prevent stretching.

I hope your visit today has shed some insight on how to care for those not so regarded clothing we call underwear.

Remember never to forget, you are beautiful just the way you are.

It sure feels good to be back......😁

Yours,

The Underwear Consultant.