10 Bra-Washing Tips for Long-Lasting Lingerie

A good quality bra is an investment, and needs a little bit of care to keep it in good shape for years to come. Here are our top tips for washing and storing your bras.

How often should you wash your bras?

Of course this depends a bit on your lifestyle and climate - if you are sweating a lot thanks to menopause or warm weather, you may wish to wash after every wear. In general however, we'd suggest washing after every 2-3 wears. Excessive washing can wear out the elastic in your bra, making it sag and lose supportiveness. On that note, it's also wise to let your bras rest for a day after each wear, so that the elastic in the band can relax back into shape. Have 2 or 3 bras in daily rotation, and don't wear the same one 2 days in a row.

How to hand wash your bras

Most of our bras are happy with a delicates cycle in the washing machine, but if you prefer to handwash we suggest these steps:

  1. Close any zips or hooks and eyes on the bra.

  2. Add a tablespoon of detergent designed for delicates to a basin of warm water and swirl to mix.

  3. Submerge the bra in the water and swirl gently about—do not twist or wing the bra.

  4. Let the bra soak for 5 minutes or so.

  5. Carefully rinse to get rid of the detergent, without twisting or wringing the bra.

  6. Roll the bra in a clean, dry towel, squeezing the towel to remove excess water.

  7. Reshape the cups if necessary and leave flat to dry.

 

How to machine wash your bras

A mesh laundry bag is an essential tool for bra washing. It prevents the bra twisting and stretching in the wash cycle, which can pull it out of shape and damage the elastic, shortening its life. 

  1. Close any zips or hooks and eyes on the bra.
  2. Place it in a mesh bag.
  3. Select the delicate cycle on your washing machine.
  4. Use cold water and a detergent designed for delicates (ordinary detergent can attack the fibres in elastic fabrics such as swimwear and lingerie).
  5. When the cycle finishes, remove the bra from the mesh bag and reshape the cups if needed.

How to dry your bras

Dryers are the enemies of elasticated fabrics! Even at low heat they will damage the elastic and can warp underwires. Ideally, dry your bras flat on a towel. If you hang them, avoid hanging them by the straps as these will stretch due to the weight of the wet fabric. 

How to store your bras

The best way to keep your bras looking their best is to store them flat. Folding them in half with one cup tucked into the other, or hanging them, will cause their shape to change over time.

And that's it!  With proper care your bras will be looking great for years to come.

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