Caring for organic cotton underwear: a practical guide
Organic cotton is a durable fibre, but it responds to heat and agitation differently from synthetic fabrics. A few small habits make a real difference to how long a piece lasts and how well it holds its shape. This is what we tell customers when they ask.
Washing temperature
Thirty degrees is the right temperature for organic cotton underwear. At this temperature, the fabric cleans well and the elastane content, which gives the piece its stretch, is not put under stress. Going up to 40 degrees occasionally will not cause immediate damage, but over many washes it adds up.
The nylon-cotton pieces are slightly more tolerant of heat because the nylon content is more stable. We still recommend 40 degrees maximum for those, because the organic cotton gusset lining is the same material as the rest of the cotton range.
- 30°C for organic cotton bras and briefs
- 40°C maximum for nylon-cotton styles
- Gentle or delicates cycle, not a full spin
- Wash inside out to protect the outer surface
Drying
Air drying is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of any underwear. Tumble drying on high heat degrades elastane faster than almost anything else. If you need to use a dryer, a low-heat setting for 15 to 20 minutes followed by air drying is a reasonable compromise.
Hang cotton bras by the band, not the strap, to avoid stretching the strap fabric over time. Briefs can be laid flat or hung by the waistband.
Storage
Folding bras cup-to-cup and storing them upright in a drawer keeps the cups from losing their shape. Stacking them flat with one cup crushed inside the other is the most common cause of cup distortion over time. Briefs can be folded flat or rolled, whichever fits your drawer better.
We still have pieces from the first 2019 production run in regular use. The care routine is a cold wash and a wooden drying rack. It is not complicated.