Quick Answer
To keep your bras in great shape, hand wash them in cold water with a gentle detergent, then lay them flat to dry. If you must machine wash, use a lingerie bag and the delicate cycle, and never put bras in the dryer.
Your bras work hard every day, providing support and shape. But washing them the wrong way can stretch out the elastic, damage the cups, and ruin the delicate fabrics. With a few simple habits, you can keep your bras looking and fitting beautifully for years.
At Only Hearts, we design intimate apparel meant to be loved and worn. From lace chemises to organic cotton briefs, every piece deserves proper care. Here’s our step-by-step guide to washing and caring for your bras, so they stay as lovely as the day you brought them home.
Step 1: Read the Care Label
Before anything else, check the care label on your bra. Most bras are made from delicate materials like nylon, lace, or cotton blends, and the label will tell you the best way to clean them. For example, the Only Hearts Little Flower Underwire Bra is crafted from a breathable cotton-nylon blend, and its care instructions are designed to keep the embroidery and shape intact.
Little Flower Underwire Bra
If the label says hand wash only, follow that advice. Machine washing may seem convenient, but it can cause underwires to poke out, lace to snag, and straps to lose their elasticity. When in doubt, hand washing is always the safest choice.
- Always check the care label before washing—it’s your best guide.
Step 2: Hand Wash with Gentle Detergent
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicates. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners, as these can break down fibers and irritate sensitive skin.
Submerge your bra and gently squeeze the soapy water through the fabric. Do not scrub or twist, as that can distort the cups and damage the underwire. For heavily soiled areas like the underband, use your fingers to lightly rub the fabric. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains.
- Never wring out your bra—press the water out gently instead.
Step 3: Machine Wash with Protection
If you prefer to machine wash, always place your bras in a mesh lingerie bag to protect them from getting tangled or snagged. Use the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Skip the spin cycle or set it to the lowest speed to minimize stress on the elastic.
Even with a lingerie bag, machine washing is harder on bras than hand washing. Reserve this method for bras you wear less often or those made from more durable fabrics. For delicate pieces like the So Fine Lace Chemette, hand washing is strongly recommended to preserve the lace.
So Fine Lace Chemette
- Secure all hooks before washing to prevent snags.
Step 4: Dry Flat, Never Tumble Dry
After washing, gently reshape your bra and lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel with the bra inside to absorb excess water, then unroll and let the bra air dry on a drying rack or another towel. Avoid hanging your bra by the straps, as the weight of the water can stretch them out.
Never put bras in the dryer. The heat breaks down elastic and can melt synthetic fibers like nylon and spandex. Air drying may take longer, but it’s essential for keeping the support and shape that make your bras comfortable.
- Lay bras flat to dry to maintain their shape and elasticity.
Step 5: Store Properly to Maintain Shape
Once your bras are completely dry, store them carefully. If you have underwire bras, stack them flat with the cups nested inside each other to prevent creasing. For soft-cup bras, you can fold them in half with the cups together, but avoid folding them into tight spaces.
Keep bras in a drawer with enough room to breathe. Overcrowding can crush delicate lace and distort the cups. Proper storage is the final step in caring for your bras, ensuring they’re ready to wear whenever you need them.
- Store bras flat and avoid folding them in half if they have underwire.
Key Steps to Remember
- Check the care label: Always read the manufacturer's instructions before washing. This tells you the recommended method and any special considerations for the fabric. When in doubt, hand wash.
- Hand wash with gentle detergent: Use cool water and a mild detergent designed for delicates. Gently squeeze, don't scrub or twist. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
- Machine wash as a backup: If you must machine wash, use a lingerie bag and the delicate cycle with cold water. Skip the spin cycle. Reserve machine washing for less delicate bras.
- Dry flat: Lay bras flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping them as they dry. Never use the dryer. Hanging can stretch straps.
- Store correctly: Stack bras flat with cups nested, and give them enough space to maintain their shape. Proper storage prevents deformation.
Products That Deserve Special Care
- Little Flower Underwire Bra: Crafted from a breathable cotton-nylon blend with vintage embroidery. The cotton-nylon blend is soft and supportive, but the embroidery needs gentle handling. Hand washing helps preserve the delicate floral details and keeps the underwire in place.
- So Fine Lace Chemette: Made from 88% nylon and 12% Lycra with French-inspired scalloped pointelle lace. Lace is delicate and can easily snag or stretch. Hand washing and air drying are essential to maintain the lace's intricate pattern and the garment's sheer, sexy silhouette.
Caring for your bras doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you'll extend the life of your favorite pieces and keep them looking beautiful. Treat your bras with the same love they give you, and they'll continue to provide the support and style you adore.
