No matter how great your washing machine is, it's going to wear out your bras faster than hand-washing will. If you'd still prefer to machine-wash your bras, you can try to reduce wear and tear by taking a few precautions. Wash your bras in a small load of laundry. This is a good rule in general—and not just for bras.
The best way to protect your bras during a wash cycle is to place them inside a mesh laundry bag and wash using mild detergent and cool water on the delicate cycle setting, making sure to air dry afterwards.
How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.
You should wash your bra after 2 or 3 wears, or once every 1 or 2 weeks if you're not wearing it every day. Wash your jeans as rarely as possible, unless you're going for the distressed look. Wash sweaters as often as needed, but be careful not to stretch or shrink them as they dry.
The best way to wash bras and other delicate clothing is by hand, using a mild detergent. We recommend Soak because you don't have to rinse it out, so it's gentler on some fabric fibers (especially silk or wool) and saves water.
Hand-Washing
Fill the basin with warm (not hot) water and a tablespoon or so of mild detergent, then drop your bras in. Swish the bras around for a bit to make sure the water and detergent get worked into the bras, and leave them to sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Even with gentle usage and care, all bras will lose their shape over time as the elastic fibres in the band and straps begins to deteriorate. It's generally recommended that a bra should last anywhere between 6-9 months, although we think that with good care your bras should last a lot longer.
Over time, the energy applied – either by the stretching itself or by exposure to other elements like heat – causes the individual polymer chains in the material to break down. So while you can take steps to make your bra last longer, inevitably the elastic will stretch out due to wear and you will need to replace it.
Your breasts might sag if you don't wear a bra.
"There's a ligament called Cooper's ligament that anchors around the breast tissue," he says. "This causes more movement and bouncing around. In my opinion, the breasts will sag and get loose if a bra isn't worn for a long time."
As a general rule of thumb, it's important to have a healthy rotation of bras at the ready so that you're never left blindsided — and bare chested. All things considered, we'd suggest owning 11 bras in total in a couple of distinctive styles that range from everyday to on-occasion.
Most people have between one and four special occasion bras, though some may have more depending on their style and what type of clothes they like to wear. You might own anywhere between five and 15 (or even more) bras. It all depends on your lifestyle and your preferences.
Regular laundry detergent can be used for hand-washing any type of garment, but a specialty detergent like Soak Wash, a no-rinse formula, is our top choice when it comes to detergents for hand-laundering because of its ease of use.
Your detergent is too strong. “Bear in mind that most 'regular' detergent may be a bit harsh for your bras, and it can weaken the fabric over time,” says Zappe. “We recommend a gentle lingerie wash that's specifically designed to protect your delicates.
The bottom line is that washing bras before you wear them is an advisable cautionary measure, especially if your skin is sensitive. It may seem like a nuisance, and we know you're antsy to take advantage of your new purchases. But washing them first will give you peace of mind.
Unless you're regularly breaking into a sweat, you don't need to change your regular bra every day. A change twice a week (or at least once a week) is a good guideline to aim for. However, breaking into a sweat isn't the only thing that should prompt you to change bras.
The bottom line: "Generally speaking, wearing or not wearing a bra really won't have a significant impact on your overall health," Dr. Sahni said, adding that it's entirely a personal choice.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that wearing a correctly fitting bra during the day has any negative effects on health. However, a bra that does not fit properly can cause pain in the neck and the chest muscles. Excessively tight shoulder straps may also affect the shoulders.
For bras, you'll want to think about replacing them once the band is stretched out or when you begin to wear it on the tightest band setting. If the elastic doesn't have much life left, it won't give you the support you need, which can cause back pain and general discomfort.
Madeline Miller, a product specialist at The Laundress, agrees and recommends washing bras every two to three wears.
Is it OK to sleep in my bra? There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make a girl's breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
To hand wash your bras, simply soak them in cool water and detergent, and then gently rub your bra all over (paying special attention to the band and armpits) and rinse in clean, cool water. Some non-wired lingerie can be washed in the machine on a cool wash – but it's always best to check the label first.
While hand washing is ideal, we've designed our bras for women on the go. Just keep in mind that the gentler cycle, the better…with little to no spin. For extra protection, place each bra in a lingerie bag-clasped in the back to avoid snagging.
Yes they do shrink. Mine feel tight because they got less stretchy.