Are You Washing Your Bras Too Often? Here’s What You Need To Know
How often do you wash your bras? It may be something that you’ve never considered before now, but perhaps you should. When you wash these pieces of lingerie too often, it can lead to some real problems.
Here’s what you need to know:
Check the care tag first
Before you do anything at all, there’s one thing that you’ve got to be sure of. When you buy some brand new lingerie, you should always check the label or product description. Far too many people assume that all bras are suitable for the washing machine.
However, that is simply not the case. Whether you can wash your bras this way will largely depend on the type of material. Some light fabrics – such as silk, for example – could be ‘hand wash only’. When you check the fine print, you can make sure you get it right.
Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras
Look out for signs of over-washing
If you’re worried that you’re washing your bra too often, there are some major red flags that you need to watch out for. Needless to say, over-washing your lingerie will mean that it wears out much faster than it otherwise would.
That means that you could find that you need to replace it sooner than you would usually need to.
Here are some of the signs that you should be aware of when you’re checking out your lingerie:
Worn material
Of course, the fabric of your bra will naturally wear over time. That in itself is something that you can’t avoid. However, if the material starts to wear out after a matter of months, that is a bad sign. High-quality bras typically last 6-12 months or longer with proper care and wear.
Discoloration
How does the color of the fabric look? You need to make sure that the tone stays bright and vibrant at all times. When you find that the bra starts to lose its color, that could mean that you’re washing it too often or it could be due to a poor-quality dye. The sooner you notice this issue, the better.
Loose fit
How well does your bra fit? When you wash your bra too often, you may find that the fabric starts to get looser and looser. If you’re wearing the same bra every day and not giving your bras time to breathe in between wears, the pressure that you’re putting on the material could be causing this problem. If you find that your bra starts to become too baggy, that could be one of the major signs that you’re washing it too frequently (or it could a sign if a poor-quality bra).
Fraying
One of the other signs that you may well notice is fraying of the material. It’s most common to see this sign near the seams of your bra or lingerie. When you start to notice this problem, it could mean that the bra is starting to wear out. Make sure that you take good care of it so that it lasts a little longer.
Create a system that works for you
Washing your bra too regularly is a real issue. It could mean that you end up ruining a perfectly decent piece of lingerie. However, how often you need to wash your lingerie will depend on how often you wear it.
If you have a handful of bras that you rotate regularly, you may find that you also need to wash them on a regular basis. It’s a case of trial and error. In theory, when you have worn your bra 3-4 times, you should give it a wash (sports bras should be washed after every wear).
Let bras rest between wearing them
Here’s one of the best pieces of advice you need to know about: If you tend to wear the same bra on a regular basis, you should allow it to rest between wears. For example, you might not want to wear the same bra two days in a row so you can give the elastic enough time to retain its original shape.
Instead, you should alternate between different bras so that you don’t wear the same piece too often. When it’s time to wash your bras, make sure that you use a delicate lingerie soap and a mesh lingerie bag (if you choose to wash it in the washing machine).
Final considerations
When you take the time to invest in a piece of lingerie, the last thing you want is to ruin it. Taking a little extra time to look after your finer pieces could be the answer. When you’re conscientious about how and when you wash your bras, it should make all the difference. Start rethinking your washing routine and figure out one that works for you.
Related: How Often Should You Change Your Bra?
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
