Hand washing
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. A product for delicates is ideal. Avoid fabric conditioner, which coats elastic fibres, and bleach.
- Submerge the bra and press it gently through the water. Pay attention to the band and underarms.
- Leave to soak for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Rinse in cool water until it runs clear.
- Press the water out against the side of the basin or in a towel. Do not wring or twist.
Machine washing
If you use the machine, these steps prevent most damage.
- Fasten the hooks, so they cannot snag lace or other clothes.
- Use a mesh laundry bag. A structured or padded one protects moulded cups and wires best.
- Choose a delicate or hand-wash cycle at 30°C or cooler.
- Use a low spin.
- Wash with light items, not jeans or towels.
- Skip the fabric conditioner.
Always check the care label. Some bras are marked hand wash only.
Hand or machine?
| Bra type | Best method |
|---|---|
| Wired, moulded or padded | Hand wash, or machine in a structured bag |
| Lace, silk, embroidered | Hand wash |
| Non-wired cotton, bralettes | Machine in a mesh bag |
| Sports bras | Machine in a mesh bag, cool, after every wear |
| Strapless and adhesive styles | Hand wash; keep silicone free of conditioner |
Drying
- Reshape the cups with your hands while damp.
- Lay flat on a towel, or hang over a rail by the centre panel.
- Do not hang by the straps. The weight of a wet bra stretches them.
- Keep away from direct heat. No tumble dryer, no radiator, no strong sun.
How often
| Bra | Wash after |
|---|---|
| Everyday bra | 2–3 wears |
| Sports bra | Every wear |
| In hot weather, or if you sweat | Every wear |
| Nursing bra | Every wear, or sooner if damp |
| Strapless or occasion bra | Every 1–2 wears |
Body oils and sweat break down elastic, so leaving a bra unwashed for too long shortens its life as well.
Habits that make bras last
- Rotate. Do not wear the same bra two days running. Elastic needs time to recover.
- Rinse sports bras straight after exercise if you cannot wash them at once.
- Deal with stains promptly, with cool water. Hot water sets them.
- Store them properly. See how to store bras.
Even with perfect care, elastic has a limited life. The signs that a bra is finished are in how often to replace your bras.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash a bra?
After every two or three wears for an everyday bra, and after every wear for a sports bra or in hot weather. Rest a bra for a day between wears so the elastic can recover.
Can you put bras in the washing machine?
Yes, with care: hooks fastened, in a mesh bag, on a cool delicate cycle with a low spin. Hand washing is gentler and will make a bra last longer.
Can you tumble dry bras?
No. Heat breaks down elastane, which is what gives the band and straps their stretch. Air dry instead.
Is hand washing really better than machine washing?
It is gentler on wires, moulded cups and elastic, so bras keep their shape and support for longer. A careful machine wash in a bag is a reasonable compromise for sturdy everyday bras.
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