Let’s be honest: Most of us have probably tossed a bra in the washing machine with our jeans, used regular detergent, or hung it up to dry in direct sunlight at some point. But here’s the thing: bras are delicate, hardworking pieces of clothing. They support our bodies every day, rely on elastic fibers to hold shape, and often feature fragile details like lace or underwire. Wash them the wrong way, and you’ll end up with stretched-out straps, misshapen cups, faded fabric, or even broken underwires—forcing you to replace them far sooner than necessary.
The good news? Washing bras correctly isn’t complicated. It just takes a little know-how, the right supplies, and a few minutes of extra care. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from gathering your tools to drying and storing, plus common mistakes to skip and pro tips to make your bras last for months (or even years). Let’s dive in.
1. Why Bra Care Matters (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Longevity)
Before we get to the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” A well-cared-for bra does more than just last longer—it’s also more comfortable and supportive. When elastic breaks down from harsh washing, your bra won’t hold its shape, leading to sagging cups, slipping straps, or underwires that dig into your skin. Over time, this can even cause discomfort or back pain, as your bra isn’t doing its job to distribute weight evenly.
Plus, bras come into close contact with your skin, absorbing sweat, oils, and bacteria. Proper washing removes these buildup—keeping you fresh and preventing irritation or breakouts. And let’s not forget the cost: a good bra can cost 30 to 100 or more. Extending its lifespan by 6–12 months means you’ll save money in the long run. So, taking 15 minutes to wash your bras correctly is an investment in comfort, health, and your wallet.
2. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies (And Choose the Right Ones)
You don’t need fancy equipment to wash bras—but using the wrong products can ruin them. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each item matters:
- Mild, Gentle Detergent
This is non-negotiable. Regular laundry detergent (especially powder varieties) is too harsh: it contains enzymes, fragrances, and alkaline ingredients that break down elastic fibers and fade delicate fabrics. Instead, opt for:
• Delicate laundry detergent: Look for labels like “for delicates,” “gentle,” or “wool-safe.” Brands like Woolite, The Laundress Delicate Wash, or even baby shampoo (yes, really!) work well—they’re pH-balanced and free of harsh chemicals.
• Avoid bleach or fabric softener: Bleach will discolor bras and weaken fibers, while fabric softener coats elastic, making it lose its stretch over time.
- Soft-Bristled Brush (Optional)
For stubborn stains (like deodorant or sweat around the underarms or band), a soft-bristled toothbrush or lingerie brush is perfect. It lets you gently scrub without damaging fabric or stretching the bra.
- Laundry Bag (For Machine Washing)
If you plan to machine-wash (more on that later), a mesh laundry bag is a must. It protects bras from getting tangled with other clothes, which can stretch straps, bend underwires, or tear lace. Choose a bag with a zipper (not a drawstring, which can come undone) and a size that fits 2–3 bras at a time—don’t overstuff it.
- Clean Towels (For Drying)
You’ll need a few clean, absorbent towels (preferably white or light-colored, to avoid dye transfer) to gently squeeze out excess water after washing. Avoid rough towels or paper towels—they can snag delicate fabrics.
- A Flat Surface (For Drying)
A drying rack, clean countertop, or even a bed (covered with a towel) works for air-drying. Avoid hanging bras by their straps (we’ll explain why later!).
3. Step 2: Sort Your Bras Like a Pro
Sorting might seem like a small step, but it prevents dye bleeding, fabric damage, and uneven cleaning. Here’s how to do it:
- By Color
Separate your bras into three groups:
• Whites and light pastels: These are most likely to pick up dye from darker colors. Wash them separately (or with other light-colored delicates).
• Darks (blacks, navys, deep purples): These can bleed dye, so keep them away from lights.
• Brights (reds, pinks, yellows): Bright colors are prone to fading if washed with harsh detergents or mixed with darks. Wash them together in cold water to lock in color.
- By Fabric and Delicacy
• Lace, silk, or sheer bras: These are the most fragile—wash them separately from sturdier styles (like sports bras) to avoid snags or tears.
• Sports bras: These are often made with moisture-wicking fabric, which can handle a bit more agitation (but still need gentle care). Wash them with other sports bras or sturdy delicates, not lace.
• Underwire vs. wireless: Underwire bras need extra care to avoid bending—wash them with other underwire styles (or alone) so the wires don’t get crushed by bulkier items.
- By Soil Level
Don’t wash a heavily soiled sports bra (from a workout) with a lightly worn everyday bra. The heavily soiled one will need more scrubbing or longer soaking, which could damage the cleaner bra.
4. Step 3: Hand-Washing: The Gold Standard for Bra Care
Hand-washing is the best way to preserve your bras. It’s gentle, lets you target stains, and avoids the agitation that breaks down elastic. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prep the Water
Fill a clean sink, basin, or tub with lukewarm water (never hot!). The ideal temperature is 30°C (86°F) or below—hot water shrinks fabric and melts elastic fibers. Add 1–2 teaspoons of mild detergent (less than you think—too much detergent leaves residue that irritates skin and makes fabric stiff). Swirl the water gently to mix the detergent until it’s sudsy.
