How to Make Your Lingerie Last

Six simple habits that can help your favourite bras keep their shape, comfort and support.

Bras are made from a combination of delicate fabrics, elastic, straps, hooks, wiring and carefully shaped cups. They work hard each time you wear them, so the way they are washed, dried and stored can make a real difference to how well they hold up.

The reassuring part is that looking after your lingerie does not need to be complicated. A gentler wash, a little patience while drying and some extra room in the drawer are often all it takes.

THE SHORT VERSION: Avoid washing bras more often than necessary, hand wash when you can and use a laundry bag when you cannot. Keep them away from the tumble dryer, store them without folding the cups and judge when to replace them by their fit and condition—not a fixed date.

1. Wash less often than you think

An everyday bra does not necessarily need to be washed after every wear. Unless it has been a particularly warm day or you have been exercising, allowing it to air between wears may be enough.

Rotating between a few bras is helpful too. It gives the elastic time to recover rather than asking the same bra to provide support day after day.

There is no single washing schedule that suits every bra or every person. How warm the day has been, how active you were and how the bra feels should all guide you. Sports bras and anything worn during exercise should be washed after use.

2. Hand washing is kinder

Hand washing is usually the gentlest option, particularly for underwired, lace, padded or moulded bras.

Use cool water with a small amount of mild detergent and allow the lingerie to soak briefly. Move each piece gently through the water, rinse it thoroughly and press out the excess water without rubbing, twisting or wringing.

It takes a little longer than putting everything into the washing machine, but it helps protect the elastic, wiring and shape of the cups. Always check the individual care label before washing, as different materials may need different treatment.

3. Protect lingerie in the washing machine

Hand washing every bra is not always realistic. If the care label allows machine washing, a few simple precautions can help protect it.

Fasten the hooks first so they cannot catch on lace or other clothing. Place the bra inside a zipped laundry bag and choose a cool, gentle cycle with similar colours. Avoid overloading the machine and skip the fabric softener, which can affect the fibres responsible for stretch and support.

GOOD’S LINGERIE PICK: The Secret Weapons Laundry Bag helps keep bras and other delicates from becoming twisted, stretched or tangled with the rest of the wash.

4. Never tumble dry

Heat is particularly hard on elastic and can also distort padding and moulded cups. For that reason, bras should be kept out of the tumble dryer and away from radiators or other direct sources of heat.

After washing, gently reshape the cups and press the bra between two clean towels to remove some of the excess water. Do not twist or wring it.

Lay the bra flat to dry naturally, with the cups facing upwards. If you prefer to hang it, support it from the centre rather than the straps, as the weight of a wet bra can stretch them.

5. Store bras so they retain their shape

Moulded bras are best placed upright in a drawer, with one sitting neatly behind the next. This supports the cups, prevents dents and makes it easier to see what you have.

Avoid folding one cup inside the other. It may save a little room, but it can stretch the centre of the bra and alter the shape of the cups. Fastening the hooks before putting it away can also prevent them from catching on lace or delicate fabrics.

Make sure each bra is completely dry before returning it to the drawer. If space allows, keep tapes, straps and other accessories together in a separate section so they are easy to find when needed.

6. Know when it is time to replace one

There is no universal rule for how long a bra should last. A favourite worn several times a week will naturally work harder than one kept for occasional wear, while washing, storage and changes in your body can all affect its lifespan.

The fit will usually tell you more than the calendar. If the band rides up even on the tightest hook, the straps continually slip, the cups have lost their shape or the wire no longer sits comfortably against your ribcage, the bra may no longer be giving you the support it once did.

A change in fit does not always mean that the bra is worn out. Your size or shape may have changed too. A professional fitting can help establish whether you need a replacement, a different size or simply a different style.

A little care goes a long way

You do not need a cupboard full of specialist products or a complicated washing routine. Treating your lingerie gently, protecting it in the machine, keeping it away from heat and giving it enough room in the drawer are the habits that matter most.

For those little wardrobe problems that call for an extra helping hand, Good’s also stocks:

Explore the full Good’s lingerie accessories collection.

If your bras are no longer sitting or feeling as they should, visit the Good’s lingerie department in Kilkenny for a professional fitting or read our online Bra Fit Guide.