A common question here at Lille is, “What is the best way to care for lingerie?” Being a staunch advocate of hand-washing, I always recommend soaking in a gentle cleanser in lukewarm water and drying flat. Many women are deterred by this seemingly daunting task, but I assure you, it will make a huge difference in the longevity of your precious new Eres Attraction Lace Bra and Panty if you take the extra 15 minutes to treat them with the respect they deserve. More on Handle with care…

While you don’t have to use a special detergent made for lingerie (any mild cleanser will suffice - good shampoo even!), The Laundress Delicate Wash is an outstanding option. It contains enzymes that help remove perspiration, body oils and stains. These are the culprits that dull your favorite Princesse Tam Tam bra and alter that once-perfect fit. Bras can be worn about 2-3 times before they need to be washed, though you should rotate them each day so they have a chance to bounce back into shape.

Likewise, those fantastic vintage silk crocheted stockings should never be tossed into the washing machine, willy-nilly. Sure, it may get them clean, but they won’t last as long as they could, bringing you years of enjoyment. Some underwear can be machine-washed, certainly - cotton basics with a sturdy waistband are a no-brainer. That being said, you’re much more likely to get the stains out with the Wash and Stain Lady Laundry Bar, also by The Laundress.

I like to wait until I have a good large pile of delicates ready to be laundered, then do them all together. Run a cool bath or fill a large sink with a capful of your chosen detergent, plunge in your dainties and let them soak 15 minutes or so. After attacking any stains, swirl them around a bit, then rinse thoroughly, being careful not to wring the fabric out or damage any underwire. Lay them flat on a drying rack (IKEA makes an affordable one) et voila! Good as new. This makes the task somewhat more enjoyable - not only does it save time, but you also get to admire all your fancy underthings when the job is done.