Will Your Bra Band Stretch Over Time? Here’s What You Need To Know
Is your lingerie game on point? As the foundation of your wardrobe, ensuring that your bra sets are in the best condition is an essential life tip. When you’ve worn the same bra for quite some time, though, you may begin to notice that the band stretches out. No matter how high-end your lingerie is, this sad fate awaits all bras. Here’s what you need to know.
Should new bra bands be tight?
One of the biggest myths when it comes to lingerie is that your bra band should be tight. When you get a bra fitted correctly, the band should fit snug, but not uncomfortable. You shouldn’t find that it’s too tight or, worse, painful in any way. Ouch!
You could fix this problem by sizing up in the band (try your bra sister size) or by wearing the bra on a different clasp. But, remember: it’s always best to start new bras on the loosest hook. The general purpose of the band is that it gives you breasts the support they need while firmly holding the bra in place. If you’re struggling with a band that is too tight, you might want to get measured again.
Why do bra bands start to stretch with wear?
Nothing lasts forever. Not even fine lingerie. When you invest in a beautiful new piece of lingerie, you may hope that you’ll never have to replace it. The truth of the matter is that, just like other clothes, it will wear out at some point. The more that you wear and, indeed, wash your bra, the more likely the material is to lose its elasticity.
When that starts to happen, you will find that the bra band begins to stretch. At first, when you notice this problem, you may be able to adjust the bra and make it tighter. However, this is merely a short-term fix, and eventually, you will need to replace the bra itself when the bra band is too loose on the tightest hook.
Related: 6 Signs It’s Time To Buy New Bras
Ciara Bralette P5711 | Ciara Bikini P5713 in Surf
Can you make bras last longer?
The answer is yes. There are many ways in which you can extend the life of your bra. Taking proper care of your lingerie is one of the smartest ways to ensure that it stays in good shape throughout its lifespan. Everything from the way you store your lingerie to how often you wear it and how you wash it is certain to have an impact on how long each piece lasts.
Whenever you get a new piece of lingerie, you should make sure that you look after it as best you can. It may take a little more effort on your part, but it’s so worth it. Start by washing your bras with care and properly storing your bras so they don’t get crushed and bent in your lingerie drawer.
How long should you keep bras?
Not sure how long you should actually keep your bras? You’re not alone. Many women find it hard to figure out when they should throw out their bras. As a general rule, if you tend to wear the same bras regularly, you’ll likely need new bras every few months. Rotating your bras (never wearing the same bra two days in a row) is one of the best ways to prolong the lifespans of your bras. For example, if you wear a t-shirt bra once a week or so, you should find that it lasts six months to a year with proper care.
You might wonder why you should throw out your bra after this point. Well, while you can technically keep bras for as long as you like, as the band starts to stretch out, the bra will lose its support. 80-85% of a bra’s support comes from the band, so you’re doing yourself a disservice if your bra band isn’t fitting you properly. Be sure to keep this in mind if you’re debating throwing out a well-worn bra.
Signs your bra band is stretched out
Finally, let’s talk about some of the signs that your bra has begun to seriously stretch out. One of the first things that you will notice is that your bra feels looser than it did before. The bra band may ride up your back. You’ll likely be able to fit a hand or two between your skin and the bra band (with a properly fitting bra, you should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the band). If you take a closer look at the band, you might also see that there is some discoloration and that the fabric has started to fray and come apart. When these things happen, the best thing you can do is throw out the bra or, even better, recycle it, and shop for new bras.
Related: The Best Places To Donate Your Old Bras
Ciara Bralette P5711 | Ciara Bikini P5713 in Surf
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!
