How to Store Bras

Moulded, padded and T-shirt bras

These have foam cups that hold a fixed shape, and are the ones storage can ruin.

• Lay them flat and open, then line them up in a row, each one nested behind the last like spoons.
• Do not fold one cup into the other. It inverts the foam and leaves a crease or dimple that shows through clothes.
• Do not squash them under heavier clothes.
• Tuck the straps into the cups to keep things tidy.

Unlined, soft and non-wired bras

These are more forgiving. Fold them in half at the centre with the cups together, tuck in the straps and band, and stand them in a row or lay them flat. Bralettes and crop tops can be folded like any other clothing.

Wired bras

Avoid anything that bends or twists the wires. Store them flat or lined up, never rolled or crammed. A bent wire will press on you at one point and can work its way out of the casing.

Before putting them away

• Make sure they are fully dry. Damp fabric in a closed drawer goes musty and elastic deteriorates.
• Fasten the hooks, so they do not catch on lace or mesh.
• Reshape the cups with your hands.

Organising a drawer

• Use a shallow drawer, or dividers, so bras sit in a single layer or row.
• Group by type: everyday, sports, strapless and occasion.
• Put the most recently worn at the back and take from the front. This rotates them without thinking about it and gives elastic time to recover between wears.
• Keep bras separate from anything with zips, hooks or Velcro.

If you have no drawer space

• Hang them on a hanger by the centre panel, or with both straps over the hanger. Several fit on one.
• Use hooks on the inside of a wardrobe door.
• Use a shelf box or fabric organiser with compartments.

Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Heat and UV light break down elastic and fade colours.

Travelling

1. Stack moulded bras together, cup into cup, all facing the same way.
2. Fill the hollow of the front bra with rolled socks or underwear, so it cannot be crushed.
3. Place the stack at the top of the case or along a firm edge, not in the middle under shoes.
4. Pack soft bras flat or folded among clothes.

A hard-shell bra case is worth having if you travel often with moulded or strapless bras.

Storing bras you are not wearing

For bras put away for months, such as a pre-pregnancy size, wash and dry them first, fasten the hooks and store them flat in a breathable cotton bag or a box, somewhere cool and dry. Elastic ages even when unworn, so check the band still has its stretch before relying on one again.

Washing and drying habits matter as much as storage: see how to wash and dry bras.

Frequently asked questions

Should you fold bras in half?

Not moulded or padded ones. Pushing one cup inside the other creases the foam, and the dent can become permanent. Soft, unlined bras and bralettes can be folded without harm.

How do you pack bras in a suitcase?

Stack moulded bras cup into cup, fill the hollow with socks or underwear, and lay them flat at the top of the case or along one edge. A rigid bra travel case protects them fully.

Is it better to hang bras or keep them in a drawer?

Either works. Flat in a drawer, lined up cup behind cup, is the usual way. Hanging by the centre panel on a hanger or hook suits anyone short of drawer space. Avoid hanging by one strap for long periods.