- Soak the Bras
Submerge your sorted bras in the soapy water. Gently press them down to ensure they’re fully saturated, but don’t twist or wring them. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes—no longer. Over-soaking can cause dye to bleed and elastic to weaken.
- Gently Scrub Stains
After soaking, focus on dirty areas:
• Underarms and band: These absorb the most sweat and deodorant. Dip a soft-bristled brush in soapy water and gently scrub in circular motions. Don’t scrub too hard—you don’t want to fade the fabric or stretch the band.
• Cups: If the cups have sweat stains, gently rub the fabric together (like you’re washing a shirt) to lift the stain.
• Lace or delicate details: Use your fingertips instead of a brush—this prevents snagging.
- Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the bras under lukewarm (not cold) water until all the soap is gone. Soap residue can cause skin irritation and make the fabric stiff. To check if it’s clean, squeeze a small amount of water from the band—if it’s clear, you’re done. Avoid running water directly on lace or underwire, as this can stretch or damage them.
- Remove Excess Water (Without Wringing!)
This is the most important step to avoid stretching. Lay the bra flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel and bra together tightly (like a burrito) to squeeze out water. The towel will absorb the moisture—don’t twist or wring the roll, as this stretches the bra. Unroll the towel, then transfer the bra to a second dry towel to repeat if it’s still very wet.
5. Step 4: Machine-Washing: A Safe Alternative (If Done Right)
If you’re short on time, machine-washing is okay—but only if you follow these rules. Skip them, and you’ll ruin your bras.
- Use a Laundry Bag (Always!)
Place 2–3 sorted bras in a mesh laundry bag. Zip it closed tightly—this prevents straps from getting tangled around other clothes, which can stretch them beyond repair. Never wash a bra without a bag.
- Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature
• Cycle: Use the “delicate” or “gentle” cycle. This cycle has slower spin speeds and less agitation, which is easier on elastic and fabric. Avoid the “normal” or “heavy-duty” cycles—they’re too rough.
• Temperature: Set the water to cold or lukewarm (30°C max). Hot water is a disaster for bras.
• Spin speed: If your machine lets you adjust spin speed, choose the lowest setting (500 RPM or less). High spin speeds can stretch cups and bend underwires.
- Detergent and Load
• Detergent: Use the same mild detergent as hand-washing—1–2 teaspoons is enough. Don’t use pods, as they can leave residue on delicate fabrics.
• Load: Wash bras with other delicates (like panties, camisoles, or silk blouses)—never with jeans, towels, or sweaters. These heavy items can crush bras or snag lace. Don’t overfill the machine—leave room for the water and clothes to move.
- Unload Immediately
As soon as the cycle ends, take the laundry bag out and remove the bras. Don’t leave them in the machine—damp fabric can develop mildew, and sitting in water can stretch elastic. Proceed to dry them right away (see Step 6).
6. Step 5: Material-Specific Care (Lace, Sports Bras, Silk & More)
Not all bras are made the same—different fabrics need different care. Here’s how to handle common materials:
- Lace Bras
Lace is delicate and prone to snags. When hand-washing:
• Use a mild detergent (avoid anything with enzymes).
• Skip the brush—use your fingertips to gently rub stains.
• When drying, lay the bra flat on a towel—never hang it, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch the lace.
• If machine-washing, use a fine-mesh laundry bag (smaller holes than regular bags) to prevent lace from catching on other items.
- Sports Bras
Sports bras absorb sweat and bacteria, so they need a thorough clean—but their moisture-wicking fabric is still delicate:
• Pre-treat sweat stains: Before washing, spray the underarms and band with a gentle stain remover (or dab with detergent and water) and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Hand-wash or machine-wash on delicate: Avoid using fabric softener—it clogs the moisture-wicking pores in the fabric, making it less effective.
• Don’t dry in the sun: Sunlight fades the bright colors common in sports bras.
- Silk Bras
Silk is luxurious but fragile—hot water and harsh detergent will ruin it:
• Only hand-wash: Use a silk-specific detergent (like The Laundress Silk Wash) or baby shampoo.
• Cold water only: Lukewarm water can shrink silk.
• No soaking: Soak for 2–3 minutes max—silk absorbs water quickly and can weaken if left wet.
• Pat dry: After rinsing, lay the bra on a towel and pat (don’t roll) to remove water. Silk can water-spot, so avoid rubbing.
- Underwire Bras
Underwires can bend or pop out if not washed carefully:
• Hand-wash when possible: Machine-washing increases the risk of wires bending.
• If machine-washing: Place each underwire bra in its own small laundry bag (or a larger bag with only other underwire bras) to prevent wires from pressing against each other.
• Check for loose wires: After washing, gently press the underwire area to make sure the wire is still in place. If it’s loose, sew the casing shut with a few stitches before wearing.
7. Step 6: Drying: The Make-or-Break Step
Drying is where most people go wrong. Here’s how to dry your bras without ruining them:
- Never Use the Dryer
The dryer is the enemy of bras. High heat melts elastic, shrinks fabric, fades colors, and bends underwires. Even the “delicate” cycle is too hot—skip it entirely.
