How Long Should My Bra Last?

Jan 31 2019 0 Comments

 

How Long Should My Bras Last?

December 20, 2018   Published by Courtney Rappold

Bras aren’t designed to last forever, but there are ways to keep your lingerie looking new for as long as possible. How often you wear your bras and how you care for them play a big role in how long they will last. The quality of the bra and the way it fits will also contribute to its lifespan. A bra with cheap fabrics, stretchy bands, and poorly constructed cups will need to be replaced much sooner than a bra with higher quality material and construction.

How long should my bra last?

When it comes to fit, wearing a bra that’s too small will put stress on the elastic and underwire causing not only damage to the bra but damage to your breast. On the other hand, wearing a bra that’s too big will cause the cups to start gapping and wrinkling. Also, the band won't be able to provide the support you need. So, how long should you keep your bra?

The lifespan of your bra(s) depends on how well you care for them and if you’re in a proper-fitting bra. A rule of thumb here at Hourglass Lingerie is that your everyday bras should NEVER have a birthday! A proper fitting bra should last anywhere from 6 months to a year with regular wear and proper care. Even with proper care, from normal wear and tear the fabric will stretch, and the elastic and underwire will start to break down causing it to lose support over time.

Special occasion bras (Strapless, Bustier Bras, ect.) on the other hand should last much longer since they typically don't get worn as often. Sports bras, which are typically designed with durability to provide great lift & support will usually last a while as long as you take proper care of them.


How many bras do I need?

The amount of bras you should own will depend on your day to day lifestyle. On average, about 5-7 proper-fitting bras are good to have. This will allow you to rotate in between wears and washes and ensure you get the most use out of each bra, keeping them in good shape for months to come . Quality bras and lingerie can be costly, so if your just starting your collection it's good to start with at least 2-3 every day bras until you've built up your wardrobe. Depending on your lifestyle you might want to invest in at least 2 sports bras, and even a strapless bra too for special occasions or outfits. Of course, you can adjust your essential styles depending on your needs. If working out isn't your thing you might decide to hold off on purchasing a sports bra until you need it and opt for a sexy lingerie set and hosiery instead!

How to Care for my Bras & Lingerie?

Taking care of your lingerie is essential if you want it to stay clean, well fitted and last a long time. Keeping your intimates clean not only allows them to last longer, but also lowers the risk for any infections. When washing your lingerie you wanna keep a few things in mind;

1. It's recommended to hand wash your lingerie versus machine washing. If you opt for machine washing, use a mesh or lingerie bag works best to separate bras from other clothing items to help reduce any damage.

2. Delicate laundry detergents or mild intimate detergent work best.

3. Hang dry your lingerie ALWAYS!!! You never want to machine dry your bras, the heat will break down the elastic in your pieces.

It's recommended to wash your bra every 2-3 wears. And recommended to replace your bras every 6-12 months. Even with proper care and storage of lingerie the elastic will eventually become stretched and need to be replaced.

 

        When storing your bras, especially moulded cup bras you want to stack your bras one on top of another to help keep their shape. You never want to invert one cup into the other, by doing this you could damage the moulding. For more information on how to properly wash and dry your lingerie check out our Lingerie Care Guide.

 

 

 

 



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