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How to Properly Wash and Store Your Bras to Extend Their Lifespan

Treat Your Bras with the Care They Deserve

You’ve invested in quality lingerie. Maybe it’s soft lace that feels like silk or a sturdy everyday bra that gives you unbeatable support. Either way, you want it to last. But even the best lingerie won’t stay in top shape if it’s not properly cared for.

Here’s the truth: how you wash and store your bras directly affects their fit, comfort, and longevity. And for all those women across Australia and New Zealand who treat themselves to gorgeous, premium bras, learning how to look after them is essential to ensuring that money hasn’t been wasted!

Let’s check out how to wash and store your bras the right way. We’ll also bust some common myths and share tips that lingerie lovers swear by. Whether you’re caring for your first premium bra purchase or looking to upgrade your habits, you’re in the right place.

Why Bra Care Matters More Than You Think

Bras are delicate. They’re made with elastic fibres, underwires, lace, mesh, and fine stitching—all of which can wear out quickly without proper care. If you’ve ever noticed your bra losing shape, stretching out, or feeling uncomfortable after just a few months, poor washing or storage is almost certainly to blame.

When you buy premium bra styles, you're not just paying for the look—you're also investing in comfort, support, and durability. But even expensive bras can be damaged if you’re careless with them. Taking a few extra steps to care for your bras means you’ll enjoy that investment for much longer.

Washing Your Bras: The Right Way

Let’s face it—many of us toss our bras into the regular laundry and call it a day. But doing this regularly can destroy the fabric, warp the shape, and weaken the elasticity.

Here’s how to wash your bras correctly, step-by-step.

1. Hand Wash is Best (And Easier Than You Think)

Why hand wash?

It’s gentle, effective, and protects delicate materials. You don’t need any special tools—just a basin, mild detergent, and a bit of patience.

How to do it:

  • Fill a sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water.
  • Add a small amount of lingerie-friendly detergent.
  • Submerge the bras and gently swirl them. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
  • Gently rub areas like the underband or straps where sweat and oil build up.
  • Rinse in cool water until the detergent is gone.

Tip: Avoid twisting or wringing out your bras—this can damage the cups and band. Instead, squeeze them gently or press non-moulded styles between two towels.

2. Machine Washing: If You Must

Sometimes hand washing isn’t practical. If you need to use a machine:

Do this instead:

  • Always use a mesh lingerie bag.
  • Fasten the hooks to avoid snags.
  • Wash on a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water.
  • Use mild detergent—no bleach or fabric softeners.

Important: Never machine wash padded, wired, or lace bras without a mesh bag. You risk destroying the shape and fabric.

3. Skip the Dryer—Always

Dryers are brutal on bras. The heat can ruin elasticity, melt glue that holds foam cups in place, and warp bones and underwires.

Best practice:

  • Gently press your bra with a towel to remove excess water.
  • Reshape the cups with your hands while damp.
  • Lay flat on a clean towel or hang by the center gore (not straps!) to air dry.

Avoid direct sunlight or radiators—heat damages delicate materials just as much as tumble drying.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bras?

It depends on usage. A good rule of thumb:

  • Every 3–4 wears for regular bras
  • After each wear for sports bras or during hot weather
  • After 1–2 wears for lace or delicate fabrics worn in warm conditions

Rotating your bras is key. Wearing the same bra every day will stretch it out quickly. Have at least 3–5 bras in your rotation to give each one time to rest and recover.

Storing Your Bras: Keep the Shape, Save the Style

Washing is half the battle. How you store your bras also plays a huge role in preserving their shape and structure.

1. Stack, Don’t Fold

You’ve seen it before—bra cups folded into each other or twisted sideways to save space. This might look tidy, but it’s the worst thing you can do to structured bras.

Correct method:

  • Lay bras flat in a drawer.
  • Stack one behind the other, just like in a lingerie store.
  • Make sure cups are not inverted or bent.

This keeps the cups from creasing and maintains their fit for longer.

2. Use Drawer Dividers or Organisers

Drawer dividers are a small investment that makes a big difference. They keep your bras from getting tangled, crushed, or hidden under other clothes.

Benefits:

  • Easy access to different styles
  • Prevents damage from snagging
  • Encourages better rotation

Some women even label sections for everyday, strapless, sports, or bralettes. This not only looks great—it makes getting dressed easier.

3. For Non-Padded or Soft Bras: Fold Carefully

Bralettes or unpadded bras are more forgiving. You can fold them once or twice and stack them gently.

Still, avoid:

  • Tight folds
  • Overcrowded drawers
  • Tossing bras in with heavy or rough-textured garments

Even soft fabrics can lose shape over time if stored carelessly.

Bonus Tips to Maximise the Life of Your Most Premium Bras

You’ve spent the time choosing the right fit and style. Now let’s make sure that effort pays off long-term.

1. Rotate Regularly

Wearing the same bra over multiple days, or all day and then all night, breaks it down quickly. The elastic and stitching need time to "rest" between wears. Ideally, rotate at least three bras each week.

2. Check for Damage

Regularly inspect your bras for these signs:

  • Fraying edges
  • Small holes
  • Broken underwire channels
  • Loose stitching

A minor fix now can save a much-loved premium bra from becoming unwearable later.

3. Travel Smart

Use travel cases or pack bras in zip pouches. Stuff moulded cups with socks or underwear to help them hold their shape in transit.

4. Store Seasonally

Have seasonal lingerie? Store it in a breathable fabric bag or box. Keep it away from moisture, dust, or direct sunlight. Add lavender sachets for freshness (and to repel insects).

Common Myths About Washing Bras—Busted

Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:

Myth 1: "Washing bras by hand takes forever."

Truth: It takes 15 minutes max and your bras will thank you.

Myth 2: "It's fine to hang bras by the straps."

Truth: This stretches out the elastic. Always hang by the centre-front or lay flat.

Myth 3: "All bras can go in the washer and dryer."

Truth: Definitely not. Even the best machines are too rough for most premium bras.

Why It Matters—Especially for Premium Lingerie

When you shop from premium bra brands, you're choosing quality over fast, disposable fashion. These bras are made with finer materials, better stitching, and thoughtful design. But they also need a little TLC to keep them looking and fitting the way they did on day one.

Good lingerie is an investment. It should fit beautifully, feel comfortable, and last longer than cheaper alternatives. That’s only possible with the right care.

Conclusion: Care Today, Comfort Tomorrow

Looking after your bras isn't complicated—it just requires a few mindful habits. Wash gently. Dry naturally. Store smartly. These small steps can easily double the lifespan of your bras, saving you money and keeping you comfortable every single day.

For women in Australia and New Zealand who value quality, this isn’t just lingerie—it’s self-care. It’s about feeling confident, supported, and well-dressed from the inside out.

So, what are you waiting for?

Explore our full range and buy premium bra styles designed to last—because you deserve absolute comfort today, tomorrow, and this time next year!

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