10 Bra Care Tips & Hacks To Keep Your Bras In Good Shape And Help Them Last Longer
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.
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
Photo 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.
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
Photo 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.
Photo 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
Photo 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.
Photo from bigworld.sg via Shopee
Here’s an alternative bra mesh bag ($2.93) which comes with handles for easy hanging.
#4: Use the gentlest washing machine setting and avoid using bleach
Photo 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.
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
Photo 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.
Photo 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 -
#6: Store bras using a pocket case or drawer organiser, never hang by just one strap
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
#7: Pack bras in a special bra case when travelling
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
Photo from qiqimall.sg via Shopee
- Bra usage tips -
#8: Use a bra tightening clip to extend wearability of bras with loose bands
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
#9: Avoid putting on your bra back-to-front and twisting it the other way
Photo 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
Photo 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:
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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
