Ladies, listen... Your bra is a critical part of your wardrobe that deserves some serious love and attention. Just like any special item in your closet, it requires some TLC to maintain its appearance.
Don't fret though, because we've got you covered! In this blog post, we're diving into the essential tips and tricks you need to know to give your bra the care it deserves. Get ready to learn how to pamper your bra properly, starting with some answers to common questions!
Should bras be washed after every use?
While washing your underwear after each use is a common recommendation, the frequency of washing your bras should be determined based on a few factors, such as the type of bra, your lifestyle, and the weather conditions.
In general, it is recommended to wash your bras after every 2-3 wears. This is because washing too often can break down the elastic and damage the fibres, leading to a shorter lifespan of your bra. Additionally, frequent washing can also cause the colour to fade and the shape to lose its form. However, if you are someone who sweats excessively, or if the weather is hot and humid, you may need to wash your bras more frequently.
When it comes to padded bras, they should be washed even less frequently than regular bras. This is because the padding holds onto the detergent and can cause buildup, which can make your bra smell and feel uncomfortable. Additionally, washing padded bras too often can cause the padding to become lumpy and lose its shape. It is recommended to wash padded bras every 4-5 wears or as per the manufacturer's instructions.
How should you care for your bra after each wear?
Caring for your bras after each wear is just as important as washing them regularly. Proper care can help extend the life of your bras and keep them in good condition. Here are some tips on how to care for your bras after each wear:
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Air-drying
After each wear, it's recommended to let your bra air out before storing it. Avoid putting your bra in direct sunlight or exposing it to heat, as this can cause the elastic and fibres to break down. Simply lay your bra flat on a clean surface, or hang it up in a well-ventilated area to allow it to air-dry.
- Rotating
To extend the life of your bras, it's important to rotate them and not wear the same one every day. This gives the elastic time to recover and helps prevent overstretching. You should have at least 3-4 bras in your rotation to ensure that you have enough clean bras to wear.
- Storing
It's important to store your bras in a cool, dry place and to avoid compressing or crushing them. Meanwhile, you should have a separate drawer or storage container for your freshly washed bras and another for your worn bras.
This will help prevent the freshly washed bras from getting mixed up with the other ones which you have worn. At the same time, you’d be able to rotate between the clean and worn ones without confusion.
Tips for Washing Your Bra in the Washing Machine
Experts agree that it's best to hand-wash your bras when possible because the roughness of a washing machine can break down the fabric and cause wires to become misshapen. But if that's not an option, here are some tips to help you make the most out of washing them in the machine.
1. Separate Your Bras
Always separate your bras by colour and fabric type, and consider putting them in a mesh lingerie bag or wrapping them in a towel before putting them in the machine. This will help prevent them from snagging on other clothes and keep them from getting damaged in the wash.
2. Choose the Right Detergent
Using the right detergent is key to keeping your bras looking and feeling good. Choose a mild, gentle detergent without any added fragrances or dyes that can irritate your skin or fade the colours of your bras.
3. Use the Gentle Cycle
Be sure to use the gentle cycle when washing your bras to prevent them from getting damaged in the wash. And remember to fasten the clasps to all the bras to stop the hooks from ripping through their materials.
4. Air-dry the Bras
Never put your bras in the dryer! Air drying is always the best option for delicate items like bras, as it will help them retain their shape and elasticity.
5. Store the Bras Appropriately
Once your bras are completely dry, it is important for you to also store them appropriately. When it comes to storing your bras, lie them flat – never fold them in half or tuck one cup inside the other– and place them in a drawer. This is because bending and denting can take their toll on the support and elastic, making them look worse in the long run. It is also a sure way to make them enlarge and lose shape.
Conclusion
Taking care of your bras is an essential part of keeping them in good condition. However, contrary to popular notions washing them after every wear does not denote good hygiene and neither does it do your bra any good.
Washing them after every two or three wears will help keep them smelling fresh and make sure that the cups, bands, and straps retain their shape and elasticity. Along with washing them when due rather than after every use, washing and storing them the right way will help them serve you for as long as they are designed to.
And if you are one of our gorgeous ladies with asymmetrical breasts, don't forget to check out Symmetrista’s asymmetrical breasts bras for an even more comfortable fit!