Why Can't I Machine Wash My Lingerie?

Loyal readers and clients know that putting lingerie in the washing machine or, even worse, the dryer, is the biggest faux pas of them all. But some women still want to know: Why can't I machine wash my lingerie?

The answer is simple: spandex.

Spandex is the miracle material in lingerie that allows it to stretch and snap back to its original size. Without spandex, lingerie wouldn't comfortably follow your curves the way it does today.

Spandex is actually made up of many, long polymer fibers entwined into a ball like spaghetti. When the spandex is stretched, these fibers straighten out and once released return back to their entwined shape. This ability to expand and contract repeatedly, the same way each time, is what makes it so useful in lingerie.

Spandex fibers are strong and can remain elastic in garments for years, but spandex doesn't stand up well to heat or an alkaline environment. And guess what's in your washing machine? Yes, you guessed it; your washing machine is a hot alkaline environment. This environment breaks down the spandex fibers making them shorter until eventually they become useless.

Ideally you should wash your garments by hand, in lukewarm water with a pH neutral detergent like Forever New, because once you've invested in lingerie that makes you feel beautiful and sexy, you want to keep it looking its best for a long time to come.


* Thanks to the Hanky Panky blog for both the image and information on Spandex.

Nina Von C - The C Stands For Cotton Cami Comfort

Our clients are always looking for the perfect, soft, comfortable cami to slip underneath a suit jacket or cardigan. Luckily for them, Nina Von C has been slipping underneath outfits for years.

Fine Cotton by Nina Von C

The sleeveless, square-neckline cami is part of the Fine Cotton line by Nina Von C makes, seen right. There is a substantial band of lace along the top and up the wide straps - perfect to see hints of beneath a conservative sweater. This cami is available in black and white. The matching maxi-brief is also available with coordinating wide-banded lace.

The Fine Cotton line is made from superfine knitted fabric of Swiss yarn for the highest performance. The hem is flat-finished and the arm and neck edges are made of a very, soft, fine satin. This fabric is designed to stay white after washing.

Daily By Nina Von C

For women looking for a soft, thin basic, Nina Von C makes their Daily line, seen left. This line is made from 100% super-combed, 20-gauge cotton. The fabric is designed for superior performance and longevity.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we have brought in Nina Von C for years because the versatility and comfort are unmatched. Drop by and feel the fabric for yourself. We think you'll want one under almost any neckline.

Rosa Faia - Daytona - Figure-Flattering

When we bring a new line into Secret Drawers Lingerie, we bring in a smaller number of pieces so we can assess the quality and design as well as gauge our client's reactions. The Daytona by Rosa Faia has flown out the gate and surpassed our expectations.

The Daytona is another bra showing a superior, flattering, fit and design for the larger breast, available up to 44H. Comfort is assured with an anatomically-shaped underbust band and a stretch microfibre back. The design combines the feminine touch of lace with a classic tone-on-tone pinstripe. Clients appreciate the superfine stretch fabric and lace which works to tightly hug and support the breast.

Rosa Faia is a collection by Anita, specifically designed with flattering the fuller-figure in mind. Anita was founded in 1886 by Ernst Max Helbig, the great grandfather of Anita's current proprietor Georg Weber-Unger. Anita has come a long way since the times of making elastic braces, corsets and body-belts and now produces quality lingerie in Europe and the Far East with the help of 1200 employees worldwide.

Sports Bras That Perform As Well As You Do

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we pride ourselves in offering a range of products from cute, lacy thongs, to mother-friendly maternity wear, to French, embroidered luxury, to seamless microfiber comfort, and certainly no underwear drawer would be complete without a high-performance sports bra.

The Lunaire Coolmax sports bra (right) provides both comfort and an underwire for superior support in sizes up to 44DDD. The precision seaming in the cup ensures that when you play, nothing bounces but the balls. The wide shoulder and back straps makes for a comfortable fit and the Lunaire Coolmax technology is designed to wick moisture away from your skin.

