The push to sort, organize and tidy has hit a fever pitch since the New Year’s release of Marie Kondo’s series on Netflix. If you’ve watched the show, you saw a single brief segment on storing lingerie, which showed 4 bras beautifully arranged in a drawer. However, most of us probably have a bra collection that is much larger, and available space that is much smaller.
Did you add to your lingerie collection this Valentine’s Day? Whether received as a gift or purchased for yourself, beautiful lingerie is a wonderful way to mark this romantic holiday. But now you’re faced with finding room in your already-crowded drawers for your new acquisition.
Here is a practical step-by-step guide to organizing and storing your lingerie that works for the real world.
Step 1: To Keep or Not to Keep?
Start by gathering up all your lingerie and piling it on your bed. Sort the big pile into four categories:
Everyday favorites are the panties, bras and camisoles that you reach for every day. These items are comfortable, fit you well, and look presentable.
Special occasion includes your strapless and backless bras, as well as the pieces you save for private time with your partner.
Donate anything brand new with tags that you bought more than 6 months ago. If you haven’t worn it yet, you probably won’t. Pass it on to a local women’s shelter.
Throw away anything worn out, faded, discolored, stained or torn. Items with tired elastic, with underwires misshapen or poking through, or with holes goes in the discard pile. Add anything that doesn’t fit well or that just doesn’t feel good. If in doubt, remember: you deserve to wear beautiful lingerie!
Step 2: Prepare Your Storage Space
While your drawers and/or shelves are empty, give them a good cleaning. Vacuum out the corners and wipe down the surfaces. Replace old drawer liners with fresh, new fabric or paper.
Make sure your drawers, dividers and boxes are free of any rough spots that might snag delicate fabrics.
Drawer dividers and boxes will help you stay organized. You can purchase drawer dividers like these, or make your own with foam board or salvaged cardboard. Choose the system that works best with your available space and budget.
Step 3: Wash Before You Store
Be sure each piece is fresh and clean before you put it away. Washing with a high quality product made for delicate fabrics, like Eucalan, is the best way to preserve your fine lingerie. Eucalan is available in a variety of subtle scents to make choosing your lingerie a daily aromatherapy treat.
Step 4: Fold with Care
Do not stack your lingerie. Fold or roll your panties and stand them on end. You should be able to see everything that’s available as soon as you open the drawer. Camisoles and slips should also be folded and rolled.
Bras deserve special care. Fasten the clasps. This protects the clasps from damage and prevents snagging delicate lace on the hooks. Fold the straps down, then stand your bras vertically, with each bra nestling into the next. Do not fold bras with molded cups to tuck one cup inside the other. When you invert the cups, you break down the shaping and shorten the life of your bra.
Keep special occasion lingerie separate from your everyday favorites. If you have the space, chemises and teddies can be stored on hangers. Use hangers with notches or padding to prevent falling straps.
A few hours spent sorting and organizing your lingerie will pay big dividends. Not only will you extend the life of your delicate pieces, you’ll save time and aggravation when you get dressed every day.
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