Hey gorgeous!
How many of us actually know how to wash our bras properly? Not just toss them in with the rest of the laundry and pray they come out alive. Yeah, it’s okay, you’re not alone. Bras are more than just undergarments, they’re part of your daily comfort, confidence, and support system. One of the most common reasons bras lose their shape, stretch, or support too quickly is due to improper washing.
In this guide from Binnys USA, we’ll walk you through exactly how to wash your bras the right way, whether by hand or machine, so you can keep your lingerie drawer full of long-lasting favorites.
Why Proper Bra Washing Matters
Think about how often your bras get worn. They’re up close and personal with your skin, handling sweat, body oils, lotions, perfumes, and all the movement that comes with your daily hustle. Washing them regularly is non-negotiable, but how you do it can either extend their life or totally destroy them.
Improper washing can lead to:
- Stretched-out bands and straps
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Misshapen or wrinkled cups
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Broken underwires
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Faded fabric and damaged lace
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Loss of support and structure
Your bra should lift you up—literally and figuratively. That’s why knowing how to wash your bras is key to keeping them fresh, functional, and fabulous.
So, How Often Should You Wash Your Bras?
This part might surprise you: you don’t need to wash your bra after every single wear (unless you’ve just done hot yoga, chased your toddler, or danced through a concert crowd). But here’s a general guideline:
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Everyday bras: Wash after 3–4 wears
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Sports bras: Wash after every workout
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Lacy or delicate bras: Wash after 2–3 wears
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Bralettes or wireless styles: Wash after 2–4 wears
The goal is to strike a balance between keeping them clean and avoiding over-washing, which wears out the fabric faster.
Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash Your Bras
We’re gonna say it loud for the people in the back: hand washing is the gold standard when it comes to caring for your bras. We know it might sound like a chore, but trust us, it’s a small step that makes a huge difference.
Here’s how to hand wash your bras like a total lingerie goddess:
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Fill a basin with cool water.
Not warm. Not hot. Cool water helps preserve elasticity and shape.
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Add a small amount of gentle detergent.
You don’t need a ton—just a teaspoon of a mild, lingerie-safe detergent or baby shampoo will do the trick.
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Soak your bras for about 15 minutes.
Let them hang out and loosen up the oils and sweat.
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Gently agitate the water with your hands.
Swish them around, give the straps and bands a little attention, but no harsh scrubbing.
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Rinse with clean, cool water.
Make sure there’s no detergent left behind—leftover soap can irritate your skin and damage fabric over time.
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Press out the water gently.
Don’t wring, twist, or squish like you’re trying to juice an orange. Just press against a clean towel to remove moisture.
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Lay flat to dry.
Reshape the cups and air dry on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or heat.
If you're new to bra care, don't forget to check out our Guide to bra sizing.
How to Machine Wash Your Bras (If You Really Need To)
We get it, sometimes hand washing just isn’t realistic. While machine washing isn’t ideal, it can be done safely if you follow a few key rules.
What You’ll Need:
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A mesh lingerie bag
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Mild, gentle detergent
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Delicate or cold water cycle
Steps:
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Hook the bras to avoid tangling or snags
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Place them in a mesh lingerie bag to keep them protected
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Use cold water on a gentle cycle—no hot water, no harsh spinning
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Wash with similar soft garments only (no jeans, zippers, or towels)
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Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which weaken elasticity
Once washed, remove them promptly and move to drying; never let bras sit wet in the machine. Our bras are designed to last, and with a little care, they can maintain their luxurious feel for a long time. Explore Our Collection
Drying Your Bras the Right Way
If there’s one rule you never want to break, it’s this:
Do NOT use the dryer.
Dryers are one of the fastest ways to destroy a bra. The heat can melt delicate fibers, shrink fabric, warp underwires, and break down stretch.
Instead:
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Lay the bra flat on a towel
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Reshape cups and position straps neatly
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Flip after a few hours for even drying
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Avoid hanging by the straps—they’ll stretch out over time
The extra time spent air drying your bras will dramatically improve their lifespan and maintain support.
Bra Care Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Taking care of your bras goes beyond just washing them. Try these genius little tricks:
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Rotate regularly: Don’t wear the same bra multiple days in a row. Give it 24 hours to regain its shape.
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Store them right. Lay your bras flat in a drawer or stack them vertically (cups inside each other) to avoid denting or misshaping.
- Travel smart: Don’t squish your bras in your suitcase under your curling iron. Get a molded bra travel case to keep the cups from creasing.
- Skip the sink drama. Short on time? Use a salad spinner to gently press out water after rinsing. (Clean one, obviously.)
Once you’ve learned how to wash your bras the right way, these little habits will keep your drawer full of bras that look and feel brand new.
FAQs: Everything You’ve Wondered About Washing Bras
Q: Can I wash my bras with the rest of my laundry?
A: It’s not recommended. Bras have delicate fabrics, hardware, and elastic that can get snagged, stretched, or broken in regular laundry loads—especially if washed with jeans, towels, or anything rough.
Q: Is it okay to hand wash all types of bras?
A: Yes! In fact, hand washing is best for all styles, including padded, underwire, wireless, and lace bras. It’s the most gentle and effective way to preserve their shape.
Q: Can I use shampoo instead of detergent?
A: If it's a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo (like baby shampoo), it can be a suitable substitute in a pinch. Just be sure it doesn’t contain strong chemicals or added conditioners.
Q: How can I make my bras dry faster?
A: While air drying takes time, laying bras on a dry towel and flipping them after a few hours can speed up the process. Never use a hair dryer or place it near a heater.
Q: What’s the average lifespan of a bra?
A: With proper care, a good bra can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, or even longer. However, it depends on how often it’s worn and how well it's cared for.
Final Thoughts
Your bras do a lot more than just support you. They shape your day, your outfit, and your confidence. And when you treat them with the care they deserve, they return the favor tenfold. And at Binnys USA, we want every one of our bras to be your favorite.
That’s why knowing how to wash your bras the right way matters so much. With a little time, a few gentle steps, and a sprinkle of care, your bras will keep looking amazing and supporting you exactly the way they should.
Need new bras to love and care for?
Check out our latest arrivals at Binnys USA, designed for real women, real comfort, and real confidence. 💕