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10 Bra Care Tips & Hacks To Keep Your Bras In Good Shape And Help Them Last Longer

10 Bra Care Tips & Hacks To Keep Your Bras In Good Shape And Help Them Last Longer

Lifestyle Wellness
By Rachel Yohannan on 24 Aug 2020
Senior Digital Editor
Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

No matter what shape or size, we ladies have a thoroughly intimate relationship with our bras. Though it’s sometimes a love-hate sentiment and we can’t wait to tear them off at the end of a long day, our bras literally support us through good times and bad - which is why we have to treat them well too.

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Proper bra care is important as it keeps them in shape for a comfortable fit and helps them last longer. As we all know, those tata holders don’t exactly come cheap, so prolonging their use will save you money in the long run too. Here are 10 bra care tips covering everything from washing to storage and general wearing habits.

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Read on to find out how to make your bras last last longer!

- Bra washing tips - 

#1: Hand wash your bras if possible

Bra care tips hacksPhoto from Philip Friedman for Studio D via Good Housekeeping

As far as possible, avoid dumping your bras into the washing machine with the rest of your clothes, as the constant tossing about will make them go out of shape more quickly. This will result in ill-fitting underwear that won’t sit nicely on your body, in turn causing back aches and shoulder pains.

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It is best to hand wash your bras using cold water in a pail with laundry soap. Be gentle, and avoid scrubbing and wringing.

#2: Put bras in a bra laundry ball if you must use the washing machine

Bra saver laundry ball SingaporePhoto from sjmw.sg via Shopee

The reality is that not all of us have the time to painstakingly hand wash our intimate wear. If you’re a busy babe, store your brassiers in a bra laundry ball ($4) aka bra saver before tossing it into the washer.

Bra saver laundry ball SingaporePhoto from sjmw.sg via Shopee

This innovative contraption acts as a protective “cage” for your bras so they won’t get squashed during the washing process. An inner piece helps keep the shape of the cups, while being able to hold smaller items like underwear.

Get it here on Shopee.

#3: For non-padded bras, use a mesh laundry bag and make sure clasps are secured

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Bra laundry mesh bag SingaporePhoto from huixin.sg via Shopee

If your bras are less “heavy duty” and don’t have thick padding, you can look into using a mesh laundry bag ($1.28) when machine washing. Remember to hook the clasps closed so your bras won’t stretch or have their bands tangled up with each other.

Bra laundry bag SingaporePhoto from bigworld.sg via Shopee

Here’s an alternative bra mesh bag ($2.93) which comes with handles for easy hanging.

Get the cylindrical bra bag here and the hanging bra bag here on Shopee.

#4: Use the gentlest washing machine setting and avoid using bleach

Bra care tips hacksPhoto from Bosch

Speaking of washing machines, make sure you use the gentlest setting. Lingerie in general is made of more delicate materials compared to our jackets and jeans, which means they can get damaged more easily with rough treatment.

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Do also avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and opt for a soft laundry detergent - bonus points if you get something specially made for delicates.

#5: Avoid hanging bras up to dry by their straps

Bra care tips hacksPhoto from Clovia

Wet fabric gets heavy, and hanging your washed bras up to dry by their straps will result in unnecessary strain and stretching. If there’s enough direct sunlight in your house, place your bras flat on a towel and leave them to dry. Alternatively, you can lay them over a laundry rack or clothes hanger by the middle.

Bra laundry hanger SingaporePhoto from lovelyhome2019.sg via Shopee

To go a step further for your expensive prized bras, purchase a special bra drying hanger ($1.72).

Get it here on Shopee. 

- Bra storage tips - 

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#6: Store bras using a pocket case or drawer organiser, never hang by just one strap

Bra hanging pocket case SingaporePhoto from zahuodiansg via Shopee

The pull of gravity is inevitable, not just on our twin peaks, but on our bras as well. Never hang bras by a single strap, as they will become uneven over time. Instead, get a space-saving multi-pocket hanger ($13.90) - the one here has 6 large pockets on one side for bras, and 18 smaller pockets for panties, accessories, and socks.

Bra hanger SingaporePhoto from eisho.sg via Shopee

A multi-function metal hanger ($10.20) would work just as well, and you can use it for lighter clothing items like camisoles and tank tops.

Bra drawer organiser SingaporePhoto from assdwe241.sg via Shopee

If you prefer saving hanging space for dresses and would rather store bras in a drawer instead, avoid folding them in half as that will damage them. It’s okay to stack them up, but make sure it’s all done in the same direction, and that there’s sufficient space such that no cups get flattened.

To keep your lingerie drawer neat and tidy, get a partitioned bra organiser ($6.72). The one above can store 7 bras - enough to last you the entire week.

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#7: Pack bras in a special bra case when travelling

Bra travel case SingaporePhoto from stainlessstraws.sg via Shopee

Don’t just shove your bras into your luggage when packing for travels, as that won’t bode well for their shape. Instead, put them in a dedicated case that prevents them from getting squished. Above is a handy waterproof bra storage bag ($3.10) that also has compartments for panties.

Get it here on Shopee.

Bra travel case SingaporePhoto from qiqimall.sg via Shopee

For extra protection, get a semi-hard bra travel case ($7.74) that allows you to stack everything up nicely without it being flattened by your shopping loot.

Bra travel case SingaporePhoto from qiqimall.sg via Shopee

Get the waterproof bra bag here and the bra travel case here on Shopee.

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- Bra usage tips - 

#8: Use a bra tightening clip to extend wearability of bras with loose bands

Bra extender tightener SingaporePhoto from Rixie Clip

Over time, it’s inevitable for your bra to loosen - especially the band - as part of natural wear and tear. Don’t be too quick to dump that bosom buddy, though, for you can always prolong its life with a bra tightening clip.

Rixie Clip is a 2-in-1 bra extender and tightener which you can easily slide your bra band through. Though it’s currently not available in Singapore, you can try to get it shipped using a proxy service.

Bra extender tightener SingaporePhoto from fanpu.sg via Shopee

Alternatively, you can always sew a cheap bra extender hook ($1.25) on the inside of your bra band to tighten it. The ones shown above come in 4 colours and various thicknesses ranging from 2 to 4 hooks.

Get it here on Shopee.

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#9: Avoid putting on your bra back-to-front and twisting it the other way

Bra care tips hacksPhoto from Glamour

How do you put on your bra before going out to conquer the world? Chances are, you secure the clasp in the front over your abdomen, and flip it to the back once done. After all, that’s much faster than repeatedly grasping behind where you can’t see.

However, this action is doing your bra more harm than you realise - each haphazard twist brings you one step closer to misshapen undergarments.

If hooking your bra the correct way proves to be too time-consuming and challenging, consider investing in some front-closure bras to solve the problem!

#10: Rotate between a few bras to allow time for the elastic go back into shape

Bra care tips hacksPhoto from @6ixty8ight68 via Instagram

Most of the time, bras are made of a semi-stretchy material, especially on the band area. Elastic takes a while to return to its original shape, and consistent prolonged use will only stretch it out, so allow your bras to “rest” by rotating between a few of them. If you find yourself using the same ones every so often, then it’s a great reason for you to go shopping!

Remember to make use of our exclusive Shopee promo when purchasing any of the items we've recommended above:
【8% off min $25 spending with code: GIRLSTYLE8】
From now till 30 NOV, capped at $2. Start shopping here.

Read our other articles on undergarments and feminine care:

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Text by: GirlStyle SG