For women who prefer to perform underwire-free, the Champion Powerback Soft Cup sports bra (left) fits the bill. Controlled stretch in the cup increases breast stability while the mesh at the neckline increases cooling airflow. Its ultra-soft fabric wicks away moisture and its contoured cups create natural, shapely curves. This sports bra features a racer-back as well as wide, soft straps and a gel-cushioned closure for comfort.

Whether you like to run or walk, bike or blade, practice yoga or play racquetball, if you're working up a sweat, these sports bras have you covered; because, even in the gym or on the court, underwear matters.

Eat, Pray, Love, Success

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us for our screening of Eat, Pray, Love yesterday. Nena, I and a wonderful group of clients had a great time nibbling on scones and watching Julia Roberts' journey on-screen. Some of us needed hankies at the end, but it was still a worthwhile way to spend a morning.

We enjoyed dark, full-bodied, Fair-traded, organic coffee provided by our friends at the Rhodos Coffee Roasting Company. Rhodos is locally owned and operated in the Comox Valley and we have been enjoying their beverages for years. Visit their Roasting House and Cafe to see their cast iron French roaster where their beans are roasted in small batches, weekly.

Savory cheese and herb scones were created and provided by Hot Chocolates, our favorite combined bakery and chocolaterie. Hot Chocolates also provided our "loving" milk and dark chocolate hearts. The only thing not to like about Hot Chocolates is the fact that they are only blocks away from us in downtown Courtenay, making their delectible delights just too easy to snap up.

Finally, whether you had the opportunity to join us or not, we wish that all your difficult questions have gentle answers.

Eat, Pray, Love, Thank-You

Join us for a private screening of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia.

This film chronicles the travels of a divorced woman in her search for pleasure, spirituality and balance. We bring these travels to you in celebration of our own journey and those you allow us to enjoy with you.

The screening will be held at Courtenay's Rialto Theatre this Sunday, August 15th. Please arrive at 9:30am to enjoy our provided refreshments before the film.

To join us, pick up a ticket from Secret Drawers Lingerie before this Friday, 5:00pm. There are a limited number of seats available. Stop in soon to avoid disappointment.

The screening is complimentary as it is our way of thanking you for including us in your travels and your search for everything. We hope to see you there.

* Image: Theatrical poster for Eat, Pray, Love, Copyright © 2009 by Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

How Many Ways Can I Wear My Hanky Panky?

If you've been reading our blog for a while, you know how much we love our Hanky Panky. So, of course, we had to stop by Hanky Panky's own blog to see what they were talking about.

We know that Hanky Panky is exceptionally versatile, comfortable and is all some women will wear, but here is a quote from a woman going through a pregnancy who took wearing her Hanky Panky even a step further:

I decided I would wear my Hanky Panky beauties as long as possible—and to my delight and surprise, they remained comfortable and snug-fitting throughout my entire glorious 41-week pregnancy! During those 10 months, I had so much fun playing with colors. I wore thongs in gender-neutral hues until we found out we were having a girl, and after that I practically wore out all of my pink and other girly shades...

And if it isn't enough to wear your Hanky Panky under your clothes, here are a few ways they suggest sporting your Hanky Panky so everyone can see it:

See the Hanky Panky blog for all the details and stop by Secret Drawers Lingerie to get your own. Inside or outside this beautiful underwear matters...

Happy British Columbia Day

We'd like to take a short break from our regularly-scheduled lingerie news to wish everyone a happy British Columbia Day. We're proud of living and working in the Pacific Northwest and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. We'll be taking the holiday as a well-needed opportunity to sleep in and hope you do too.

As we head out, here are a few facts about B.C. you might like to know:

• Our motto is: Splendor sine occasu; Splendour without Diminishment
• Our provincial flower is the Pacific Dogwood
• Our provincial tree is the Western Red Cedar
• Our provincial bird is the Steller's Jay
• 12.5% of B.C. lands are considered protected
• The first Monday of every August is B.C. day and it has been since 1974
  

Happy British Columbia Day everyone. We'll be back in action Tuesday, August 3.