How to care for silk and lace lingerie at home

A bespoke lingerie piece is an investment in time as much as money. Caring for it correctly is straightforward, but there are a few specific things that will shorten its life if done wrong. This is a practical guide to keeping silk and lace in good condition.

Washing

Hand-washing is the only recommended method for silk charmeuse and Calais lace. Fill a basin with cool water. Not warm, not cold. And add a small amount of a detergent formulated for silk or delicate fabrics. Submerge the piece and move it gently through the water for about two minutes. Do not wring, twist, or scrub.

Rinse in clean cool water until no detergent remains. Press the piece gently against the side of the basin to remove excess water, then lay it flat on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb more moisture. Unroll and transfer to a flat drying surface.

Drying and pressing

Silk charmeuse should always be dried flat, away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Hanging a wet silk piece will cause it to stretch unevenly along the grain.

Once dry, the piece can be pressed on the reverse side with a cool iron. Never press directly on the face of the silk, and never use steam directly on the fabric. A pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric is the safest approach.

Storage

Store silk and lace pieces flat or loosely rolled in acid-free tissue, not folded sharply. Sharp folds in silk charmeuse will eventually become permanent creases. Lace should not be stored compressed under other garments, as the structure of the lace can be distorted by sustained pressure.

A breathable cotton storage bag is preferable to a plastic one, which can trap moisture.

Every Stardust Jump piece comes with a care card covering these points. If you have a specific question about a piece you own, the contact form is the right place to ask.