How to Wash Shapewear and Shaping Tights Without Damage

Quick answer

Hand wash your shapewear and shaping tights in cool water with a gentle detergent, then gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry away from heat. Avoid wringing, hot water, and the dryer—these break down elastic and cause runs. Done consistently, this routine keeps compression and fit intact for much longer.

Step-by-step: hand washing shapewear and shaping tights

1. Fill a basin with cool water: Use water that feels cool to the touch—ideally below 30°C (86°F). Hot water breaks down elastic fibers and can cause colors to fade. Add a capful of gentle detergent (like a wool-safe or lingerie wash). Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and enzyme-based detergents, which can damage spandex. Checkpoint: If you can't comfortably keep your hand in the water, it's too hot.
2. Submerge and gently agitate: Place your shapewear or tights in the water and gently press them down to saturate. Let them soak for 5–10 minutes. Then, using your hands, gently knead the fabric—don't rub, twist, or scrub. For shaping briefs, pay attention to the gusset and waistband. For tights, focus on the feet and waistband where odors and oils accumulate. Common mistake: Scrubbing stains vigorously. Instead, pretreat stains with a tiny amount of detergent and let soak longer.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cool water. Gently press the garment to release soap. Repeat until no suds remain. Residual detergent can attract dirt and irritate skin. Checkpoint: The water should run clear after squeezing—if it's still bubbly, rinse again.
4. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the garment and gently squeeze it between your palms to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist—this stretches elastic fibers and can cause runs. For tights, you can roll them in a clean, dry towel and press to absorb more water. Common mistake: Wringing out like a towel. Always squeeze gently.
5. Lay flat to dry away from heat: Lay shapewear flat on a clean towel or drying rack. For tights, lay them flat or hang them over a padded hanger—never hang by the waistband, as gravity can stretch them. Keep away from direct sunlight, radiators, and dryers. Heat is the enemy of elastic. Checkpoint: If you're tempted to speed up drying with a hairdryer or radiator, don't—it will shorten the garment's life.
6. Store properly once dry: Once completely dry, fold shapewear and tights neatly and store them in a drawer away from rough items. Avoid hanging tights by the waistband for long periods. Proper storage prevents snags and keeps the shape intact. Next step: Rotate your shapewear and tights to give elastic time to recover between wears.

Products mentioned in this guide

• High-Waisted Perforated Shaping Briefs Black: The Sculpt Perforated Highwaist Pant in Black is made from lightweight, breathable fabric with perforation and HeroPanels for targeted smoothing. The perforated design and lightweight fabric mean it dries faster, but also requires gentle handling to avoid snags and maintain the shaping panels.
• The Eighty Opaque Tights: The Eighty Opaque Tights are made from 80 denier recycled yarn with a seamless construction and adaptive waistband. The thick yarn is durable, but the seamless construction and waistband can be damaged by heat or rough washing, so hand washing protects the fit and prevents digs or rolls.