You wouldn’t use a backpack that’s deteriorating to carry your things, so why would you let
your breasts be carried in a bra that’s worn out?
Like a lot of things in life, bras don’t last. I know, I know, you spent a lot of money on your bra.
Shouldn’t it last longer than a year?
Well…yes…
…and…no.
A good quality bra, (which tends to come with a considerable price tag), will support the weight
of your breasts, keeping pressure off your back and shaping and holding the tissue so it’s
aesthetically pleasing. But it’s not infallible.
As you wear it, the material will stretch. This is not because the material is “poor” it’s because
the heat and movement of your body, over time, affects the strength of the fabric, elastics and
boning. The only way this would not eventually happen to your bras is if they were made
completely of metal, like a suit of armor. So unless you want to dress like Lancelot, bras that
stretch and become ineffective is a fact that all bra wearing persons must accept.
So, how long CAN I expect my bras to last?
Again, like most things in life, there’s no one right answer.
On average, a bra you wear every day will last 6 months. If you have two bras and alternate
them, you should get about a year’s wear out of them. Add a third bra into the rotation and you’ll
likely get 18 months.
BUT!
There are things that can cause a bra’s life to be prematurely shortened. Such as:
Excessive — movement — don’t wear a bra that is not a sports bra to do physical activities.
Exceptionally high temperature — heat causes the material of your bra to act like a cat and stretch out in the sun. The hotter the temperature and the longer your bra is subjected to it, the faster it will wear out.
Wearing the wrong size — if your bra doesn’t fit you properly, specifically if the bra band isn’t firm enough to support the weight of your breasts, this can cause strain on the wires and elastics.
Using the washing machine — even on the gentle cycle, the washing machine could cause wear to your bra.
Speeding up dry time by putting bra in the dryer — in lingerie circles, we call the dryer the kiss of death for bras. This is because the heat and tumbling of the dryer are murder on the elastics, wires and stitching of your bras.
Putting it on incorrectly — essentially, you can either put your bra on by attaching it behind you, (cups in front), or you can attach it in the front, (cups at your back) and then turn it around. Either way is fine EXCEPT it’s crucial that you don’t flip the cups. Whether you attach the clasps behind you or in front of you, the cups should be pointing and out.
So, what do you do? Here’s what we suggest:
Plan to replace your bras or add to your collection, at least once a year.
When you start having to wear your bra on the third hook, it’s time to go shopping, as this indicates that your bra is nearing the point where it will be stretched beyond the point where it can offer you optimal support.
Hand Wash and Air Dry
Store your bras neatly & safely – make sure the wires aren’t twisted or bent when storing them in a drawer, ensure there is nothing stored nearby that could damage the bra.
Seek the opinion of a bra-fit specialist if you have doubts about the fit of your current bra, (i.e. does it still fit properly and/or is it worn out).
When it’s time to buy a new bra or be fitted, we’re here to help! Book an appointment to visit us at our boutique or have a virtual fitting. Know what you need? Shop our online store!
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