Marlies Dekkers Lingerie & Swimwear

How to Care for Your 5 cm Briefs to Prevent Stretching

How to Care for Your 5 cm Briefs to Prevent Stretching

By Marlies Dekkers Lingerie & Swimwear | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the best washing and drying habits to keep your 5 cm briefs from stretching. Simple steps to preserve elastic, mesh, and leather-look details.

Quick Answer

Hand wash your 5 cm briefs in cold water with a gentle detergent, then lay them flat to dry away from heat and direct sunlight to keep the elastic and mesh from stretching.

Why 5 cm Briefs Stretch

The delicate mesh and elastic in 5 cm briefs are designed to move with you, but they can lose their shape if handled roughly. Heat, agitation, and hanging are the main culprits that stretch out the waistband and leg openings over time.

Leather-look panels and gold-metal details need extra care too. Harsh washing can dull the finish or cause the suspender clip to snag on other garments, so treating these briefs as delicate is key to keeping them looking sharp.

Step-by-Step Care Routine

  1. Hand Wash in Cold Water: Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild lingerie detergent. Submerge your 5 cm briefs and gently squeeze the water through the fabric for about 2 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, which can stretch the elastic and mesh. Never use hot water—it relaxes elastic fibers and causes permanent stretching.
  2. Rinse and Press Out Water: Drain the soapy water and refill with cold clean water. Swish the briefs gently to remove all detergent. Lift them out and press between a clean towel to absorb excess moisture. Do not wring or twist the fabric. Wringing is the fastest way to distort the waistband and leg openings.
  3. Dry Flat, Never Hang: Lay the briefs flat on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack, reshaping them to their original form. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or tumble dryers. Wait until fully dry before wearing or storing. Hanging by the waistband adds gravity stress that stretches the elastic over time.

Product Spotlight

  • 5 cm briefs: The Suspensia black 5cm briefs feature smooth leather-look fabric panels, sheer polka-dot mesh, and a gold-metal suspender clip. These details are more fragile than standard cotton, so they need gentler washing and drying to avoid stretching or damaging the decorative elements.
    5 cm briefs
    5 cm briefs

Store your dry 5 cm briefs folded in a drawer, not hung, to keep the elastic in top shape for longer.

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