Shapewear Care Mistakes to Avoid: Tips for Keeping Your Fajas in Top Condition

Your faja is an investment in your comfort and confidence. Whether you wear a waist cincher daily or a post-surgical bodysuit during recovery, proper care is essential to maintain its compression, shape, and durability. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make shapewear care mistakes that lead to stretched-out fabric, broken boning, or faded material—shortening the life of their garment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common faja care errors and show you how to avoid them. With the right habits, your Fajas Salome shapewear can keep performing at its best for months longer. Let’s dive in.

Mistake #1: Washing Your Shapewear in Hot Water

Hot water is one of the biggest enemies of shapewear. The heat can break down the elastane and spandex fibers, causing them to lose their elasticity and compression. This is especially damaging for high-compression garments like the Sports Waist Trainer: Latex & High Compression | Salome 852, which relies on tight, responsive fabric to provide its shaping effect.

Always wash your fajas in cold water (below 30°C / 86°F). Cold water is gentle on the fibers and helps maintain the garment’s shape and compression. If you need to sanitize your shapewear, use a gentle antibacterial wash instead of hot water—it’s just as effective without the damage.

• Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
• Hand washing is even gentler if you have time.

Mistake #2: Using Harsh Detergents or Bleach

Strong detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners can degrade the delicate fibers in your shapewear. Bleach can cause discoloration and weaken the fabric, while fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce their ability to compress. This is particularly harmful for garments like the Abdominal Board: Flat Tummy Support with Side Coverage | Salome 2516, which relies on firm, structured support.

Opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent that’s safe for delicates. Avoid any products with optical brighteners or enzymes. A small amount of gentle soap is all you need to keep your faja clean without compromising its integrity.

• Look for detergents labeled 'gentle' or 'for delicates'.
• Never use chlorine bleach; if needed, use oxygen-based bleach sparingly.

Mistake #3: Wringing or Twisting Your Shapewear to Dry

After washing, it’s tempting to wring out excess water, but this can twist and stretch the fabric, ruining the shape of your faja. Twisting can also damage the internal boning or silicone strips, like those in the Strapless Shapewear Bodysuit Boyshort: Non-Slip Silicone Lace | Salome 412, leading to a less effective fit.

Instead, gently press the water out with a clean towel. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel and roll it up, pressing lightly to absorb moisture. Then, reshape it and lay it flat to air dry. Never hang shapewear to dry, as the weight of the water can stretch it out.

• Reshape the garment while damp to maintain its intended silhouette.
• Dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Mistake #4: Machine Drying or Using High Heat

The dryer is another major culprit in shapewear damage. High heat can melt the synthetic fibers, causing them to become stiff, brittle, or misshapen. Even a low-heat cycle can be risky, as the tumbling action can stress the fabric and seams. This is especially critical for post-surgical garments like the Fajas Salome 0525 Post Surgical Full Body Shaper with Sleeves, which must maintain precise compression for recovery.

Always air dry your shapewear. Lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, away from direct heat sources. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed up the process, but never use a hairdryer or place it near a radiator.

• Air drying takes a few hours, but it’s worth the wait for longevity.
• If you must use a dryer, use the no-heat or air-fluff setting, but it’s still not recommended.

Mistake #5: Folding or Storing Shapewear Incorrectly

How you store your shapewear matters. Folding it in half or cramming it into a drawer can create creases that weaken the fabric over time. For structured pieces like the Shapewear Bodysuit: Abdomen & Upper Back Control | Salome 413, improper storage can cause the boning to bend or break.

The best way to store shapewear is to lay it flat in a drawer or on a shelf. If you must fold it, do so gently along the natural seams, and avoid placing heavy items on top. For bras and bodysuits, consider hanging them by the straps (if they have them) to maintain their shape, but for most fajas, flat storage is safest.

• Keep shapewear in a separate drawer or compartment to avoid crushing.
• Avoid hanging heavy shapewear by the straps, as this can stretch them.

By avoiding these common shapewear care mistakes, you can extend the life of your Fajas Salome shapewear and keep it performing at its best. Remember to wash in cold water with gentle detergent, air dry flat, and store properly. With a little extra care, your fajas will continue to provide the support and shaping you love for a long time.