Should You Toss, Donate, Mend, or Keep Lingerie That Doesn’t Fit?
It can be hard to say goodbye to a favorite bra, but sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to make room for new bras that fit well and feel amazing.
When should you toss, donate, mend, or throw away lingerie? Read on for everything you need to know.
Toss
Toss anything that is stained, damaged, ripped, or beyond repair. Bras with underwire poking out, crushed or dented cups, and missing hooks and eyes, also fall into the ‘toss’ category. For underwear, unless it’s new with tags, toss it out. Also, toss used nursing bras, maternity bras, and sports bras. Remember: Most organizations (including Goodwill) won’t accept used or well-worn lingerie.
Donate
Donate new with tags and new without tags lingerie – basically, anything that you’ve tried on but haven’t worn for more than a few minutes. Bras tend to stretch and lose their shape with wear, so avoid donating bras and underwear that you’ve worn to pieces.
For more info on where to donate your bras, check out our guide here.
Related: The Best Places To Donate Your Old Bras
Mend
Before you part with a favorite bra, keep in mind that there are some bra components that can be repaired with needle and thread. Detached straps, stretched out bands, and underwire poking out of a bra can often be mended.
Keep
Now is the time to be nostalgic. Keep special pieces that were worn during a special moment in your life. Your wedding lingerie, boudoir photo shoot lingerie, a favorite vintage bra, or a beautiful robe that no longer fits but can be worn open are all worthy of a place in your lingerie wardrobe.
Keep anything that you’re on the fence about parting with, too. Hold onto those pieces and try to incorporate them into your outfits. If it’s a bra in a color you never wear, go through your closet and look for an outfit that suits it. Lastly, keep anything that puts a smile on your face – even if it no longer fits – or pass it on to a friend or family member that you know will love it too.
Final considerations
Bras can be expensive, so it makes sense if you haven’t cleaned out your lingerie wardrobe in a while. Of course, it’s also worth noting that you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re wearing lingerie that doesn’t fit. Book yourself a bra fitting at a local lingerie boutique. Everyone deserves lingerie that fits well and feels amazing.
Spring is the perfect time to clean out your closet and dresser drawers and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Pour yourself a glass of wine (or a favorite drink – alcoholic or non-alcoholic is your choice), put on some music, and try everything on in front of a mirror. Make your piles of things to keep, donate, toss, or mend, make a list of what you need to purchase, and then enjoy the process of building a beautiful lingerie wardrobe that makes getting dressed in the morning stress-free and fun.
Related: How To Build A Lingerie Wardrobe You Love
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!