- Avoid Hanging by the Straps
Hanging a wet bra by its straps stretches them out. The weight of the wet cups pulls the straps downward, making them longer over time. Instead:
• Lay flat to dry: This is the best method. Lay the bra on a clean, dry towel (or a drying rack) with the cups facing up. Reshape the cups with your hands to make sure they don’t dry misshapen. If the bra has molded cups, gently press them into shape while they’re still damp.
• Hang by the band (if needed): If you don’t have space to lay flat, hang the bra from its band (not the straps) on a clothesline or drying rack. Use clothespins to attach the band to the rack—this keeps the cups from stretching.
- Dry in a Cool, Shady Place
Direct sunlight fades fabric and breaks down elastic. Dry your bras indoors (near a window with indirect light) or in a shaded outdoor area. Avoid drying them in a humid room (like a bathroom)—this can cause mildew.
- How Long Does It Take to Dry?
Most bras take 24–48 hours to dry completely, depending on the fabric. Sports bras (thicker fabric) may take longer, while silk bras dry faster. Make sure the bra is 100% dry before wearing or storing—damp fabric can cause mildew and stretch elastic.
8. Step 7: Storing Your Bras to Preserve Shape
Even after washing and drying, poor storage can ruin your bras. Here’s how to store them correctly:
- Avoid Folding the Cups
Folding a bra in half (cup to cup) can crease the fabric and misshape molded cups. Instead:
• Lay flat: If you have drawer space, lay bras flat in a lingerie drawer. Place them side by side, with the straps tucked under the cups to keep them neat.
• Stack carefully: If you need to stack, place a soft towel between each bra to prevent friction and creasing. Don’t stack more than 2–3 bras high—too much weight will flatten the cups.
- Use a Lingerie Organizer
A lingerie organizer (with small compartments) is perfect for keeping bras separate. Look for organizers with soft fabric (not plastic, which can trap moisture) and compartments that fit the size of your bras.
- Hang for Easy Access
If you prefer to hang, use a lingerie hanger (with clips) to hang bras by their bands. This keeps them visible and prevents stretching. Avoid hanging too many bras on one hanger—this can crowd them and misshape the cups.
- Don’t Store Wet or Dirty Bras
Never put a damp or dirty bra back in your drawer. Dirty bras harbor bacteria and sweat, which can stain fabric and cause odors. Wet bras can develop mildew—always dry them completely first.
9. Common Bra-Washing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are the most common ones—and how to skip them:
- Mistake 1: Washing Every Time You Wear It
You don’t need to wash a bra after every wear (unless you sweat heavily or spill something). Wearing a bra once or twice (for everyday use) is fine—washing it too often breaks down elastic. Instead, rotate 3–4 bras so each one gets a break between wears (this lets the elastic recover).
- Mistake 2: Using Regular Detergent
As we mentioned earlier, regular detergent is too harsh. It fades fabric, breaks down elastic, and leaves residue. Stick to mild, delicate detergents.
- Mistake 3: Wringing to Remove Water
Wringing stretches the bra’s band, straps, and cups. Always use the towel-rolling method instead.
- Mistake 4: Drying in the Sun
Sunlight fades colors and weakens elastic. Dry in a cool, shaded area.
- Mistake 5: Mixing Bras with Heavy Clothes
Washing bras with jeans, towels, or sweaters can snag lace, bend underwires, and stretch straps. Stick to washing bras with other delicates.
10. Pro Tips to Extend Your Bra’s Lifespan
Want to make your bras last even longer? Try these pro tricks:
- Rotate Your Bras
As mentioned, rotating 3–4 bras means each one is worn less often, so the elastic has time to bounce back. This can double the lifespan of your bras.
- Fix Small Issues Early
If a strap comes loose, a hook breaks, or an underwire starts to peek out, fix it right away. A few stitches or a replacement hook can save you from buying a new bra.
- Avoid Applying Lotion or Perfume Near Your Bra
Lotion and perfume can stain bra fabric (especially light colors) and break down elastic. Apply them 10–15 minutes before putting on your bra, and let them dry completely first.
- Know When to Replace Them
Even with perfect care, bras wear out. Here’s how to tell it’s time for a new one:
• The band rides up your back (it should stay parallel to the floor).
• The straps slip down constantly (even after adjusting).
• The cups are misshapen or gaping.
• The underwire bends or pokes you.
• The fabric is faded, stretched, or has holes.
Most bras last 6–12 months with regular wear and care. If you wear a bra every day, it may need replacing sooner.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Care, Reap the Comfort
Washing bras correctly isn’t about being “picky”—it’s about respecting an item that works hard for you every day. A little extra time spent hand-washing, air-drying, and storing properly will mean your bras stay comfortable, supportive, and looking like new for months.
And let’s be real: There’s nothing better than putting on a bra that fits perfectly, feels soft, and doesn’t slip or dig. By following this guide, you’ll get to enjoy that feeling longer—without spending a fortune on new bras every few months.
So, the next time you toss a bra in the laundry, remember: a little care goes a long way.