How to wash your bra

A good bra is an absolute essential. It provides support, boosts your confidence, and can give you the feeling of a complete outfit. That’s why it’s important to take care of your bras in the best possible way.

If you have a favourite bra, you probably wear it often. And if it’s worn often, it needs to be washed from time to time. But how can a bra be washed to ensure it can be worn again and again?

How do you wash bras?

The best way to wash your bra is by hand. If you choose to wash it in the washing machine, there are some risks you need to be aware of. Regardless of the wash programme you choose, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the type of detergent you use.

You should never use fabric softener when you wash your bras, as it can damage the elasticity. Soap is not a complete no-go, but if you are using detergent, it’s best to use one that’s as mild as possible – preferably one for delicate washes.

To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to remove any removable padding or accessories before you wash your bras.

How do you wash your bras by hand?

The very best thing you can do is wash your bras by hand. You can do it in a bathtub or in the sink, and it doesn’t require much more than water and some soap. It can seem more demanding than simply tossing them into the wash, but you’ll quickly get used to it, and it means you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite bras for longer.

Washing by hand is especially good if you’re washing underwire bras. Machine washing is tougher on the bras, meaning there’s a larger risk of the underwire breaking or holes being formed in the fabric, and you can even risk damaging the other clothes that are in the same wash.

In fact, it’s very simple to wash a bra by hand. Simply let the bra soak in the water with a little detergent for delicate garments, rinse it, and hang to dry. There are two important things to remember: first, the water should not be too warm; second, the bra should not be left to soak for too long, especially if it’s a coloured bra. Use lukewarm water as hot water damages the elasticity, and letting the bra soak for too long means you risk the colour fading.

If you wash your bras in a washing machine

Sometimes, the option of washing your bras by hand is simply out of the question, and at other times, it’s easier to take the easy route and let the washing machine do the work. Or you might simply prefer to wash your bras in the washing machine – it’s not forbidden, of course. It just shortens the life of the bra and is riskier.

1. The first thing you need to do is fasten all the hooks. It can end badly for both the clothes and washing machine if one of them gets stuck.

2. Next, we recommend placing the bras in a laundry bag. This way you avoid the above-mentioned scenario. Plus, it’s much gentler on your bras to wash them this way.

3. When you’re ready to start the wash, you should of course follow the washing instructions. Generally, it’s best to use a gentle programme and never wash your bras at more than 30 degrees. We also mentioned detergent, which should be gentle, and fabric softener, which should not be used at all.

How often should a bra be washed?

It’s a personal choice how often you wash your bras, but it rarely needs to be every day or after every use. On the contrary, washing a bra can wear it down, so it’s a good idea not to do it too often.

Many follow the rule of thumb: a bra can be worn 3-4 times before it needs to be washed. Of course, it’s up to you to decide if this applies to you. If you sweat a lot, you may need to wash it after every other use – this could be during the summer, for example. There are also, of course, sports bras, which should be washed after every use.

A tip is to have several bras in your drawer to switch between. This way, you always have one to wear when the other needs to be washed. At the same time, it’ll be longer before you need to wash them again.

How to dry your bras

Let’s get one thing straight: you should never dry your bras in a tumble dryer. The high temperature does nothing good for them – you simply need to let them air dry.

After you’ve washed your bras – either by hand or in the washing machine – you might have the urge to wring your bras before you dry them, but don’t! Instead, try to gently shape your bra so that it returns to its original shape, especially if it’s been machine washed and has become misshapen.

When it comes to drying, it’s best to just lay your bras out to dry. Lay them with the cups facing upwards on a towel or similar and let them dry on their own. Incredibly simple and easy. Then they’re ready to be worn again and again.