Should You Wash Your New Bras Before You Wear Them?
When you buy a stunning new lace demi-cup bra or a seductive satin plunge bra, you basically can’t wait to wear it, right? Maybe you find an excuse to slip it on that very night, or you eagerly search for an occasion in the upcoming weekend. But hold on a second — should you wash it first? Or can you give into the impatience and sport it straight away?
We totally get the temptation. Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when making that decision. Here’s what you need to know:
Possible irritants
Many dyes used to give fabrics their hues as well as finishing resins sprayed on yarns contain recognized skin irritants. Of course, these vary based on the country the textiles were manufactured in (the laws on chemical use differ). Still, the thing about bras is that they’re worn directly against the skin. So washing them before you wear them is especially crucial if you happen to have dermatitis, eczema, or other skin conditions that are prone to frequent flare-ups. And the last thing you want is red patches of inflamed skin or an itchy rash, right?
Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras
The ick factor
Real talk: When you buy a bra from a store, you’ll never know how many other women tried it on before you. And beyond that, there are even more women who may have touched it or picked it up while considering it without ever taking it into the fitting room. If that doesn’t freak you out, consider this: Even if that bra you bought was taken from the back stockroom and never tried on, there are still lots of people who have handled it, from store employees to the workers who made and packaged it.
Obviously, hands play host to a ton of germs. So if you wear your new bra without washing it first, you’re exposing yourself to that bacteria — plus dead skin cells from others who tried it on before you. These concerns are clearly not as applicable to bras purchased online, as far fewer people have handled them.
So, should you wash your new bras?
Yes! You should definitely wash your new bras before wearing them. Of course, looking back, you’ll likely remember many times that you purchased some new bras and put them on right away without suffering any consequences. The bottom line is that washing bras before you wear them is an advisable cautionary measure, especially if your skin is sensitive. It may seem like a nuisance, and we know you’re antsy to take advantage of your new purchases. But washing them first will give you peace of mind. Think of it this way: When you finally slip that exciting new piece on, you can rest assured that it’s truly clean.
Related: 5 Tips To Keep Your Bras Looking New For Longer
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!
