How to Clean and Store Your Shapewear Bodysuit to Keep It Looking New

Quick Answer

Hand wash your shapewear bodysuit in cold water with a gentle detergent, then lay it flat to dry away from direct heat. Store it folded or hanging in a cool, dry place to preserve its compression and fabric. Avoid the washing machine and dryer to keep the shaping panels intact.

Your shapewear bodysuit works hard to smooth and support, so it deserves a little TLC to keep doing its job. Proper cleaning and storage not only keep it looking new but also maintain the compression that gives you that sleek silhouette. Here’s how to care for your bodysuit so it lasts through many wears.

Whether you own a ProFormTech Bodysuit with built-in waist training or a simpler shaping piece, the rules are similar: gentle handling, cold water, and air drying. Let’s walk through the steps to keep your shapewear in top shape.

Why Hand Washing Is Best for Shapewear

Shapewear is made with delicate compression fabrics and sometimes boning or panels that can break down in the washing machine. The agitation and spin cycle can stretch out the fabric, distort the shaping panels, and cause the boning to poke through. Hand washing gives you control and protects the integrity of the garment.

Even if the label says machine washable, hand washing is always the safer choice for longevity. It takes just a few minutes and can double the life of your bodysuit. Use a gentle detergent that’s free of bleach and fabric softeners, as these can degrade elastic fibers.

• Always check the care label for specific instructions, but hand washing is the safest default.
• Never use hot water—it can break down elastane and lose compression.

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Routine

Fill a basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge your bodysuit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric—do not scrub or twist. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to lift oils and sweat, then rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains.

To remove excess water, press the bodysuit between two clean towels—never wring it out. Wringing can permanently misshape the garment and damage the compression fibers. After pressing, roll it in a towel to absorb more moisture before laying it flat to dry.

• Use a dedicated gentle detergent like those for delicates or lingerie.
• If you have a spot stain, gently dab with a soft cloth and mild soap before soaking.

Drying and Storing Your Bodysuit

Always air dry your shapewear bodysuit. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators. Never use a tumble dryer—the heat will ruin the elasticity and can melt synthetic fibers. Hanging it by the straps can also stretch them, so flat drying is best.

Once dry, store your bodysuit folded in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging it in a closet, as the weight can pull the fabric and distort the shape over time. Keep it away from direct sunlight and humidity, which can cause discoloration and mildew. If you have multiple shaping pieces, store them separately to prevent snagging.

• Fold the bodysuit neatly, placing tissue paper between layers if you want extra protection.
• Store in a cool, dry place—avoid attics or basements with high humidity.

Quick Care Steps for Your Shapewear Bodysuit

1. Hand Wash in Cold Water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a gentle detergent. Submerge your bodysuit and gently squeeze, then soak for 10 minutes. Checkpoint: Avoid scrubbing or twisting—this can damage the fabric and compression.
2. Rinse and Press Dry: Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains. Press between clean towels to remove excess water, then roll in a towel to absorb more. Checkpoint: Never wring out your bodysuit—this can permanently misshape it.
3. Air Dry Flat: Lay the bodysuit flat on a dry towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat. Checkpoint: Avoid tumble drying and hanging—both can stretch or damage the fabric.
4. Store Folded: Once completely dry, fold your bodysuit and place it in a drawer or on a shelf. Store away from humidity and direct light. Checkpoint: Hanging can distort the shape over time—always fold.

Products That Benefit from Proper Care

• ProFormTech Bodysuit - Short - Black: ProFormTech Bodysuit: The Future of Fitness Wear Step into the next generation of activewear with the ProFormTech Bodysuit, designed to combine innovation, confidence, and functionality. Featuring a built-in waist trainer, this revolutionary bodysuit shapes your waistline instantly while providing unmatched support for your tummy, core, back, and bust. With its advanced ProFormTech compression technology, you'll... The built-in waist trainer and compression technology need gentle care to maintain their shaping power. Hand washing and flat drying help preserve the advanced fabric's performance.
• 360 Shaping Vest: FINAL SALE - NO RETURNS OR EXCHANGESOur most comfortable daily wear band will soon become your favorite shaper! This ultra-breathable, must-have, high-compression shaper offers full support for the upper back, waist, and lower abdomen. Soft, and cooling to the skin, the ultra-smooth material is lightweight while offering maximum compression that seamlessly shapes your body. The barely-there boning gives back support... The lightweight, high-compression material and boning require careful handling to avoid damage. Proper cleaning keeps the cooling fabric effective and the boning in place.

With a little extra care, your shapewear bodysuit can keep its shape, compression, and comfort for many wears. Hand washing and proper storage are simple habits that pay off in the long run. Follow these steps, and your bodysuit will look and perform like new.