How to Properly Take Care of Your Bras

by Stephanie | Aug 27, 2018 | Basics

Bras are expensive! The last thing we want is for them to get ruined and meet an untimely demise.

You know that feeling when you get a new bra? Everything about it is so perfect. It’s a present just for you because sometimes you need to treat yourself. After all, you deserve it.

Lately, I’ve been really into fun colors. They give me that extra boost of confidence, even though nobody can see it. I know I look good! I’m sure you can relate.

Then one day you notice that the colors aren’t as vibrant, the band is stretched out, and the elastic is done. We wear that dingy bra for far longer than we should, hoping that one day we can breathe new life into it.

We are too stubborn to buy a new one because it’s our favorite bra after all. It’s finally broken in and comfortable. We are in denial about that worn out, sad excuse for a bra. Just remember, if you love something, set it free!

Depending on the condition, you can donate it. It should make you feel better to know that your bra is going to someone in need who will appreciate it.

The cold, hard truth is it’s time for a new bra. There, there *pats your head* everything will be fine. Here are some tips for keeping your bras lasting newer, longer.

How Many Bras Should You Own?

I guarantee we’ve all been in the situation where we have that one bra we wear EVERYDAY. Some of you guilty few might still be in this situation.

Ideally, it’s best to have 7 bras – one for every day of the week. However, I understand that’s not feasible for everybody. Like I said before, bras are expensive. Trust me, I get it!

The next best thing is to have at least 4-5 bras that you can alternate. I’m not saying to buy all of these bras at once, but build up your collection slowly, over time.

Bras are the most valuable article of clothing a woman owns. If you put your money into any garment it should be a good bra. You (for the most part) have to wear one every day so why not invest.

At the very least, don’t wear the same bra multiple days in a row, otherwise, the elastic will wear out faster. The oils from your skin deteriorate the materials.

The bra needs time to breathe and regain composure. Keeping your boobs supported is a tough job.

How To Wash Bras

Read the bra’s care tag for instructions on how to wash it.

Hand washing is mostly recommended. However, who has time for hand washing?

It’s perfectly fine to wash them in the washing machine.

You should wash your bras after 2-3 wears. However, during the summer or after sweat-inducing activity you will want to wash them more often.

Tips for how to wash bras in the machine:

Use a mesh lingerie bag
Make sure to clasp the closure together so that it won’t snag other items
Use baby shampoo or delicate lingerie detergent
Wash on a gentle cold cycle
Do a separate load for your lingerie so that the weight from other clothing doesn’t ruin them

How To Dry Bras

NEVER put your bras in the dryer. The heat damages the bra’s elastic as well as damage other materials in the bra. The dryer will cause the elastic to stretch and become poorly fitted.

Instead, lay your bras flat to dry. Alternately, you can hang dry a bra by the band, never by the straps. Hanging a bra by its straps will stretch them out.

You may put wet bras on a towel and gently pat out the excess water. You should NEVER twist or squeeze out the extra water. This could misshape the underwire or deform the cups.

How To Store Bras

DO NOT smoosh the cups together! I know it’s tempting.

Squishing the cups together saves space and the one cup conveniently fits inside the other cup. However, this is such a terrible habit because it deforms the cups.

Molded cups need to stay properly structured to continue giving your breasts a round, natural shape. If the foam has creases or distortion, it will be clearly visible under your clothes. The cups will begin to break down at a quicker rate.

Folding your cups can be especially appealing when you are traveling. The quick fix for this is to either get a bra travel case or to bring soft cup bras that won’t get ruined if they are flattened.

While your bras are not in use they should be organized in a drawer.

Conclusion

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Like most of you, I am busy and don’t have time to hand wash my bras. Honestly, I feel like my bras get the best cleaning when they are washed in the washing machine. I make sure to be extra attentive so that they do not get ruined.

Follow my tips and you should be on your way to having a long, happy relationship with your bras.

XOXO,

Stephanie

P.S. Let me know in the comments below which of these bad habits you are guilty of.