Keep your shapewear in shape: Handwashing and careful drying can save your investment

Shapewear is crafted from elastic materials that effectively slim one's silhouette. With its simple design and non-obtrusive seams, it molds perfectly to the body, thus becoming unnoticeable under fitted clothes. It's hard for many women to imagine attending significant celebrations without properly contoured underwear to cover any imperfections. Due to the singular nature of the material, it demands a unique handling method. Before tossing it into the washing machine, think twice about whether it is safe to do so.

Shapewear boasts a robust weave of fibers that could be irreversibly damaged by mechanical washing, hence, handwashing comes highly recommended. This can be done merely by pouring warm water into a bowl and adding a capful of laundry detergent. If machine washing is necessary, be sure to opt for a gentle cycle meant for delicate items. Ensure nothing else in the drum can hook onto the shapewear material. Using protective bags can be beneficial, especially for delicate materials. Maintain a low temperature, roughly around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent shrinkage of the material.

Once the washing is done, the underwear needs to be dried correctly. There are several potential missteps during this stage. Firstly, avoid using a tumble dryer. Hot air can irreversibly damage the material by shrinking its elastic fibers. Drying on radiators should also be avoided due to the possibility of adverse reactions between the high temperature and the wet material.

The optimal way to dry the underwear is by laying it flat, ideally on an absorbent towel, so that the water is absorbed into the fabric. Drying it outside is plausible, but you should avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight to prevent fiber damage, loss of elasticity, and potential permanent discoloration. Neglecting these essential practices will lead your precious shapewear right into the waste bin.