A bra does not only support your assets but also provides several other benefits. Bras have traversed a long path from the necessity to luxury. They not only add beauty but also serve the purpose.
A well-fitted bra can do wonders to that look and feel of yours, while a bad or shabby one can make you feel bad or ill-tempered.
Have you ever found the perfect bra? Whether it’s that t-shirt bra that looks good under everything or that lace plunge bra that is perfect for date night — we all have a favorite bra.
Today I’m offering some tips to help you preserve your favorite bras so they continue to serve you well over their lifetime.
12 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Favorite Bra
Just follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about a popped underwire or stretched elastic again!
Tip 1: Wash Your Bras Every 2–3 Wears
If you want to make your bras last longer, then you should have to know about its washing system. As we know that over-washing the bra can make its life shorter and in a similar way under-washing the bra means that you wear a dirty, germy, and sweaty bra. So it is very to know that when you should wash your bra for its longer life.
According to the study, you should wash your bra every 2 or 3 wear. By doing this your bra will remain clean, stay in a good condition for the long term and it also helps to make your bras last longer.
But also remember, in the summer season when you sweat a lot if you want you can wash your bra after every single wear as per your hygiene.
Tip 2: Buy a good lingerie wash
While you can wash your bras with baby shampoo in a pinch, a good lingerie wash is better. A good quality alcohol-free detergent removes dirt and helps preserve the fabrics and elastics in your bra so it holds up better over time. As a bonus, a great lingerie wash can make your bathroom smell incredible for hours afterwards!
There are lots of different versions of lingerie wash out there, so it can be fun to test out different options and find your favorite. Lingerie washes come in scented and non-scented versions, as well as types where you have to rinse your lingerie and types where you don’t have to. Experiment with what works for your style and sensitivities to find your perfect version.
Tip 3: Avoid Hot water during the wash
Heat is the enemy of elastic so never ever washes your bra with anything but cold or lukewarm water! Stretch fabrics and elastic are what ensure that your bra fits so well so you really want to be gentle with them and keep them away from the heat when you wash and dry them.
Be patient, hand wash in cool water, and hang dry to enjoy the longevity of your bra! Remember that when you wash your bra you should swish it around gently and soak it for at least fifteen minutes to get all of the dirt out!
Tips 4: Hand wash your bras instead of machine washing them.
This will help them last longer and maintain their shape. Here are some tips for hand washing your bras instead of machine washing them:
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the elastic to break down and the fabric to shrink.
- Gently agitate the water to create suds, then add your bras to the water.
- Use your hands to gently rub the bras together and clean them. Be careful not to stretch or twist the bras as you wash them.
- Rinse the bras thoroughly in lukewarm water until all the soap is removed.
- Gently squeeze the excess water out of the bras, being careful not to wring or twist them.
- Lay the bras flat to dry or hang them to dry. Avoid drying them in the dryer, as the heat can damage the elastic and fabric.
By hand washing your bras, you can extend their lifespan and maintain their shape and support.
Tip 5: Avoid drying your bras in the dryer.
Instead, lay them flat to dry or hang them to dry.
It is important to avoid drying your bras in the dryer because the heat and tumbling action of the dryer can damage the elastic and fabric of your bras. The heat can cause the elastic to break down and lose its stretch, which can affect the fit and support of the bra. The tumbling action can also cause the fabric to stretch out and lose its shape, which can make the bra less supportive.
In addition to damaging the elastic and fabric, drying your bras in the dryer can also cause them to fade and shrink. This can affect the appearance and fit of your bras, making them less comfortable and less appealing to wear.
By avoiding the dryer and allowing your bras to air dry instead, you can help them last longer and maintain their shape and support.
Tip 6: Carefully store your Bras
The easiest way to mess up a t-shirt bra or a molded cup bra is to store it in a drawer with stuff on top of it. Once a molded cup bra creases or flattens out it can be almost impossible to get it back into shape! If you have extra tissue paper and some additional storage space, you can stuff some balled-up paper in the cups to help them keep their shape. If not, just make sure that the cups nest inside each other and aren’t being damaged during storage.
If you can’t find space in your regular drawers, try getting one of those clear storage boxes from the store. They are just the right size to store a bunch of bras in and have lots of room to have them lie flat.
Tip 7: Rotate your bras
Lingerie experts recommend rotating your bras for several reasons:
- To prolong the life of your bras: Wearing the same bra every day can cause it to stretch out and lose its shape more quickly. Rotating your bras allows each one to rest, which can help them maintain their shape and structure for a longer period of time.
- To prevent odors: Wearing the same bra every day can lead to odors developing due to the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. Rotating your bras allows each one to fully dry out and air out, which can help reduce odors.
- To provide comfort: Wearing the same bra every day can cause irritation and chafing, especially if it is not the best fit or is made of materials that do not allow your skin to breathe. Rotating your bras allows you to wear different styles and materials, which can provide more comfort and support.
