How to Care for Your French Embroidery Bustier

Quick answer

To preserve your French embroidery bustier, always hand-wash it in cool water with a gentle lingerie detergent, then lay it flat to dry away from heat and sunlight.

Step-by-step bustier care routine

1. Hand-wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle lingerie detergent. Submerge the bustier and gently swish it for 2-3 minutes. Pay extra attention to the underarm and cup areas where oils and deodorant collect. Common mistake: using hot water or regular detergent — both can weaken elastic and fade the embroidery.
2. Rinse thoroughly without wringing: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool, clean water. Swish the bustier gently until all detergent is gone. Press the fabric against the side of the basin to remove excess water — never twist or wring. Checkpoint: if you see suds after two rinses, repeat once more to prevent residue that can irritate skin.
3. Roll in a towel to absorb moisture: Lay the damp bustier flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the bustier inside and gently press to transfer moisture. Unroll and remove the bustier — it should be damp, not dripping. Common mistake: using a colored towel that might bleed dye onto the light lace — stick with white or very light towels.
4. Lay flat to dry away from heat: Place the bustier on a drying rack or a fresh dry towel, reshaping the cups and smoothing the embroidery. Let it air dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heaters. Checkpoint: never hang a wet bustier — the weight of water can stretch the straps and distort the boning.
5. Store flat or hung by the center gore: Once fully dry, store the bustier flat in a drawer with the cups nested, or hang it by the center front (gore) on a padded hanger. Avoid folding the cups or crushing the embroidery under heavy items. Common mistake: hanging by the straps — that stretches them out over time, ruining the fit.

Product spotlight

• Joy Proctor for Girl & a Serious Dream French embroidery bustier bra Ivory: This bustier is crafted from French lace embroidery with underwire for support, lift, and shape. The delicate embroidery and structured underwire require hand-washing and flat drying to maintain their beauty and fit.