product 300 for example the straps 310 of the brassiere may be weaved into transverse bands 616 before snapping upper lip 602 and lower lip 604 shut to firmly hold the brassiere the shape of surfaces 612 and 614 in conjunction with the compressible material used therein provides a firm grip over straps 310 to withstand the strains of washing and drying while minimizing the risk of wear and tear recesses 618 house the remaining portion of straps 310 and or the connection between the brassiere and straps 310 as a result only a small part of product 300 is covered by holding element 130 and a majority of the surface area of product 300 is directly accessible to the washing liquid water and air for effective washing and drying holding element 130 further includes circulation holes 620 which allow washing fluids and air to circulate within holding element 130 thereby providing for washing and drying of portions of product 300 retained within holding element 130 as well in various embodiments finger tabs 622 are provided in at least one of lips 602 and 604 to facilitate easy opening of holding element 130 in certain embodiments hinge 606 includes a locking mechanism the locking mechanism when in an unlocked position allows lips 602 and 604 to rotate along hinge 606 relative to each other once the locking mechanism is turned to a locked position upper lip 602 and lower lip 604 are securely abutted against each other and hold.