This is the only piece of clothing that gets better from washing
I really didn't know this, but this is really the only piece of clothing that actually gets nicer and better from washing. But how often, that's also the question that keeps coming up on TikTok: how often can you wear your bra before it needs to be washed? Last week I was in a lingerie specialty store and she told me that this is the only piece of clothing that gets nicer from washing. So... Once a month? Every week? Or after wearing it once? We (yes, yes, we women) are quite divided when it comes to our bras. Because, how often can it actually go in the wash?
Your bra: how often do you wash it?
Okay, our bra does exactly what it does: keep your breasts upright. At least, if you have the right size. And your bra usually does that for about twelve hours a day, every day. So, that's why lingerie brands advise washing your bra after wearing it two to three times. After all, your bra is close to your armpits, read deodorant. But also sweat. That makes a bra not very hygienic.
What happens if you wash your bra too little?
If you don't wash your bra often enough, it can quickly turn into a breeding ground for bacteria. Mega gross. Especially if you don't throw it in the wash right away after a summer day or after a workout, your bra is full of sweat. You really don't want that. So, we need to wash more. Especially because, and here it comes: because that actually helps to keep the elastic in your bra in good condition. I didn't know that, I thought: don't wash too often because bras wear out from that and the elastic becomes loose. But actually, it's exactly the opposite. In fact, your bra can last longer and look nicer and better with regular washing.
Sweating: how it affects your bras
How often you should wash your bra also depends a bit on your sweat production. After a hot summer day, your bra might need washing sooner than after a quiet day. And for the sporty ones among us: just wash your sports bra after wearing it once. No discussion about that!
Is washing bad for your bra?
As mentioned earlier, washing is not necessarily bad for your bra. In fact, if you do it right, your bra can last for years. The elastic sometimes needs a little help to regain its stretch, and you do that by washing the bra regularly (the right way, of course!).
The best way to wash your bra
The safest way is to wash your bra by hand, especially if you have molded bras or bras with extra details. Are you not a fan of hand washing? Then choose the delicate wash program on your washing machine at a maximum of 30 degrees. Place your bra in a laundry bag, and preferably use a mild detergent that is specifically for lingerie. And don't forget: never use the dryer! Let your bra air dry on a rack. Don't put it in the closet with the cups squished together – that's disastrous for the shape.
How often should you wash your bra?
The tip I got in a specialty store: wash your bra after about three wears. This prevents you from wearing it too long with sweat and all kinds of bacteria. This way, your bra stays nicer and more hygienic for longer.
Washing bras in the washing machine
Just like I have no time and, especially, no desire for a hand wash? You can also just wash your bra in the washing machine. Want to do it the right way:
- Close the hooks of your bra and place the bra in a laundry bag. This prevents the hooks of your bra and other clothes from getting damaged in the drum.
- Preferably use a detergent for delicate fabrics. This is the most suitable for the delicate materials that a bra is often made of.
- Choose a special program for delicate fabrics. This ensures that you wash your bra at the right temperature (maximum 30 °C) and spin it gently.
- Restore the right shape in the cups and lay your bra to dry with the cups facing up. Never, ever put your bra in the dryer.
Bonus tip: Washing bras without a laundry bag
Do you also have a nice laundry bag? Then you can also use a pillowcase. Close the hooks of your bra and tie the pillowcase shut before starting the program. This way, your bra is extra well protected during washing.
Bra in the Washing Machine
- A sports bra can actually be washed at 40 °C, especially if the sweat smell lingers. Check the washing label just to be sure.
- Washing a stick-on bra is done in cold to lukewarm water with a little mild soap. Rinse well with water and let it air dry. Stick the protective film back on to protect the adhesive edge. This prevents dust or dirt from getting in and you can use the stick-on bra again later.
Different ways to wash your bra
As you can see, there are many ways to wash your bras. Always check the washing labels of your bras beforehand to make sure you're doing it right. This way, your bras will last longer and you'll enjoy them more.
I hope this has helped you well. Let them hang nicely, but then in a clean and often washed, lovely elastic bra. Cuckoo.
Also very important: the right cup size.
