How Long Should You Keep Your Bra?
Bras aren’t designed to last forever, but there are things you can do to keep your lingerie looking new for as long as possible. How often you wear your bras and how you care for your bras plays a role in how long they last. The quality of the bra and fit also contributes to its lifespan. Bras with cheap fabrics, stretchy bands, and poorly constructed cups will need to be replaced much sooner than a higher quality style.
When it comes to fit, a bra that’s too small will experience stress on the elastic and underwire. Alternately, the cups will start gapping and wrinkling if you’re wearing a bra that’s too big and the band will only be able to provide a little support when worn on the tightest hook.
So, how long should you keep your bra? We’re sharing when to donate (or toss) your bra in our guide below.
How long should a bra last?
It depends on how you care for your bras and if you’re wearing the right bra size. A perfect fitting bra should last 6 months to 1 year with regular wear and proper care. Special occasion bras will last even longer (usually until your bra size changes). Sports bras are typically made of strong, low stretch fabrics to reduce bounce and provide support and lift, so they’re designed to last a while as long as you take care of them.
Is it ok to wear the same bra every day?
It’s never a good idea to wear the same bra two days in a row. Always rotate your bras so you can give them a break. Wearing the same bra every day prevents the bra’s elastic from relaxing back to its original shape. It can also lead to the band and straps stretching out way before they should. Plus, it’s not the most sanitary option. Bras trap sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. If you’re wearing the same bra every day, you’re probably not washing it as often as you should.
How many bras do I need?
It really depends on your lifestyle, but 5-7 perfectly-fitting bras is a good start. If you’re building your lingerie wardrobe from scratch, we recommend starting with 2-3 every day bras of your choice, 2 sports bras, 1 bralette, and 1 strapless bra. Of course, you should adjust as needed. You might decide to hold off on purchasing a strapless bra until you need it or opt for a sexy lingerie set instead. It’s up to you.
Related: 6 Reasons Why It’s Bad To Wear The Same Bra Every Day
Parfait Active Sports Bra P5541 in Infinity Blue
How often should I wash my bras?
We recommend washing your bras after every 3-4 wears. Sports bras should be washed after every wear. During the summer months, you might find yourself washing your bras after every wear.
How should I wash my bras?
First things first, follow the instructions on the care tag. Delicate fabrics like silk and satin may need to be handwashed. Most bras can be handwashed in cool water with delicate lingerie soap. We recommend handwashing bras, but machine washing your bras is another option. Just be sure to hook your bras and put them in a mesh lingerie bag before starting the washer.
How should I dry my bras?
When drying your bras, never ever use the dryer. The heat can damage and warp the fit of the bra. Air-drying is best. For molded bras, dry them flat with the cups facing up. If you’re short on space, you could also hang your bras to dry, but be sure to not hang them by the straps as that can cause the straps to stretch. Instead, drape over the hanger by the center front – which is one of the areas of the bras with the least amount of stretch. Most center fronts are stabilized, so you won’t have to worry about your bra stretching out while it’s drying.
As you can see, the lifespan of a bra depends on a number of factors, but there are definitely things you can do to keep your bras looking new for as long as possible.
Related: Bra Shopping Guide: Tips For Buying New Bras
Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra P5311 in Black
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!