- To give your breasts a break: Wearing the same bra every day can put constant pressure on your breasts, which can be uncomfortable and cause issues like breast pain or cysts. Rotating your bras allows your breasts to have a break from constant pressure, which can be beneficial for their overall health.
Rotating your bras can help extend their lifespan, prevent odors, provide comfort, and give your breasts a break. It is generally recommended to have at least three to four bras in rotation, so you can wear a different one each day of the week.
Tip 8: Fasten the bra hooks before washing
We recommended fastening the bra hooks before washing to prevent the hooks from getting caught on other items in the wash and causing damage. When the hooks are fastened, they are less likely to get tangled up with other clothes or items in the wash, which can prevent snagging and tearing.
Additionally, fastening the bra hooks before washing can help the bra maintain its shape during the wash cycle. When the hooks are fastened, they help keep the cups in place, which can prevent them from becoming misshapen or stretched out during the wash.
Finally, fastening the bra hooks before washing can also help prevent the bra from getting lost or separated from other items in the wash. This can make it easier to find and organize your bras after they have been laundered. This can help protect the bra from damage, maintain its shape, and keep it organized with other laundry.
Tip 9: Avoid wearing your bra for too long
There are several reasons why we recommend our readers to avoid wearing your bra for too long:
- To prevent discomfort: Wearing a bra for an extended period of time can cause discomfort, especially if the bra is not the right size or fit, or is made of materials that do not allow your skin to breathe. Taking breaks from wearing a bra can help reduce discomfort and irritation.
- To prevent breast pain: Wearing a bra for too long can cause breast pain or discomfort due to the constant pressure on the breasts. Taking breaks from wearing a bra can help alleviate breast pain and allow your breasts to rest.
- To prevent breast cysts: Wearing a bra for too long can cause breast cysts, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that form in the breast tissue. These cysts can be uncomfortable and can sometimes require treatment. Taking breaks from wearing a bra can help prevent breast cysts from forming.
- To prevent damage to the bra: Wearing a bra for too long can cause it to stretch out or lose its shape more quickly. Taking breaks from wearing a bra can help prolong its lifespan and keep it in good condition for longer.
It is important to take breaks from wearing a bra to prevent discomfort, breast pain, breast cysts, and damage to the bra. It is generally recommended to take your bra off at night and to wear a different bra each day to give your breasts a break from constant pressure.
Tip 10: Avoid wearing your bra when it’s wet
Wearing a wet bra can cause damage to the bra and cause it to lose its shape or fit more quickly. This is because the moisture can cause the material to stretch out or become misshapen, which can cause the bra to lose its shape or fit.
Additionally, wearing a wet bra can provide a moist environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and the development of odors. This can cause the bra to become worn out or unsanitary more quickly.
Also, wearing a wet bra can be uncomfortable, as the moisture can cause the material to stick to your skin and create irritation. This can lead to chafing and discomfort, which can make it less enjoyable to wear the bra.
Allowing the bra to fully dry before wearing it again can help prevent damage, bacteria growth, and odors, and ensure that the bra is comfortable and in good condition.
Tip 11: Avoid wearing your bra under clothes that are rough or have rough edges
Clothes that are rough or have rough edges can rub against the bra and cause snagging, tearing, or pilling, which can damage the bra and cause it to lose its shape or fit.
Wearing a bra under rough or abrasive clothes can also be uncomfortable, as the roughness can cause irritation or chafing on the skin. This can lead to redness, discomfort, and possibly even skin irritation or rashes.
Finally, rough or abrasive clothes can also cause the bra to become unsightly more quickly due to the wear and tear that they can cause. This can make the bra less attractive and less pleasant to wear.
Tip 12: Avoid wearing your bra to bed
There are several reasons why we generally recommended to avoid wearing your bra to bed to increase its lifespan:
- To prevent damage to the bra: Wearing a bra to bed can cause it to become stretched out or misshapen, which can cause the bra to lose its shape or fit. This can occur due to the constant pressure on the bra from lying down, as well as the movement and tossing and turning that can occur during sleep.
- To prevent the growth of bacteria and odor: Wearing a bra to bed can provide a moist environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and the development of odors. This can cause the bra to become worn out or unsanitary more quickly.
- To prevent discomfort: Wearing a bra to bed can be uncomfortable, as the underwire and straps can dig into the skin or become tangled while you sleep. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and possibly even skin irritation or rashes.
- To allow your breasts to rest: Wearing a bra to bed can put constant pressure on your breasts, which can be uncomfortable and can cause issues like breast pain or cysts. Taking your bra off before bed allows your breasts to have a break from constant pressure, which can be beneficial for their overall health.
Allowing your bra to rest at night can help prolong its lifespan and ensure that it is comfortable and in good condition.
With these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your bras, maintain their shape and structure, and ensure that they are comfortable and in good condition for as long as possible.
Did you learn any new lingerie care tips from this article? If so, make sure to share it with your friends
