How to wash and care for your bras

Bras are made of elastic, lace and fine fabric, and heat and rough washing wear all of them down. A few small habits help a bra keep its shape for longer. Always check the care label first, because it overrides general advice.

Washing

• Hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent is the gentlest option.
• If you use a machine, fasten the hooks first and use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle at a low temperature. Hooks catch on lace and other laundry.
• Skip fabric softener. It can coat the fibres and weaken the elastic over time.
• Do not wring or twist. Press the water out gently in a towel.

Drying

• Air dry, lying flat or hung by the centre panel between the cups. Hanging by the straps can stretch them.
• Avoid the tumble dryer and direct heat. Heat is hard on elastic and moulded cups.

Everyday habits

• Rotate two or three bras so that the elastic gets a day to recover between wears.
• Store them cups nested or laid flat, not crushed into a drawer.
• Do not sleep in an underwired bra unless it is designed for it.
• Wash lace items on their own, or with similar delicate items.

When it is time to replace one

There is no exact date, because it depends on how often you wear a bra and how you wash it. The signs are more useful: the band has stretched and only fits on the tightest hook, the straps no longer stay adjusted, the fabric is fraying, or a wire is bending or poking through. A bra that does not hold its shape is no longer supporting you.