Spring Cleaning - Don't Forget the Lingerie Drawers

As seasons change, a rite of passage is the much anticipated or even much dreaded "spring cleaning". For some, spring cleaning is refreshing and productive; whereas, for others the idea of tackling the closet or floor to ceiling windows is daunting and they are not sure where to start. When creating your spring cleaning "to do" list, do not forget to clean out your lingerie, sleepwear and undergarment drawers. By taking steps to assess your intimate apparel products, you are not only reducing underwear clutter, but you are also identifying missing "must have" items for spring and summer fashions.

When adding these drawers to your spring cleaning list, a word of caution applies. The same rules that pertain when cleaning out your closet do not apply with these innerwear products. For example, if the rule of thumb is that if you have not worn a particular clothing item in the past year, then donate the items; however, in your lingerie collection you might own a strapless bra that you only wear once a year or the pair of holiday panties you pull out to celebrate the season. Do you donate these items? No, as a strapless bra is a wardrobe essential and seasonal products add something fun to your undergarments throughout the year, just as with home décor.

Following are a few spring cleaning pointers when determining what to keep and toss.

Bra Life Cycle: In general, a bra has an expected life cycle of two bras is six months and that is when washing these undergarments on gentle and not putting them in the dryer. During this life cycle, the elastic memory starts to go bad and you are no longer receiving the support you need. Looks can be deceiving when considering if a bra is still good as it may look new still, but it just may not be performing. Just as we slip into comfort foods or the trusted, proven T-shirt, women will time after time put on their favorite bra.

Quantity Matters: If you only shop for lingerie or undergarments once a year, be sure to select three or four of your favorite "go to" bra so you are never without old faithful. Every woman should have at minimum six bras: strapless; seamless (recommend multiple of this category); specialty (backless, low waist); sexy; sports (depending on activity, multiple sports bras might be required); and a spa bra (a more comfortable bra without full support).

Underwear Inventory: As you assess your underwear offerings, take into consideration of having a full week supply, so you only have to do laundry once a week and especially for warmer months or climates. Take advantage of newly developed fabrics resulting in true, "no show" panties (hence, the dreaded visual panty line vanishes). For color, it is important to have a shade of beige closest to your skin tone available for the ever popular summer white clothing items.

Green Bra & Panty Spring Cleaning: Consider donating lightly used, or even never-worn, under garment items to a woman's shelter. While helping other women, you are realizing the benefit of purging by simplifying your life. Another green twist on lingerie spring cleaning is repurposing, which includes identifying undergarment items, such as a camisole, that is appropriate and fashionable for outerwear.

Seasonal Sleepwear: Your favorite robe might be comfortable and even stylish, yet what is the material? Is it a heavy winter item or is it cotton? Ensure your sleepwear items match the season. For example, this summer you might opt for a waffle-textured or cotton robe and put away or donate the ever faithful heavy, quilted robe.

A Place for Novelty Items: You purchased cute heart panties for Valentine's Day or maybe some stars and stripes for the Fourth of July and now you wonder if these products should hold a place in your lingerie drawer. Be sure you know where these are kept and possibly consider placing these seasonal items together so you have for the limited wearing timeframe. Keep in mind that certain holidays have an extended life beyond holiday, such as hearts or snowflakes.