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- Read the instructions.
- Washing in cool or cold water is always a good idea.
- How to hand wash a bra.
- How to wash a bra in a washing machine.
- Common bra care questions.
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When you have a fuller bust there are so many things to take into consideration, from buying the right fitting clothes to what sort of exercise you participate in. When it comes to looking after your bras, there are a few things that you should know so that they last the distance. This means that you don’t have to go bra shopping as often, have more money in your pocket and more time to do fun things.
Read the instructions.
This is easier said than done when the label has washed off or you’ve cut it off when you purchased it (most likely the latter). If you do still have the instructions, they might just be a bunch of symbols. They can sometimes look like hieroglyphics, so we have deciphered them here.
If in doubt a general rule of thumb for all bras is: Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent and dry in the shade.
If you have preformed moulded cups, these are meant to be washed within a ‘preformed moulded cup bag’ to retain their shape. One problem though — they usually don’t make the bags big enough to fit big boobie bras.
Solution: It’s a good idea to hand wash these so they don’t get too damaged in a normal wash and remember to always use a mild detergent without any bleaching agents.
Wires are another big problem for larger cup size bras as they are a lot longer too. When they’re washed in a washing machine, one end can sometimes get caught in the perforated drum and the rest of the bra becomes twisted and tangled, or worse — could break, bend or flex the wire. Either way, your bra will most likely never be the same again.
Solution: The best idea is to hand wash them, but if you’re short on time (or just lazy, we see you) you can pop them in a lingerie washbag and wash on a gentle cycle. Remember to always do up the hooks and eyes so that they don’t get caught on anything.
Washing in cool or cold water is always a good idea.
This is better for the environment and better for your bras. Here’s why:
- Colour saturation can become diluted when heated. Basically, your bra will look more faded and possibly transfer onto other clothes.
- If you have a white bra, it will be more likely to absorb the other colours of the wash and look dirty.
- The wire channel could shrink when heated (these sometimes have cotton content – just like when your jeans shrink after a wash). If the channel shrinks too much, the wire can pop out.
- The elastane fibres in the elastic and fabric will deteriorate more quickly (aka the fuzzy elastic band like fibres) and break. This will mean the recovery of the fabric will not work as well, and therefore not fit as well.
- Washing in warm or hot water uses over 75% more energy for a usual wash compared to that of cold water.
How to hand wash a bra.
- In a bucket, basin or sink — add cool water and ¼ the amount of detergent required for a machine wash.
- Add bras and squeeze gently to allow them to soak up the water.
- Leave to sit or gently swish for 5 minutes.
- Gently rub together any spots or areas of staining such as underarms, elastics, underbands and top cups.
- Squeeze gently.
- Rinse twice or until the water runs clear without detergent.
- Add softener to a fresh tub of water and swish again for 5 minutes or so.
- Rinse once and either lay flat or hang to dry in the shade.
How to wash a bra in a washing machine.
- Do up the hooks and eyes of your bra.
- Fold in half and pop in a wash bag.
- Wash on a cool wash and gentle cycle using non-bleaching detergent with fabric softener.
- Spin cycle should be 600-800 maximum.
- Lay flat or hang to dry in the shade.
Common bra care questions.
Q) How often should I wash my bra?
A) If you have worn it for a full day, then it will most likely need a wash. You have perspired and this will be absorbed into the fibers of your bra. If left unwashed, this can discolour and also deteriorate your bra more quickly.
If it’s a sports bra, wash after each session of exercise, especially if you have sweated even a little.
If you only wear your bra for a few hours, then this should be ok to wear again.
Q) How do I store my bras?
A) You can pair the cups if they aren’t moulded with foam or spacer. If they have preformed moulded foam cups or spacer cups, then don’t pair the cups as this would mean one is inside out. Lay flat and then you can stack other bras behind this one in a row. You can keep your briefs folded in the cups to ensure they don’t collapse.
Q) How long should a bra last?
A) A usual bra should last about 6 months if normal care is taken. If extraordinary care is taken, this can be longer. This also all depends on how many bras you have, how often it is worn and how often it is washed.
Q) How should I dry my bras?
A) Heat is a big no no, this will damage the fibres like warm and hot water and actually make them deteriorate quicker. Avoid direct sunlight, tumble dryers and also lava. All of these things are very bad for your bras.
Please note that a bra that is too small for you won’t last as long as a well fitting bra. This is because the elastics and fabrics will be at their maximum extension when being worn and these stresses will mean the bra will break down quicker. Think of a taut rope on a dock. When you’re shopping for your ideal bra, remember to choose a size that fits so that it will last longer too.
Treat your bras like you would treat your best friend. Respect them and they will support you and have your back. Don’t wear the same one for too long, or they may have a tanty and need some time alone.
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Disclaimer: SugarCandy does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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