How to Wash and Store Very Big Knickers to Keep Their Shape

Quick answer

Wash your Very Big Knickers in cold water on a gentle cycle, then lay them flat to dry away from direct heat. Store them folded loosely in a drawer to avoid stretching the tree-rubber elastic. Skip the dryer and fabric softener to keep the organic cotton and elastic in top shape.

Step-by-step care routine for Very Big Knickers

1. Turn inside out before washing: Flip each pair inside out to protect the outer elastic and reduce friction on the cotton surface. This also helps prevent pilling from rubbing against other clothes. Common mistake: washing right-side out can cause the tree-rubber elastic to snag or wear faster.
2. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent and set your machine to cold (below 86°F / 30°C). A delicate or hand-wash cycle minimizes agitation that can stretch or distort the cotton. Skip fabric softener—it coats the natural fibers and reduces absorbency. Checkpoint: hot water can shrink organic cotton and weaken tree-rubber elastic, so always stick with cold.
3. Never put them in the dryer: Lay each pair flat on a drying rack or clean towel, reshaping gently to the original dimensions. Keep away from radiators, direct sunlight, or high heat. The dryer's heat will shrink the cotton and degrade the natural rubber elastic. Common mistake: tumble drying even on low can cause irreversible shrinkage and elastic damage.
4. Store folded, not hung: Fold knickers neatly and place them in a drawer without overcrowding. Hanging by the waistband can stretch out the tree-rubber elastic over time. A loose stack or simple drawer divider keeps them accessible without pressure on the elastic. Checkpoint: if you must hang, clip from the side seams—never the waistband.

The product we're caring for

• Very Big Knickers - Ecru: Made from unbleached and undyed organic cotton with no spandex. Legs and waist use 6mm tree-rubber and organic cotton elastic sewn on the outside for comfort. Because there's no spandex, the shape relies entirely on the cotton knit and tree-rubber elastic. Harsh washing or high heat can break down the natural rubber and shrink the cotton, ruining the fit.