Fishnet Lingerie Care 101: Washing, Storing, and Fixing Snags

Quick Answer

Hand wash fishnet stockings in cold water with a gentle detergent, never wring them, and lay them flat to dry. Store them folded in a drawer or hanging by the waistband, and repair small snags with a needle and clear thread before they become holes.

Fishnet lingerie is delicate by design—those open diamonds are beautiful, but they can snag, stretch, or tear if you treat them like regular clothes. Whether you own a classic pair of fishnet thigh highs or a strappy fishnet teddy, a little care goes a long way in making them last through many wears.

This guide covers the three essentials: how to wash fishnet stockings without ruining them, how to store delicate lingerie so it keeps its shape, and how to fix a snag before it turns into a run. Follow these steps and your favorite pieces will look great for years.

Washing Fishnet Lingerie: Step-by-Step

Fishnet stockings and lingerie are typically made from nylon or a nylon-spandex blend. These materials are strong but susceptible to heat and agitation. The safest method is hand washing. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent—one designed for delicates is best. Submerge the item and gently swish it for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting.

Rinse thoroughly in cold water until no soap remains. To remove excess water, press the garment between two clean towels—do not wring. Wringing can stretch the mesh and break the fibers. Then lay the fishnet flat on a dry towel to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag and select the delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they can degrade the elastic. Always air dry; a dryer will cause shrinkage and damage the netting.

• Use a mesh bag for machine washing as a protective layer.
• Skip the dryer completely—air drying is non-negotiable.
• Separate fishnet from items with hooks, zippers, or Velcro to avoid snags.

Storing Fishnet Lingerie Properly

How you store your fishnet pieces affects their longevity. Folding is generally safer than hanging, because hanging can stretch the waistband and the mesh over time. Fold the stockings or teddy neatly and place them in a drawer, ideally in a separate compartment or a soft pouch to prevent them from catching on other items.

If you prefer hanging, use a padded hanger and clip by the waistband, not the leg openings. This avoids creating pressure points that cause runs. For items like a fishnet teddy, hanging by the straps is acceptable as long as the hanger is not too wide.

Keep delicate lingerie away from rough fabrics like denim or towel loops. Moisture is also a concern—store in a dry place to prevent mildew. Silica gel packets can help control humidity in a drawer.

• Fold fishnet stockings flat to maintain their shape.
• Use a padded hanger when hanging teddies or bodysuits.
• Avoid overcrowding the drawer to prevent snags from adjacent items.

Fixing Snags and Runs in Fishnet

No matter how careful you are, snags happen—a hangnail, a piece of jewelry, or a rough edge on a chair can pull a loop. The key is to fix the snag immediately before it becomes a visible hole. A snag is a pulled loop; a run is a ladder that occurs when a stitch breaks. Both can be repaired with a bit of patience.

To fix a snag, gently pull the fabric in opposite directions around the pulled loop to distribute the tension. If the snag is small, this may make it disappear. For stubborn snags, use a needle or a crochet hook to pull the loop back through to the wrong side of the fabric. Then gently smooth the area.

For a run, apply a small amount of clear nail polish at each end of the ladder to stop it from growing. This is a temporary fix that works well on fishnet because the mesh structure hides the polish. If you want a more durable repair, use clear thread to stitch across the run, catching each side to secure it.

• Act quickly—ignore a snag and it becomes a hole.
• Pull the fabric in both directions to even out the mesh.
• Clear nail polish stops a run from lengthening.

5-Step Care Routine for Fishnet Lingerie

1. Check for snags before washing: Inspect the fishnet for any pulled loops or runs. Fix them before washing to prevent water and detergent from making them worse. A quick pre-wash check saves you from bigger repairs later.
2. Hand wash in cold water: Use a gentle detergent and gently swirl the garment. Avoid scrubbing or wringing. Cold water and mild soap protect the fibers and elastic.
3. Rinse and press dry: Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Roll the garment in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Never twist or wring—that stretches the mesh.
4. Air dry flat: Lay the fishnet on a dry towel away from direct sun and heat. Do not use a dryer. Air drying preserves shape and prevents shrinkage.
5. Store folded or hang carefully: Fold stockings and teddies in a drawer, or use a padded hanger. Keep away from rough fabrics. Proper storage prevents snags and extends the life of your lingerie.

Fishnet Pieces Worth Caring For

• Fishnet Thigh Highs -One Size and Queen available: Designed with a lace top for an elegant finish, these thigh-high stockings offer a classic fishnet style that pairs well with a variety of lingerie sets. Available in One Size and Queen sizes. Lace top adds a refined, feminine touch. The lace top is as delicate as the mesh, so hand washing and careful drying are essential to keep the lace from fraying or losing its shape.
• Fantasy Lingerie Pamela Caged Teddy With Detachable Garters: This caged teddy features sheer details and a strappy back, with a see-through design. Stockings not included. Strappy and sheer fabrics are prone to snagging on rough surfaces—store this teddy folded and avoid wearing it with sharp accessories.

With these simple habits—hand washing, careful drying, mindful storage, and quick snag repairs—your fishnet lingerie can stay looking sharp and last for many seasons. Give your delicates the attention they deserve, and they'll keep delivering the look you love.