How to store lingerie: protect its shape, lace and jewellery

Storing lingerie well means sparing it three things: being crushed, being snagged and staying damp. A well-organised drawer, a few fabric pouches and a little attention to the jewels are enough to preserve the shape of each piece, the delicacy of the lace and the lustre of the beads. Here is how.

Before storing: a clean, fully dry piece

Storage begins when drying ends. A piece that is still slightly damp, shut away in a drawer, can start to smell musty or become stained. Wait until it is completely dry, lining included, before putting it away. This is especially true for fully lined swimsuits and for cotton gussets, which take longer to dry than lace.

If you are unsure about the washing method, our guide on how to wash lace lingerie goes through every step.

How to store lingerie by type of piece

The simplest approach is to give each family its own place, in a drawer or in compartments.

Tops

• Soft pieces (bralettes, triangles without moulded cups) fold in half, one side tucked against the other, without crushing the lace.
• Pieces with moulded cups, if you have any in your drawer, are stored flat, nested inside one another: folding them would distort them.
• Fasten the hooks before putting pieces away. An open hook, like the one at the back of a bralette, snags the lace next to it.

The atelier culotté bras and bralettes section includes the EXPRESSO bralette and the 50 NUANCES bralette, two pieces with a minimalist cut.

Bottoms

Briefs, tanga bloomers and thongs fold in half or in three, or roll up loosely. Store them upright, side by side, rather than stacked: you see everything at a glance and you do not pull at the pile to reach the one at the bottom.

Tank tops and tops

The EXPRESSO draped top or the KITTY and GRRR tank tops fold flat like any garment. For the draped top, tuck the adjustable strap inside so it does not tangle with other pieces.

Rotating your pieces

A well-organised drawer has another advantage: it helps you alternate. A piece worn every day has no time to rest between washes, and its elastane tires faster. By putting freshly washed pieces at the back or underneath, you naturally reach for the ones that have been waiting longest. Your lingerie then wears more evenly, and each piece holds its shape for longer.

Protecting the lace

Lace is most at risk from snags. A few simple rules:

• Do not store lingerie next to garments with zips, Velcro or metal hooks.
• Slip the most delicate pieces into a pouch made of a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen. A sealed plastic bag, by contrast, traps moisture.
• Do not cram the drawer: lace compressed for months ends up creased.
• Keep the drawer out of direct light, which fades colours over time, especially bright shades like the red of the CARMELIA triangle.

Jewels and beads: store them separately

Several atelier culotté pieces are decorated: a stainless steel central jewel on the CARMELIA triangle, mother-of-pearl beads on the straps of the BICHOCO triangle, beads on the straps of the RHUM COCO bralette, a floral jewel on the SUNSET triangle, a jewel that acts as a fastening on the EXPRESSO bralette.

These ornaments can scratch or snag neighbouring pieces, and rub against each other. To protect them:

• store each decorated piece in its own pouch, or fold it so the jewel faces inwards;
• do not put anything heavy on top;
• when travelling, keep them in a separate bag rather than loose in the suitcase.

Storing swimwear out of season

At the end of summer, a swimsuit deserves one last bit of care before spending the winter in the cupboard:

1. Wash it gently one last time, even if it was rinsed after every swim, to remove the last traces of salt, chlorine and sun cream.
2. Let it dry completely, flat and in the shade.
3. Store it flat or loosely folded, in a fabric pouch.
4. Keep the top and bottom of the same set together: you will find them without searching next summer.

The right habits during the season are explained in our swimwear care guide.

Frequently asked questions

How should you store lingerie in a drawer?

Give each family its own place: tops on one side, bottoms on the other. Fold soft pieces in half, store bottoms upright side by side and fasten the hooks. Use dividers or fabric pouches to stop pieces getting tangled.

Can you fold a bralette?

Yes, a soft bralette without moulded cups can be folded in half safely. Only bras with moulded cups need to be stored flat and nested, so they keep their shape.

How do you keep lace lingerie in good condition for longer?

Wash it gently, let it dry completely, then store it away from light, zips and hooks, in a drawer that is not overfilled. A breathable fabric pouch protects the finest pieces.

Where should you store a piece decorated with beads or jewels?

Separately, in its own pouch, or folded with the jewel facing inwards. That way the ornaments do not scratch other pieces or rub against each other.