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Bra care

How to wash bras so they last

A good bra can keep its shape and support for much longer with the right care. Cool water, a mesh wash bag and air drying make the biggest difference.

A blush lace bra in a zipped mesh wash bag on a worktop, beside a bowl and a folded towel

By Jenisha Jonchhe Researched and tested where possible Updated

Affiliate links: this guide links to Amazon UK. As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes the advice or the size we suggest.

What to search for on Amazon UK

Add your UK size to the search on Amazon (for example “34G”). Not sure of it? Use our bra size calculator first.

  1. 1

    Mesh bra wash bag (zipped)

    Stops hooks snagging other clothes and keeps wires and straps from tangling in the drum. Pick a zip with a cover.

    Search Amazon UK for bra wash bag mesh zip (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  2. 2

    Moulded-cup wash cage

    A rigid frame that holds moulded cups in shape so they do not dent or crease in the machine.

    Search Amazon UK for bra wash cage moulded cups (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  3. 3

    Delicates and lingerie wash

    A gentle liquid made for cool washes and elastane, kinder to elastic than regular detergent.

    Search Amazon UK for lingerie wash liquid delicates (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  4. 4

    Clip drying rack for delicates

    Lets you dry bras in shape, away from radiators and direct heat.

    Search Amazon UK for delicates drying rack clips (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon UK; prices and stock are set by Amazon and its sellers. Search results change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. Product photos, where shown, come from Amazon. How we handle affiliate links

The best way to wash a bra is by hand in cool water, or on a cool, gentle machine cycle inside a zipped mesh wash bag, then air dry it. Heat and tangling do the most damage, so avoiding both keeps the band firm and the cups in shape.

How to hand wash a bra

  1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent.
  2. Fasten the hooks so they cannot snag the lace.
  3. Swish the bra gently and leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse in clean cool water until no suds remain.
  5. Press the water out with a towel. Do not wring or twist it.

How to wash bras in the washing machine

  1. Fasten the hooks and put each bra in a zipped mesh wash bag. Moulded cups do best in a rigid wash cage.
  2. Choose a cool, delicates or hand-wash cycle with a low spin.
  3. Use a gentle detergent and skip fabric softener, which coats sports fabrics.
  4. Wash bras with similar colours and light items, not with jeans or anything with zips.

How to dry and store bras

Never tumble dry. Reshape the cups while damp, then dry the bra flat or hang it by the centre front, not by the straps, which stretch. Keep it away from radiators and direct sun. Store bras flat or nested, front to back, so moulded cups keep their shape. Our guide on how to store and pack bras covers drawers, hanging and travel.

When is it time for a new bra?

Wash and wear rotation helps, but elastic does wear out. Look for a band that rides up even on the tightest hook, straps that no longer hold their length, or a wire poking through the fabric. If the band is loose but the cups still fit, your sister size may help. Our bra fitting guide covers the full set of checks, and the bra size calculator gives a fresh starting size.

Care for special bras

Questions people ask

How often should you wash your bra?
Many lingerie makers suggest washing an everyday bra after two or three wears, and a sports bra after every workout. Rotating between two or three bras lets the elastic recover between wears.
Can you put bras in the washing machine?
Yes, on a cool, gentle or delicates cycle in a mesh wash bag, with the hooks fastened. Hand washing is gentler still, especially for lace and moulded cups.
Can you tumble dry bras?
No. Heat breaks down the elastic in the band and straps and can bend wires and warp moulded cups. Dry them flat or hang them by the centre front.
How do I stop moulded cups denting?
Never fold one cup into the other in the wash or the drawer. Use a wash cage or hand wash, reshape the cups while damp and store them nested, front to back.

Written by

Jenisha Jonchhe

Jenisha Jonchhe is a New York-based fashion writer and designer with academic training in fashion design. She writes research-led bra sizing and fit guides for UK shoppers.

Researched from brand and retailer size guides, and tested hands-on where possible. Search results on Amazon change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. How we research and test