You've invested in a beautiful new bra-drobe that fits you like a second skin and supports you like no other - now how do you keep it looking ( and feeling ) its best for as long as possible?
It's one of the most often asked questions in our Pantries, so we've put together our tips and tricks for getting the longest life out of your most-loved bras ( and knix ). But first things first...
How often should I wash my bras?
The answer is, probably not as often as you think. Unless you're sweating into your bra, or you've stained or soiled it in some way ( it happens ), you probably only need to wash it after every 3-5 wears, especially if you're rotating it with other styles. Allowing your bra to rest between wears can also help the elastic to regain its original shape.
How should I wash my bras?
We always recommend washing your bras by hand, rather than by machine. Washing your bras by hand is the most gentle and thorough way to take care of them. Hand washing causes much less friction and agitation than machine washing, which is much better for delicate fabrics like lace and mesh - not to mention for snug, supportive underwires, which can be bent out of shape in a washing machine.
How to wash your bras by hand
Use a gentle detergent that's designed for handwashing delicate items, and doesn't contain bleach or enzymes. We love Norfolk Natural Living's Gentle Laundry Detergent, as it's kind to the skin, non-irritating and fragrance-free.
Whichever detergent you choose, follow the instructions on the bottle, or add a little product to cool but not cold water, fully submerging your bras. Gently clean the underarm area, taking care not to stretch or distort the shape of the bra, particularly if it's a wired style. Leave them there for a little soak ( 10-15 minutes should suffice ), before rinsing away any traces of detergent. If you're washing your bras in the bath, you can use cool water and a shower spray to do this. You should do this even if using a rinse-free product like Soak.
How to wash your bras in the shower
Bear with us, because this method is great for a quick refresh between washes.
While the idea of wearing and washing your bra in the shower may sound a little odd, once you've tried it, you won't look back. Not only is washing your bra in the shower a convenient, time-saving hack, but it's also great for the environment, as you're saving water!
It's also a wonderful way to ensure your bra stays moulded to the shape of your body, avoiding any unnecessary stretching or distortion, which will help to prolong its life.
You won't need a separate detergent either. Use your usual soap or shower gel - as they're designed to be gentle enough for your skin, they'll be more than delicate enough for your bra, and won't irritate sensitive areas.
How to dry your bras
Whether you wash your bras by hand or wear it in the shower, don't wring them out to dry, as this will reverse all your good work! Hang them up to drip dry. You can do this over a shower rail or over the tap, or hang them on a clothes dryer with a folded towel beneath to catch any water droplets.
Avoid drying your bras on the radiator, or near any other source of direct heat - as this will break down the elastic fibres. And never put them in the tumble dryer!
A note on washing your bras in the machine
We don't recommend washing your bras in the machine, even on a dedicated delicate or lingerie cycle - this can still be too rough and tumble for many bras. Not only can this reduce their lifespan, but the delicate materials can also be snagged on zips and buttons ( or, god forbid, a velcro shin pad! ), and underwires can be bent out of shape.
If you must machine-wash your bras, select a short, delicates washing program ( without a vigorous spin cycle ) and use a mesh underwear wash bag to help prevent snagging. Avoid putting any heavy or bulky items in with them ( like jeans or towels ).
