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How to wash a bra: the ultimate bra care guide

Washing and drying your bras correctly is key to making them last longer. Although bras are everyday items of clothing, they are quite delicate and need to be washed and dried properly. This will ensure that they keep their good fit and shape. In this article, we will answer some important questions about bra care such as how to hand wash bras and how to dry them properly.

Find your new perfect bra

How to wash bras in the washing machine

Can bras be washed in the washing machine? Double check the care label to make sure that the material is machine washable. Most bras are labelled with a symbol indicating that they should be hand washed. If you want to be on the safe side, you should hand wash them. However, many bras can also be washed on a gentle cycle if you follow a few basic rules:

Choosing the right wash cycle

To protect the delicate materials and the shape of your bra, you should select a delicate cycle. Many washing machines have a special cycle for delicates, which will gently clean your bras.

Ideally, you should set your washing machine to the lowest possible spin speed or omit the spin cycle altogether. It is also important to not overload your washing machine, even on a gentle wash cycle. Also, avoid washing bras with heavy items of clothing or towels, as this can damage them.

Tip

Here’s how to protect your bras from damage in the washing machine:

Make sure you fasten the hooks on your bra before putting it in the washing machine. It’s also a good idea to put your bras in a laundry net. This will help protect them from damage in the wash and prevent them from getting tangled up in other items of clothing.

Choosing the right temperature

The delicate wash cycle gently cleans your garments in plenty of water at low temperatures. This washing machine programme is therefore the ideal choice for delicate items of clothing. As a rule, bras should be washed at a maximum temperature of 30°C or 40°C. This protects the fibres and prevents the fabric from becoming misshapen.

Tip: Although bras are underwear, they do not need to be washed at high temperatures. Your bras will be hygienically clean even after being washed at 30°C.

Choosing the right laundry detergent

To protect the colours and delicate fabric of your favourite bras, use a mild detergent. Alternatively, use a special lingerie detergent. Avoid using fabric softener on bras and underwear as this can damage the elastic fibres.

How to hand wash bras

Not all types of bras can be washed in the washing machine. Bras made of delicate fabrics such as silk and lace often need to be carefully hand washed. This will help to prevent your favourite lingerie from getting damaged in the wash. Below, we have put together a short guide on how to hand wash bras.

  1. Fill a sink or a small washbasin with lukewarm water.

  2. Add a mild laundry detergent, following the dosage instructions on the packaging.

  3. Place your bras in the water and leave them to soak for a few minutes. While they are soaking, you can clean them by carefully swirling them in the soapy water. Be careful not to rub them too much, even when washing them by hand.

  4. Rinse your bras in cold or lukewarm water.

  5. Gently squeeze any excess water out of the cups. However, do not wring them out as this can damage the elastic.

How to wash sports bras

Although sports bras are often easier to care for than regular bras, they need to be washed more frequently. It is best to wash your sports bra after every wear, as deodorant residue and sweat can damage the elastic fabric over time, reducing its supportive function.

Check the care label: many sports bras can be machine washed at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle cycle without any problems. Hand washing is also a good option, but if possible, you should soak your sports bra for longer (approx. 30 minutes). Always wash removable pads by hand.

To help keep the fabric elastic and breathable, use a mild laundry detergent and avoid fabric softener. If you are washing other sportswear items alongside your sports bra, consider using a special sports laundry detergent.

Sport bras for active women

Tip

Do not iron bras, as this can damage the delicate fabric. If your bra has become misshapen or the cups are creased, ironing them will not help. In this case, we recommend replacing your bra.

How to dry bras

As a general rule, you should never put bras in the tumble dryer. The high temperatures can damage the delicate fibres, causing your bras to lose their shape.

Do not hang bras up to dry. Hanging a bra up by its straps or one side of the band will cause these areas to wear out over time. Also, avoid hanging your bra by the centre gore (where the cups meet), as this can cause it to bend.

It is best to let your bras air-dry flat. After washing, lay them out on a towel and then spread them out on a drying rack. Make sure the opening of the cups faces downwards. To prevent colours from fading and the material warping, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a radiator.

Find your new perfect bra

Bra care FAQs: How to wash and care for your bras

How often should you wash your bras? Should you hand wash them or use the washing machine? How long does a bra last? Below you will find answers to the most important questions about bra care.

How often should you wash your bras?

How often you should wash your bra depends on a couple of factors. For example, if you have been sweating a lot, such as when playing sports or on warm days, you should wash your bra after every wear.

In general, you can wash your bras once you have worn them three to five times. However, you should not wear the same bra for several days in a row. Always let it air out for at least one day. Never put worn bras back in the drawer, even after airing them out.

Should you hand wash bras or wash them in a washing machine?

A lot of bras are made from delicate fabrics such as lace or silk. Ideally, lingerie made from these fabrics should be washed carefully by hand, as regular washing machine cycles can damage them. Realistically, there is not always enough time to do this every day. One possible alternative is to wash your bras on a gentle cycle, but we recommend checking the care label beforehand.

How should bras be stored?

Unlike other types of underwear, storing bras can take up quite a lot of space in your wardrobe. To prevent them from becoming misshapen, avoid squeezing them into a cramped drawer. Keep the following dos and don'ts in mind when putting your bras away:

  • If there is enough space, you should always put your bras next to each other in a drawer. Alternatively, you can gently place them on top of each other to save space.

  • Depending on the type of bra, you can fold it at the centre gore to save space when stacking. However, you should never fold the cups inside each other, as this can cause them to become misshapen.

  • The hooks on your bra should always be fastened so that they do not catch on other clothes and cause holes.

  • Make sure your underwear drawer isn’t too full, otherwise the bra cups will get squashed. If you are short on space, consider using a separate storage box.

How long does a bra last?

The lifespan of a bra depends on the quality of the fabric, how often it is worn and how well it is cared for. If you look after your bras properly, they can last between 8 months and a year if you wear them regularly. Your favourite bras or more expensive bras will often stay in your wardrobe for longer. This is why it’s important to regularly check that they’re still in good condition.

These useful tips will help you work out when it’s time to replace your bra:

  • The bra band or the straps are worn out and do not fit properly anymore.

  • The hooks can no longer be fastened properly.

  • The cups have become misshapen or the padding has visible creases.

  • The metal underwire is sticking out from the fabric of the cups.

  • The fabric is discoloured or frayed.

  • There are unpleasant odours or stains that cannot be removed.

Conclusion: How to wash bras to make them last longer

Taking good care of your bras will help them to keep their shape, ensuring that you can wear them for longer. You can significantly extend the lifespan of your favourite bras by washing and drying them gently and storing them correctly. Wash your bras regularly at low temperatures using a mild laundry detergent. Avoid putting them on high spin speeds in the washing machine and wringing them out after hand washing. Ideally, allow it to air-dry flat and avoid using a tumble dryer. This will protect the delicate fabric of your bra and prevent it from losing its shape.

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Image sources in chronological order in the text:

Cover image: iStock.com/shironagasukujira
1st image in the text: iStock.com/MixMedia
2nd image in the text: iStock.com/shironagasukujira
All other images in the text: C&A