How often should you wash your bra?

How many times can you wear a bra before washing it?

There are some non-negotiables when it comes to how often you should wash certain items. Dishes? Within the day. Underwear? After every use. Your hair? At least once a week. But when it comes to other items, like your bra, it’s less clear.

My own washing habits are fairly regimented. I follow a rigorous schedule when it comes to my bedding and towels (fortnightly and bi-weekly if you’re asking), yet my bras are much more mood-dependent. Rather than a strict schedule, I wash them based on vibe. When did I last wear it? How sweaty did I get that day? Can I be bothered putting it back in the drawer, or is it easier to fling it into the hamper?

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Curious about the washing habits of others, we decided to poll Fashion Journal followers on Instagram, asking them how often they washed their bras. Six per cent of you said you washed them straight after wearing them, while 45 per cent said you did after two to three wears. Twenty-two per cent said you washed your bras every month and 26 per cent said you did every once in a while (no judgement here).

Of course, your washing cycle can depend on a variety of factors, like fabrication, what you did that day and your personal preference. While acknowledging that it might vary, I decided to reach out to Chloe de Winter, the co-ounder of lingerie label, Nala, to get her expert opinion on how often and how exactly, we should be washing our bras.

 

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Is there a hard and fast rule for how often you’re meant to wash your everyday bras?

According to Chloe, there is no strict rule for bra-washing. “The reality is, people have different levels of hygiene and we aren’t here to judge the gross gals,” she tells me. However, for those among us who operate best with rules and numbers, Chloe says washing your bra once every three wears is a good place to start.

Does the frequency change based on fabric or style?

Bras come in a range of materials, from cotton and silk to nylon and spandex, which can naturally impact how you care for them. When I ask Chloe if the material or style affects how often you wash it, she doesn’t flinch: “Absolutely,” she says.

“If you’re a sweaty human then that bra should go into the wash after one wear and sports bras should be hitting the washing basket often. Other bras though, like bralettes, mesh, modal and bio-butter nylon can all be worn a few times before washing.”

What is the best way to wash your bras and extend their lifespan?

While I’ve made a concentrated effort to take better care of my clothes and follow the wash instructions, I’m guilty of being fairly rough with my underwear. I usually put bras in a laundry bag, throw them in the dryer and call it a day. Unsurprisingly, I’ve started to notice a rapid deterioration in the quality of lingerie that should still have a long life ahead of it.

“Bras are made with a lot of technical craftsmanship so they should be washed gently and with care. That way, they’ll last forever… okay, maybe not forever but pretty close,” Chloe tells me.

Technically, handwashing your bras is ideal. However, noting that that isn’t always possible, she admits to regularly using a washing machine herself. “Use a laundry bag and wash on cold or warm, on a gentle cycle,” she says. “Don’t tumble dry, ever.”

How can people tell when it’s time to replace a bra, even if it still looks fine?

“Bras should feel supportive and comfortable,” Chloe says, echoing a key part of Nala’s philosophy. “If you’re buying poor quality bras that stretch over time, you’ll probably need to replace them more often.”

When it does come time to replace bras, she suggests going by the feel. Try to see whether the fabric is sitting flush against your body and whether it’s giving you the same level of support as when you first bought it.

For more on washing your intimates, try this.