As I mentioned yesterday, the washing machine is a scary place for underwear. All the heat, caustic chemicals, agitation and spinning can cause some major wardrobe malfunctions. But luckily, safety is at hand.

Hand-Washing Delicates

I know, I know, many people won’t hand-wash lingerie no matter what. But just consider for a moment how much those underthings cost you. Now, if a bone worked its way out of that bra, it would be worthless. And if that bone wrapped around your washing machine’s motor, your washing machine, too, would be worthless. Hand-washing is really a household investment.

Hand-washing is simple. Just throw your delicates into some lukewarm water. Add some delicate detergent. Then go have a cup of coffee, or relax with some tea. Come back to agitate the delicates a little, rinse and you’re done. Having coffee is the longest part of the process. (Details on hand-washing here.)

Machine-Washing Delicates

But if you’re in a hurry and can’t even spare time for coffee, there is still a simple solution: a lingerie bag. A lingerie bag is just a mesh bag, normally with a zipper, into which you put your underthings. Then you throw the whole bag into the wash. That’s it! No bone is sucked out of a bra and your Hanky Panky aren’t stretched and tied into knots. (You still can’t put them in the dryer. Sorry. We can’t fix everything.)

Ask For Your Lingerie Bag In-Store

And because we care about our clients and want to save you from the aforementioned dangers, we’re happy to provide you with a lingerie bag with purchase. Simply ask for your bag while paying and you can save yourself some possibly pricey headaches.

It’s true, there aren’t just pretty underthings in silk, lace and satin lying snugly between cedar planks; there is a sinister force at work. One that could cost you hundreds of dollars.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we always tell people to hand wash their underwear, bras, garters and fine silks and lace. This is because the spandex contained within those items breaks down more quickly under the strain of machine washing, the strong chemical detergents and in the heat of the dryer.

But the fact is, some people just don’t follow our advice. Many people throw their lingerie in with their socks and shirts and many times the lingerie comes out just fine.

Other times, it costs you hundreds of dollars.

What people don’t realize is the mechanisms in modern washing machines are extremely strong. These mechanisms can pull the bones, the stiff wire beneath each cup, right out of the bra. The machines can also grab and bunch and twist your lacy thong into an unrecognizable, inhuman shape.

But to add insult to injury, both thongs and bra boning can make its way to the motor of the washing machine. The boning or thong gets wrapped around the motor and hampers the spinning until the motor is burned out completely. This can mean a big repair bill or an even heftier replacement bill.

But don’t worry. You don’t have to fall victim to the dangers in your washer.

Next time we will outline two ways to save yourself from your underwear.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we work hard to bring in the latest fashion styles and shades as well as traditional designs and colours to cover all your lingerie needs. And sometimes clients fall in love with a particular piece at first sight, but that doesn't always mean it's the the right bra for them.

The T-Shirt Bra

Recently, t-shirt bras have become very popular. T-shirt bras are typically seamless with a molded cup to create a smooth line across the breast so no seam shows through a thin shirt. These bras are not padded, per se, but their cup is molded into what the maker feels is the perfect breast shape.

The Good and the Bad About the T-Shirt Bra

That is both the good and the bad news. The good thing about a molded cup is the seamless look with enhanced curves; the unfortunate thing is it's harder to get a universal fit. That molded "perfect breast" doesn't necessarily suit every body type. A poorly-fitting cup can pucker and show bulges or dents in a silhouette.

Additionally, many of these bras are a demi-cup, which means there isn't full coverage of the breast. This design provides enhanced cleavage, but for some women this may make it more likely they will fall through the middle of the bra, which isn't really a good look for anyone.

The Good News

The good news is we have several t-shirt bras to choose from, and of course, many others as well. To look your best, the important thing to remember is a superb fit, even if it isn't perfectly seamless under your summer tank top. (See more lingerie tips here.)

Seen right: Pure, by Chantelle; left: Coup de Foudre by Prima Donna.

If you're crazy about great food, the Mad Chef Cafe will make you absolutely insane!

Today, the Mad Chef has created a feature burger for Secret Drawers Lingerie. The Mad Chef has created a salmon burger with a twist. Join the Mad Chef for lunch to find out what kind of twist he has come up with.

The Mad Chef Cafe is less than one block away from Secret Drawers Lingerie. We hope to see you there for lunch.

Many women look forward to picking up a new pair of undies to celebrate the changing seasons. Hanky Panky, of course, is the perfect way to do this because we bring fresh, fashionable Hanky Panky into Secret Drawers Lingerie throughout the year. This summer is no exception.

New in-store are striking Hanky Panky colours: electric purple, limeade, tiger lily, seabreeze and chai. You'll find these new shades in both thong and boyshort cut underwear.

Electric purple is seen to the upper-right, and I would say it's appropriately named and radiates a jeweled tone. Check out the tiger lily for an equally accented coral colour.

To the left are the boyshort cut underwear in chai. These are the essential pair of underwear for under your white, summer pants. Hanky Panky won't dig in, so you won't see any unfortunate bulges. And the chai in a thong even removes all hint of a panty line.

The thong in seabreeze is seen right. Rather than the electricity of the purple or the concealment of the chai, this more subdued shade is calming without sacrificing vibrancy.

Come see us to view them all. Because with Hanky Panky, underwear matters.

Wacoal has been a staple at Secret Drawers Lingerie for 14 years. In fact, the Wacoal Bodysuede design specifically has been one of our, and your, favorites for over a decade.

The Bodysuede is a full-figure-friendly bra that's comfortable enough to make it a superstar. It contains hidden features to keep the curvaceous shape of a full bosom while still offering plenty of support, and extra-padded straps to avoid shoulder discomfort.

Unfortunately, we have some bad news, Wacoal is no longer offering it in black.

Is This Your Favorite Bra?

If this is your favorite bra and you need it in black, we do have a few black Bodysuedes left. We recommend you drop by or give us a call to see if we've got your size.

Because darn it, the color of underwear matters too.

We know every man looks good in a well-tailored tux, and the flower in the groom’s lapel matches the bouquet perfectly. It is disappointing though, to see his undergarments chosen with so little thought. Men can look great and be comfortable both in, and out of, their wedding duds.

Men’s underwear design has come a long way since bulky, white cotton and generic elastic. A popular choice of modern materials is now microfiber, with Italian microfiber being of the highest quality. Microfiber hugs the body – no bunches under that tux – and is completely breathable for air circulation on the skin. Look for seamless designs with good stretch that feel like wearing nothing at all.

What to Get?

Briefs aren’t the only option in terms of style. Another popular choice is the boxer brief which is more modern than either the boxer or the brief. A boxer brief has the same waistline as a brief but with added coverage on the hip. A quality product will lay flat on the skin and not ride up. Also available are waistband-free designs for a smooth look and added comfort at the waist.

Get Naked

A long list of attributes to looks for, to be sure, but one company out of Vancouver has gotten it all right: Naked Boxer Brief Clothing. Joel Primus, a filmmaker and model, was inspired to create this new line of men’s underwear after a visit to South America.

After a year of product development, including sourcing of Italian microfiber not then seen in Canada, Naked was born. Sleek and stylish, these underwear are designed to make men feel, well, naked. The Naked brief, or boxer brief, are comfortable everyday wear, but as they come in black or white, they fit the style of a wedding tux perfectly.

Naked underwear can be found at Secret Drawers Lingerie on 5th street in downtown Courtenay. Be sure to get Naked on your wedding night.