You looooove your shapewear, right? (Who doesn’t?) If you've purchased any of our high-quality garments, then you’ll want to be sure they last as long as possible. Did you know that if you’re not caring for them properly, they'll start losing their shape and effectiveness?

That’s why it’s so important to give them a special treatment when it comes to garment care. Follow these tips to make sure these wardrobe staples have a long happy life in your closet rotation!

Tip 1: Get More Than One

If you have pieces that you like to wear daily, make sure they get a break (waist training ladies, we’re talking to you!). Did you know that latex needs to rest in order to maintain its functionality? We recommend that you not wear the same garment more than two days in a row.

 Tip 2: Wash Regularly

It can be kind of a pain dealing with shapewear, so it’s tempting not to wash it as often as you should. But know this: you need to wash it so that the materials contract and maintain their highest functionality. Otherwise, they’re a little stretched out. You can wear a garment a couple of times in between wash cycles. Just be sure to follow the care instructions for your particular garment, and continue reading the tips below…

Tip 3: Be Careful with Latex!

While it’s very strong in the sense that it provides the compression that you love, latex is easily damaged. Here’s how to do it (please take notes!). Hand-wash your latex shapers in a bucket of warm water, using a mild shampoo or baby shampoo. Rinse well and hang dry (don’t wring!). Once they are completely dry, store them in a dark area where they won’t be damaged by sunlight.

 Tip 4: For All Other Garments…

Non-latex garments can go in the washing machine on the gentle or handwash cycle in cold water, along with a full load (use a netted lingerie garment bag). Do not use strong agitation or hot water, or you can damage the material. Cold water is necessary to contract the material for full effectiveness.

If your machine doesn’t have a gentle cycle, wash them by hand in a gallon of cold water. DO NOT put them in the dryer (lay flat or hang).

Tip 5: Use Special Detergent

On non-latex items, choose a specially formulated lingerie detergent. If you choose one that contains, dyes, fragrances, alcohol, softeners or bleach, you can damage the shaper! For latex items like waist trainers, remember to use mild shampoo or baby shampoo. 

Tip 6: Storage

To maintain its shape, it’s important to lay shapewear flat in a drawer or closet where it won’t be exposed to light. Do not roll it up! You can also hang it, if it hangs well, using clothes pins or special lingerie hangers.

Do these things and you won’t go wrong—make your shapewear last!