How Often Should You Wash a Bra?
For many of us bras are an essential part of our outfit, offering support, comfort, and confidence. However, there's often confusion about how frequently bras should be washed. You only need to do a quick Google search do find contradicting information with some sources saying you should wash daily, and others after every few wears. To clear the air and ensure your beloved bras remain in great condition, so you can enjoy them for years to come let's delve into the question of how often you should wash a bra.
Before we discuss washing frequency, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of bra care to prolong their lifespan and maintain their elasticity and shape. Just like shoes, it's a good idea to rotate your bras. Having several bras in your collection allows each one to rest between wears, helping them maintain their shape. Not sure how many bras you need? Check out blog on how to build a core lingerie collection.
We’ll get onto this a bit later but while we recommend hand washing your bras when you can, if machine washing your bras is easier and more convenient, we suggest using a lingerie bag. By placing your bras in a lingerie bag, it prevents the hooks from catching on other garments and the straps from stretching.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO WASH YOUR BRA?
Now, let's get to the main question: how often should you wash your bras? According to our garment technologist, Lois Siciliano it all depends on what you’ve done while wearing it. For normal use we recommend washing your bras after every 2-3 wears. This allows you to maintain a balance between cleanliness and preserving the fabric's elasticity. If you're particularly active or perspire heavily, you may want to wash them more frequently.
On that topic bras that you wear for special occasions or infrequently can be washed after each use, as they aren’t intended for daily wear. We recommend the same when it comes to sports bras, especially if you’ve had a particularly sweaty workout.
Now you know how often to wash your bra, the next question to be answered is how to wash your bra? As previously mentioned, we recommend hand washing your bras where possible. For delicate bras, those with lace or underwire, consider hand washing with a mild detergent. Not only does hand washing your bras help it last as long as possible it also saves on water and energy, hopefully saving you a bit of money on those household bills. Quicker than washing in a washing machine, fill up your clean bath or sink with cool, clean water, then give your bra a gentle squeeze to remove some of the water (but no twisting or wringing as this can damage the elastic).
Despite this if hand washing still isn’t your thing, we recommend using your most delicate wash at the lowest possible temperature and preferably with no spin to wash your bras. As mentioned, if you’re using your washing machine make sure to use a lingerie bag. If you can, opt out of using fabric conditioner as it can soften the elastic and cause it to stretch over time.
Our number one rule we live by at Pour Moi is not to tumble dry your bra. The heat can lead to the misshaping of the bra, stretching the elastic, and even melting the wire. We recommend laying the bra on a clean, dry towel and and roll up to soak up even more excess moisture. Then hanging it on the clothesline from the bridge in the centre front between the cups.
If you want more information on how to care for, wash and dry your bra check out our dedicated lingerie care guide.
In the debate about how often you should wash a bra, the key takeaway is that it largely depends on your lifestyle, activities, and the specific bra in question. Generally, bras can be worn multiple times before washing, as long as they maintain their shape and cleanliness. However, always remember to follow care instructions to ensure the longevity of your bras. A well-cared-for bra not only provides support but also saves you money in the long run. So, take care of your bras, and they will take care of you!
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