Why Proper Care Matters for Luxury Nightwear
Premium nightwear — silk chemises, lace teddies, satin robes, and delicate mesh sets — is an investment in your comfort and confidence. But these beautiful fabrics require a little extra attention to stay looking their best. With the right care routine, your favorite pieces can last for years without losing their softness, shape, or sheen. Here's everything you need to know.
Washing Your Silk and Lace Nightwear
Always Check the Care Label First
Before washing any lingerie or nightwear, check the care label. It will tell you whether the piece is hand-wash only, machine washable, or dry-clean only. When in doubt, hand wash — it's always the gentler option.
Hand Washing: The Gold Standard
Hand washing is the safest method for silk, lace, and delicate mesh. Here's how to do it correctly:
- Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water (never hot — heat damages silk fibers and causes lace to shrink or distort).
- Add a small amount of gentle, pH-neutral detergent or a detergent specifically formulated for delicates. Avoid regular laundry detergent, which can be too harsh.
- Submerge the garment and gently swish it through the water. Do not scrub, wring, or twist.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed.
- To remove excess water, press the garment gently against the side of the basin — never wring it out.
Machine Washing (When Permitted)
If the care label allows machine washing, always use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics from snagging. Select the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin speed. Never wash lingerie with heavy items like jeans or towels.
What to Avoid
- Hot water — damages silk, causes shrinkage, and weakens elastic.
- Bleach or fabric softener — breaks down delicate fibers and can cause discoloration.
- Harsh detergents — strip the natural sheen from silk and weaken lace.
- Soaking for too long — prolonged soaking can cause colors to bleed and fabrics to lose their shape.
Drying Your Nightwear Correctly
Never Use a Tumble Dryer
Heat is the enemy of delicate fabrics. Tumble dryers can shrink silk, warp lace, and damage elastic beyond repair. Always air dry your nightwear.
How to Air Dry
- After washing, lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and gently roll the towel up to absorb excess moisture.
- Unroll and reshape the garment while it's still damp, then lay it flat on a drying rack or clean surface away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid hanging silk on a hanger while wet — the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and distort the shape.
- Keep nightwear out of direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken silk fibers over time.
Ironing and Steaming
Silk can wrinkle easily, but ironing requires care. If ironing is necessary:
- Use the lowest heat setting on your iron and always iron on the reverse side of the fabric.
- Place a thin cloth or pressing cloth between the iron and the garment to protect the fabric.
- Alternatively, use a handheld garment steamer — it's gentler than an iron and works beautifully on silk and satin.
- Never iron lace directly — the heat can melt or distort the fibers.
Storing Your Nightwear & Lingerie
Fold, Don't Hang (for Most Pieces)
Most delicate nightwear is best stored folded rather than hung, as hanging can stretch out straps and distort the shape over time. Lay pieces flat in a drawer lined with acid-free tissue paper to prevent color transfer and fabric damage.
Bras Are the Exception
Underwired bras should be stored in a way that preserves the cup shape. Stack them one inside the other (not folded in half) in a dedicated drawer or use a bra organizer.
Use Breathable Storage
Avoid storing silk or lace in plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. Use breathable cotton bags or acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help deter moths without the harsh chemicals of mothballs.
Keep Away from Rough Surfaces
Lace and mesh snag easily. Store nightwear away from items with zippers, hooks, or rough textures. A dedicated lingerie drawer is ideal.
Dealing with Stains
Act quickly — the sooner you treat a stain, the better. Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible. Apply a small amount of gentle detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before hand washing as normal. For stubborn stains on silk, consult a professional dry cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics.
How Often Should You Wash Nightwear?
Nightwear worn directly against the skin should be washed after every 2–3 wears. Robes and outer layers can go longer between washes. Washing too frequently can wear out delicate fabrics faster, so finding the right balance extends the life of your pieces significantly.
Invest in Care, Protect Your Investment
Premium nightwear is worth caring for. A few minutes of proper washing and storage can add years to the life of your favorite silk chemise or lace teddy. At SÜHA DESIRES, every piece is crafted to be cherished — and with the right care routine, it will be.
Browse our full nightwear and lingerie collection and shop pieces designed to be worn, loved, and kept for years to come.