Quick answer
Hand wash bras in cool water with a gentle detergent, then press—never wring—the water out and dry them flat or hanging by the center gore. Avoid hot water, harsh detergents, and the dryer, which break down elastic and reshape cups. For structured or lace bras, hand washing is the safest way to keep shape and extend lifespan.
Why hand washing protects bra shape
Heat and agitation are the main reasons bras lose shape. Hot water weakens elastane, and the tumble cycle can bend underwires and crush moulded cups. Even a mesh bag may not fully protect a structured bra from being twisted around other laundry. Hand washing in cool water avoids both problems and takes only a few minutes per bra.
If you must use a machine, choose a delicate cycle with cold water and a lingerie bag, but accept that the lifespan may be shorter than with hand washing. For bras with lace, padding, or underwires, hand washing is worth the extra effort.
How often to wash bras
Washing too often wears out elastic; washing too rarely lets oils and sweat break down fibers. A practical rhythm: wash everyday bras after two to three wears, and rotate between at least two bras so each has time to recover its shape between wears. Sports bras and bras worn in hot weather should be washed after every wear.
If a bra looks clean but the band feels stretched out, it is probably time to wash—body oils relax elastic over time. Conversely, if you only wore a bra for a couple of hours indoors, airing it out may be enough before wearing it again.
Choosing the right detergent
Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent or a dedicated lingerie wash. Standard laundry detergents often contain enzymes and brighteners that can degrade lace and elastic over time, and fabric softener leaves a residue that reduces stretch and breathability. If you use a gentle detergent, a small amount is enough—too much soap is hard to rinse out and can leave stiff patches.
For lace bras, avoid bleach and oxygen-based stain removers unless the care label specifically allows them. When in doubt, test a drop of detergent on an inside seam first.
Drying methods that keep cups and straps in shape
After washing, gently press the bra between two towels to remove excess water. Never wring or twist—this bends underwires and distorts cups. To dry, lay the bra flat on a towel or hang it by the center gore (the small piece between the cups) using a clip hanger. Hanging by the straps or band can stretch them out.
Keep bras out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or hair dryers. High heat breaks down elastic and can yellow lace. A well-ventilated room is ideal; if you need to speed drying, point a fan at the bra rather than using heat.
Storing bras to maintain shape
Store bras flat in a drawer with cups nested inside each other, or hang them by the center gore if you prefer. Avoid folding one cup inside the other, which can crease moulded cups over time. For underwire bras, stacking them upright like files in a drawer helps keep the wires from bending.
If you hang bras, use a padded hanger or a clip hanger attached to the center gore. Never hang a bra by its straps for long periods—the weight of the bra can stretch them out. Rotate your bras so each gets a rest day between wears.
Step-by-step bra washing guide
- 1. Prepare the wash basin: Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Swirl to mix. Checkpoint: water should be cool to the touch, never hot.
- 2. Submerge and soak: Place bras in the water and let them soak for 5–10 minutes. Gently squeeze the cups and band to let soapy water through the fabric. Mistake to avoid: do not scrub or twist—soaking does most of the work.
- 3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool water. Gently press the bras to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear. Checkpoint: no soapy residue should remain; leftover detergent can stiffen lace.
- 4. Remove excess water: Lay the bras on a clean towel, fold the towel over, and press down gently. Do not wring or twist. Mistake to avoid: wringing bends underwires and distorts cups.
- 5. Dry flat or hang by the center gore: Lay bras flat on a dry towel or hang by the center gore with a clip hanger. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight. Checkpoint: bras should be completely dry before wearing or storing.
- 6. Store with care: Once dry, store bras flat with cups nested or upright in a drawer. Avoid hanging by straps for long periods. Next step: rotate bras so each gets a rest day to maintain elasticity.
Product care notes
- Lace Demi-cup Underwire Bra: Lace Demi-cup Underwire Bra has cup-sized fit (B/C/D), half-cup shape in delicate lace, and unpadded cups. The lace and underwire need gentle hand washing to avoid snags and wire bending; the unpadded cups dry faster but should still be pressed flat to keep their shape.
Lace Demi-cup Underwire Bra
- Everyday Underwire Bra: Everyday Underwire Bra is a wireless design with moulded triangle cups and smooth microfibre. Wireless bras are more forgiving in the wash, but moulded cups can crease if wrung or dried with heat. Hand wash and dry flat to keep the smooth finish invisible under clothing.
- Intimate Lace Brazilian Brief: Intimate Lace Brazilian Brief is cut in soft, all-over stretch lace with scalloped edges and a cotton-lined gusset. The delicate lace and scalloped edges can snag, so wash separately or in a mesh bag. The cotton gusset benefits from a gentle detergent to stay fresh without harsh chemicals.
