Lingerie and silkwear care

How Often Should I Wash My Bra?

We recommend washing your bra after every 1-2 wears. This will help maintain its shape and keep it fresh for your next wear. If you're a busy bee and need to wear the same bra multiple days in a row, we recommend having a few different bras in rotation to help extend the lifetime of each one.

And remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns about caring for your Empress Mimi lingerie, just give us a shout. We're always here to help!

Machine washing vs Hand washing

Great question!

While hand washing is always the best option for delicate lingerie like Empress Mimi, we understand that sometimes you're short on time and need a quicker solution. If you must use a machine, we recommend using a delicate or lingerie wash cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the delicate fabrics and details.

That being said, we always recommend hand washing whenever possible to ensure the longevity of your lingerie. Your lingerie will thank you for the extra love and attention!

How do I care for my Empress Mimi lingerie?

Hand washing your Empress Mimi lingerie is super easy and just requires a little bit of TLC. Here are some instructions to help you get started:

1. Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a gentle lingerie detergent. 
2. Place your lingerie in the water and gently agitate the fabric. Make sure to give your lingerie some extra love and attention when cleaning any delicate details like lace or rhinestones.
3. Let your lingerie soak in the water for a few minutes, then drain the water and rinse with cool water until all soap is removed.
4. Gently press the water out of your lingerie without twisting or wringing the fabric. You can also roll it up in a towel to remove excess water.
5. Lay your lingerie flat to dry on a clean towel or drying rack. Avoid hanging it up, as this can cause stretching and distortion of the fabric.

With these tips, your Empress Mimi lingerie will stay looking beautiful and feeling comfortable for a long time!

How to care for your silkwear

Hand wash (highly recommended)

1. Fill a clean sink or bowl with cold or cool water. Cool water will help the fabric retain its color.
2. Add a few drops of mild liquid laundry detergent.
3. Turn your silk pillowcase inside out to further protect the fabric, then place it in the water. 
4. Use your hand to gently agitate the water.
5. Remove the pillowcase and gently squeeze out the water and detergent. Do not twist or wring the pillowcase, as silk’s fibers are weaker when they’re wet.
6. Drain and refill the sink or bowl with cold water and repeat steps 3 and 4 at least four times to ensure the pillowcase is clean and free of any detergent. 

Machine wash

1. Turn the pillowcase inside out and place it in a mesh washing bag.
2. Select the delicate cycle on your machine.
3. Wash the pillowcase in cold water with a small amount of gentle liquid laundry detergent.

How to dry your silk pillowcases

The first thing you need to know about how to dry silk pillowcases is that you should never put them in the dryer. The high heat of a dryer — even on a low setting — will destroy the silk’s fiber.

1. If there is excess water still in the fabric, place the pillowcase on a clean, dry towel and blot out the excess moisture. Do not wring out the pillowcase, as this will damage the fiber.
2. Lay a silk pillowcase flat to air dry, preferably on a drying rack away from direct heat sources and sunlight. 
3. If the pillowcase’s fabric wrinkles after it’s finished drying, gently steam the piece to remove wrinkles and bring back the luster of the material. 
4. You can also iron a silk pillowcase by turning the pillowcase inside out. Use the lowest temperature setting and place a pressing cloth or a clean piece of fabric between the iron and the silk.

Avoid Lingerie Colour Crocking or Bleeding

• Crocking means the transfer of color from one fabric onto another by rubbing. 
• Color bleeding happens when fabric gets wet and dye is extracted from its fibers. 

To reduce the colour bleeding or crocking of your lingerie, you may consider doing the following:

1. Wash with cool or cold water. If you live in a very cold area, the water may get too cold during the winter so set the washer to “warm” 30ºC (86ºF). Make sure you are using a detergent that is designed to perform in cold water.
2. Use a Color Fixative. Treat your fabrics with a color fixative like Retayne or Rit Dye Fixative.
3. Try Color Catcher Sheets. Shout Color Catcher Sheets are designed to absorb and trap loose dyes however I'd say that washing with like colors is still the best way to prevent color transfer.