How Often Should You Replace Your Bra?

• Posted on 27 September 2021
• By The Bra Bar & Panterie
• Posted in Bras, Everyday Bra

It’s hard to say goodbye to clothes that once fit us so well. But after years of wear and tear, our favourite shirts and pants start to lose their shape. When it comes to bras, this comes at the cost of your comfort. 

Older bras can result in a less than pleasing appearance. It doesn’t exactly make you feel confident to wear a bra that’s misshapen and unsupportive.

So, that begs the question: how often should you replace your bras? We’re going to dive into signs you should look out for, and how long you can expect your bras to last.

When Is It Time For A Replacement?

How do you know when to toss an old bra? The following signs indicate that it’s time for a trip to the bra shop:

The elastic has worn out

Cups don't really seem to change, since they’re made of a rigid fabric. But bra bands have higher elastic content; over time, the elastic wears out. If you gently pull the band of your bra and the elastic doesn’t “kick back”, it’s a sign that it’s worn and needs replacing. The lack of support can then impact your posture and may even cause back strain or headaches. 

Your body has changed

Over the months and years, fluctuations in weight and hormonal changes can result in changes to our bodies. If your bra isn’t comfortable or providing support like it used to, your size may have changed. It might be time for a new one.

The straps are worn out

It seems like every few minutes, you find yourself pulling up the straps that keep sliding off your shoulders. Bra straps normally contain elastic and once the elastic wears out, they won't offer the tension needed.

It’s not worth it to wear a bra that constantly annoys you—you deserve better!

The underwire is poking you

Have you ever made the mistake of wearing a bra with an exposed underwire? Chances are, you spent the day getting poked in the chest. While it’s possible to replace a broken underwire, you’re usually better off buying a new bra. Other components may also be worn out. A broken underwire may also indicate that the bra is no longer fitting properly. 

The fabric is frayed

We all know the telltale sign of clothes that are past their expiration date. The seams are coming apart, the threads are sticking out, and the material is pilling. If your bra looks like this, consider swapping it out with a new one.

How long should your bras last?

At The BraBar, we normally tell women that a how long a bra lasts will depend on a few things:

- How you care for your bras. In general, try to wash your bra after every 3 wears. Washing a bra more regularly increases the life of a bra since it cleanses the fabric of the dirt and oils from our skin (which break down the bra). Everytime you wash your bra, you’re actually refreshing the elastic. We recommend hand washing in cool water using a gentle fabric wash. Bras should never be placed in the dryer - hanging these items or laying them flat to dry is best.

- How many bras you are alternating between. We recommend having 2-3 everyday bras to rotate between. This gives the elastic and fabric a break and allows time for proper laundry care.

- The quality of the bra. You get what you pay for. We often talk about price per wear to compare different price points. You can expect more mileage from a more expensive bra as the fabric is higher quality and won’t wear as fast. 

For example:

You want to get the most out of your bras, especially when you find one that you adore. If you have 2-3 good quality bras that you alternate between and take proper care of, they should last 8-18 months depending on their quality.

Many of us wear bras every day, so texture and fit are important. A high-quality garment will offer you support without compromising your comfort. At our Canadian bra store, we help women find bras that they adore. Contact us today to schedule a personalized bra fitting.