Silk, lace, fine knits and lingerie need a gentler routine. A few minutes of extra care helps them last for years.
Style notes
- Always check the care label first; some delicates should only be dry-cleaned.
- Use cool water and a mild detergent made for delicates.
- Mesh laundry bags protect delicates in the machine and stop straps and hooks from snagging.
- Dry knits flat and keep delicate fabrics out of the dryer unless the label says it’s safe.
Delicate clothes can last a long time with the right care, or be ruined in a single hot wash. Here’s how to keep them looking good.
Start with the label
The care label tells you whether an item can be washed and how. Look for hand-wash or delicate-cycle instructions, temperature limits and warnings such as “Do not tumble dry.” Our guide to care labels explains the symbols.
Hand-washing step by step
- Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water, as the label allows.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent made for delicates and mix it in.
- Submerge the garment and gently swish it; don’t scrub or wring.
- Soak for a few minutes, then rinse in clean water until no suds remain.
- Press out water gently, then roll the garment in a towel to remove more.
- Reshape it and dry it flat or hang it, as the label suggests.
Machine-washing delicates
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Use a mesh laundry bag | Protects fabric and stops hooks and straps catching |
| Choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle | Less agitation |
| Use cold or cool water | Reduces shrinking and fading |
| Don’t overload the drum | Lets clothes move gently |
| Skip the dryer | Heat damages elastic, silk and fine knits |
Styling tip
Fasten bra hooks, zip zippers and turn knits and printed items inside out before washing. It reduces snagging and pilling.
Drying
Lay sweaters and knits flat on a towel to keep their shape; hanging them wet can stretch them. Hang silk and lightweight fabrics to dry away from direct heat and strong sunlight, which can fade colors.
Fit check
If the care label says “Dryclean only,” there may be a reason, such as a structured lining or a fabric that shrinks in water. Washing it anyway is at your own risk.
Know your fabrics
Different fibers need different care. Our fabric guide explains how cotton, linen, wool, silk and synthetics behave, and our guide to treating stains helps with accidents.
Style Q&A
Can I put silk in the washing machine?
Some silk is labeled machine-washable on a delicate cycle, but many silks are safer hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Follow the care label.
Why did my sweater shrink?
Heat and agitation shrink many fibers, especially wool. Wash wool in cool water with minimal agitation and dry it flat.
How should I wash bras?
Hand-wash them, or fasten the hooks and wash them in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle. Air-dry them to protect the elastic and underwire.