Start Spring The Right Way By Renewing And Refreshing Your Lingerie Drawer.
(This post was originally published on March 15th 2019 and updated on March 20th 2026)
There is something quietly revealing about a lingerie drawer. The bra you keep meaning to get rid of. The beautiful set you never wear because you're saving it for something special. The pieces that fit perfectly, and the ones that never quite did, but you kept anyway because letting go felt like admitting loss. Spring cleaning a lingerie drawer is, on the surface, a practical task. But if you let it be, it's also an opportunity to be honest about pieces you've been settling for — as opposed to what you actually want against your skin, every day.
Step 1: Empty and Purge Your Lingerie Drawer
The most useful thing you can do before organising anything is to take everything out. All of it, onto the bed. What you're looking for isn't just damage — broken underwires, stretched elastic, fabric that's gone thin or grey — though those pieces should go, and without guilt. A bra that no longer fits correctly, that isn't supporting you? Keeping it doesn't serve anyone.
What you're also looking for is the subtler category: pieces that are technically fine but that you consistently reach past. The ones that fit your body from two years ago. The ones that make you feel like you're making do. These are worth being honest about too.
- Toss or recycle: Discard lingerie with broken underwires, stretched-out elastic, or holes. If possible, recycle them through local organisations that accept textiles to keep them out of landfills.
- Keep what you love: Hold onto pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you haven't worn something in over a year, it's probably time to say goodbye.
Step 2: Deep Clean Your Drawer
Once the drawer is empty, clean it properly before anything goes back.
- Wipe it down: Use a gentle cleaning wipe or a damp cloth to clean the inside of the drawer. Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt can accumulate.
- Let it dry: Allow the drawer to air dry completely before putting anything back in. This prevents moisture buildup, which can damage delicate fabrics.
- Refresh and scent your drawer: Once your drawer is clean and dry, place scented drawer liners or sachets in your drawer to keep your lingerie smelling fresh. Hassett Green London Four Pack Scented Drawer Liners is a great option for a subtle, long-lasting fragrance.
- Lightly spritz: If you prefer, lightly spray your drawer with your favourite perfume for a personalised touch.
Step 3: Evaluate and Organise Your Lingerie
Once you've purged, it's time to evaluate what's left. Sort your lingerie into categories like everyday bras, special occasion pieces, bralettes, panties, and sleepwear. This will help you identify what you have and what you might need to replace or add to your collection.
- Group similar styles: Organise your lingerie by type, colour, or fabric. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your drawer looking neat.
- Check for gaps: Do you need more everyday basics? Or perhaps a few statement pieces for special occasions? Make a list of what's missing so you can shop intentionally.
Step 4: Store Smart
Now that your drawer is clean and refreshed, it's time to organise your lingerie in a way that's both functional and visually appealing.
- Use drawer dividers: Compartmentalise your drawer with foldable dividers, like the ones from Evance, to keep categories separate and easy to access.
- Fold or roll: Fold bras neatly or roll panties to save space and prevent wrinkles. Store bras with the cups nested to maintain their shape.
- Rotate seasonally: If you have a large collection, consider storing off-season pieces in storage boxes to free up space.
Step 5: Maintain Your Lingerie Collection
To keep your underwear drawer in top shape, make maintenance a regular habit.
- Weekly touch-ups: Spend a few minutes each week tidying up your drawer and discarding any items that no longer belong.
- Proper care: Wash your lingerie according to care instructions to extend its lifespan. Check out our guides on How To Wash Lingerie In 4 Easy Steps and Top 5 Best Lingerie Detergents for expert tips.
Step 6: Treat Yourself to New Lingerie
After all your hard work, reward yourself with a few new pieces to complete your lingerie refresh. Whether you're replacing broken underwires or adding a few luxurious items, investing in high-quality lingerie is always worth it. At Olyinka Lingerie, we offer beautifully designed pieces that combine comfort and style — explore our collections.
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning your lingerie drawer is a great way to refresh and renew your intimate wardrobe. After you've completed your spring clean, treat yourself to some new pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. At Olyinka Lingerie, we offer high-quality garments that are designed to fit your body perfectly — sign up to our newsletter below to get 10% off your first order.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to upgrade your lingerie collection with Olyinka. Take the spring-cleaning challenge and let us know how it went!
