Luxury lingerie and loungewear deserve more than a quick spin in the washing machine. The materials we work with at Lumiere — Calais lace, 22-momme silk, Grade A Mongolian cashmere — are crafted to last beautifully when given the right care. A few minutes of attention each time can make all the difference.
This guide shares the same care advice we give our clients in person. If you ever have a specific question, bring the piece to our Limassol showroom, and we'll walk you through it together.
Calais lace is woven on 19th-century looms and finished with techniques refined over generations. It's stronger than it looks — but it appreciates gentle handling.
Hand-wash in cool water (no warmer than 30°C) with a mild detergent designed for delicates. Avoid regular laundry detergent — it's too aggressive for fine lace. Gently swirl the piece in soapy water; never rub, twist, or wring.
Rinse in clean, cool water until no soap remains. Press water out gently by pressing the piece between your palms or against a clean towel.
Lay flat on a clean, dry towel, reshape gently, and let air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Never tumble dry. Never hang lace bras by the straps — the weight will distort the shape.
Store flat in a drawer, with cups uncrushed. For underwired bras, lay them open — folding the cups inward over time damages the structure. Keep delicate pieces in a fabric pouch or tissue paper to avoid catches from zippers, hooks, or jewelry.
No bleach. No fabric softener (it coats the fibers and reduces breathability). No ironing the lace directly — if needed, steam from a distance.
Pure mulberry silk is one of the most rewarding fabrics to wear and one of the most particular to care for. The good news: with the right routine, it stays beautifully soft and lustrous wear after wear.
Hand-wash in cool water (maximum 30°C) using a pH-neutral silk detergent or a very mild, fragrance-free wash. Submerge the piece, gently swirl for two to three minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Some Olivia von Halle and Derek Rose pieces are machine-washable on a silk or delicate cycle — always check the inner label first, and use a mesh laundry bag.
Roll the piece gently in a dry towel to absorb excess water — never wring. Then lay flat to dry or hang on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight. UV light fades silk dyes faster than almost anything else.
Use the silk setting on your iron (low heat, around 110°C) on the reverse side, while the fabric is still slightly damp. A handheld steamer is the gentler option — keep it at a distance, never press it against the fabric.
Hang silk pyjamas on padded hangers or fold them with tissue paper between layers to prevent creasing. Keep silk away from direct sunlight and from anything sharp (jewelry, zippers, hooks). For long-term storage, breathable cotton garment bags are best — never plastic, which traps moisture.
In the Mediterranean humidity, silk benefits from airing out between wears. Don't put a worn piece straight into a closed drawer; let it breathe for a few hours first.
Grade A Mongolian cashmere is remarkably soft and surprisingly resilient — when cared for properly. The biggest enemies of cashmere aren't washing or wear; they're heat, friction, and poor storage.
Hand-wash in cool water (no warmer than 30°C) with a cashmere or wool detergent. Submerge the piece, gently squeeze the soapy water through it, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid agitation, which causes felting.
Press water out by gently squeezing — never wring. Roll in a clean dry towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat on a fresh towel, reshape, and air-dry away from heat and direct sunlight. Cashmere stretches when wet, so never hang it to dry.
A small amount of pilling is natural with fine cashmere and not a sign of poor quality — it happens where the garment experiences friction (under arms, along sides). Gently remove pills with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. The piece will look refreshed again immediately.
Always fold cashmere — never hang. Hangers create shoulder distortion. Store folded in a breathable cotton bag, and consider adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths. For seasonal storage, make sure the piece is clean before putting it away — body oils and food traces attract moths even months later.
Wash less often than you think. Lingerie, silk, and cashmere all last longer with fewer washes. Air-out worn pieces between wears rather than washing after every use.
Rotate your favourites. Wearing the same bra two days in a row stretches the elastic. Give each piece a day to recover.
Read the label first. Even within the same brand, individual pieces may have specific care requirements. Always check before washing.
Spot-clean when possible. A small mark doesn't always need a full wash. A damp cloth and a touch of mild soap can handle most everyday situations.
Avoid the dryer entirely. Heat damages elastic, shrinks silk, felts cashmere, and shortens the life of every fine fabric.
Caring for luxury lingerie and loungewear is part of owning it — but it doesn't need to be complicated. If you're ever uncertain about a specific piece, a particular stain, or how to store something properly, visit Lumiere in Limassol. We'll show you exactly what to do, and often share small tricks that aren't on any label.
Beautiful pieces deserve to be enjoyed for a long time. Knowing how to care for them is the first step.
