How to Wash and Store Your Bras to Make Them Last
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Let’s be honest, most of us spend good money on bras we actually love. But how often do we think about taking care of them properly? If your favorite bra is losing its shape or support faster than it should, chances are it's not just wear and tear, it's the fit or how it’s being washed and stored.
Here’s how to give your bras the care they deserve so they last longer and stay supportive, comfortable, and beautiful.
Step One: Washing Your Bras the Right Way
Hand Wash When You Can
Hand washing is always the gentlest and safest method. Fill a sink or basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Let your bras soak for about 10–15 minutes, gently swish, then rinse thoroughly.
My personal favorite is Soak, a rinse free hand wash. You read that correctly, I let my bras soak for 10 to 15 minutes like stated and then remove them. It can be used on any of your delicate pieces. Just make sure wash like colors together to prevent ruining other pieces if colors bleed. You can get it here.
If You Must Machine Wash…
Life gets busy. I get it. If you’re going to toss your bras in the wash, do it the smart way:
Always use a mesh lingerie bag.
Hook the bras before washing to prevent snags and stretching.
Use the delicate cycle and cold water only.
Wash bras with like fabrics (think: delicates and similar colors).
My top recommendation for a lingerie bag is the Soak Eco Wash Bag. It is made from 100% RPET, post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and diverts 8+ plastic bottles from oceans and landfills. So not only are you protecting your intimates, you are helping protect our environment. You can find it here.
Never Wring or Twist
After washing, gently press out excess water with a towel. Wringing or twisting can warp the underwire and stretch out the band.
Always Air Dry
No dryer. No dryer. No dryer. Have you ever had the honor of being stabbed by your underwire? It decides it needs to be free and.... POP! Odds are it was the incorrect size or they have seen the inside of a dryer. We call this "baking" our bras. The underwire becomes morphed from the heat and no longer fits perfectly in its slot. At this point they either break or you have an invited friend inching towards your armpits.
Lay your bras flat on a clean towel or drying rack. Hanging your bra by the straps can stretch them out, so if you hang to dry, make sure it is from the gore (the center piece between the cups).
How to Store Your Bras
Just as important as washing is how you store them.
Stack, Don’t Fold - Molded and underwire bras should be stacked flat, one behind the other. Folding the cups inside out or in half causes creasing and breaks down the structure.
Drawer Dividers Are Your Friend - Use drawer organizers or dividers to keep bras separated and supported. This prevents cups from getting crushed by other clothing.
Hang (If You Must) - If you’re short on drawer space, hang bras by the center gore (the piece between the cups), not the straps. I know that door knob looks like the perfect spot but your bras will thank you!
Bonus Tips to Extend Bra Life:
- Rotate your bras! Don’t wear the same one two days in a row.
- Aim to wash every 3–5 wears (unless you’re super sweaty).
- Keep an eye on signs of wear like stretched bands, poking wires, or warped cups.
Treat Your Bras Like the Investment They Are
A well-fitting, high-quality bra is an investment in how you look and feel every day. Taking care of them doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes a little intention. With the right washing and storage habits, your favorite bras can stay supportive and beautiful for years to come.
Have questions about caring for specific bras? Want help finding a better-fitting one? I offer home parties and private sessions—reach out here or come follow me on Instagram @FittedByKayla.