How to...
Make Bras Last Longer
Fuller bust bras are mighty, but they are delicate. In fact, all lingerie garments are delicate as they’re made up from so many different pieces and components.
There are a lot of things that can affect the lifespan of your bra, but how long should a bra last? Generally speaking, a bra should last between 6-12 months. The better you care for it, the longer it will last!
How to make your bra last longer
There are loads of ways you can help your bra last as long as possible, from washing them properly to storing them the right way. Not only will this make your life easier by not having to shop for bras as often (and therefore saving you money!) it also helps the planet, by reducing the number of bras that get thrown away when they could’ve lasted so much longer.
Here are our top tips and tricks to get the longest life possible out of your bras!
Wear the correct bra size
We know we say this a lot, but it’s extra important here: make sure you’re wearing the correct bra size! Not only does this help you feel as comfortable as possible in your bra, it means you’ll be helping to get the most out of it.
When your bra is new, make sure the band is fitting firm and supportive on the loosest set of hooks. Then, as the elastics stretch out through wearing and washing, you can move on to the middle and then the tighter hooks to help maintain that firm fit. With regular wear, you should be moving onto the next hook every 3-4 months, giving you 9-12 months of life from one bra!
Remember, your bra’s back band is what gives a minimum of 80% of the support in your bra. A back band that’s too loose can put unnecessary strain on the straps and cups which results in them wearing out much faster than they should.
Wear the right bra style for each activity
By this we mean making sure you’re leaving your everyday bras for just that – everyday use. When you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or doing any other form of exercise, swap out your regular everyday bra for a proper sports bra. They’re designed to endure higher impact activities and are made from special sports fabrics that hold up to excess movement and won’t be damaged by sweat.
If you’re going for a swim or using a sauna, make sure you’re wearing swimwear as the chlorine in pools or salt in the sea, and high temperatures of a sauna, can have a negative impact on your everyday bras.
Do you wear a bra to sleep? If so, opt for a non-wired option so you don’t risk warping the wires when you toss and turn in the night.
Put your bra on properly
We know this might sound strange, but the way you put your bra on can also have an impact on its lifespan. If you fasten your bra at the front then twist it around, you’re putting extra strain on the band and wires.
If you’re able to, put your bra over your shoulders first and fasten it at the back. It can take a bit of practice, but will soon become second nature and give your bras an extra bit of life! If you’re unable to do this, that’s ok – just make sure you’re being as gentle as possible when twisting your bra round. Move it slowly to avoid overstretching the band, and try to support the wires so they don’t bend or warp.
Washing and drying your bras
The ultimate death sentence for your bra is improper washing and drying technique. For the longest lifespan we always recommend hand washing your bras where possible, in line with the care label on your bra. If this isn’t possible then you definitely need a lingerie wash bag to help reduce the risk of damage to your bras in the washing machine (or damage to your washing machine caused by your bras!).
Absolutely never tumble dry your bras, the delicate fabrics and metal wires don’t get on well with extreme heat. It’s always best to air dry your bras flat or hanging from the centre gore to keep them in the best condition.
Bra storage
Our final tip for helping your bras last as long as possible is proper storage. Whether you have them in a drawer or hanging up, make sure they’re free from tangles so they don’t get snagged on each other.
For bras with padded or moulded cups, avoid folding them in on each other as this can cause the padding or foam lining to wrinkle and go bumpy, losing the smooth shape – instead, try stacking them up on top of each other so they keep their structure.
Top tip: slip the matching knickers onto the back band of your bra and fasten it before you pop it in the drawer. This keeps your sets together so you can pick one out easily without having to rummage around!
Give your bra a rest day
Just like us, our bras can benefit from a rest day too! We recommend giving your bra a day off between wears, in order to help the elastics shrink back a little so they don’t stretch out as quickly.
Making sure you’ve got a collection of at least 4 or 5 bras in your bra-drobe makes this easier – so you can wear one, rest one, and wash one without being caught short!
Keep your bras happy for a longer lifespan
We hope that give you some insight into how to make your bra last longer! Proper care, storage and wear can all contribute to a longer lifespan of your favourite bra, and help prevent things like wires poking out prematurely or back bands getting too stretched out too quickly.
Not only will following our top tips and tricks help your bras, it will help your wallet and the planet too as you won’t be needing to replace each bra so soon – massive win!
