Lingerie expert shares how often you really should be washing your bra

07 August 2023 , 17:55

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There is a good general rule bra wearers should aim for (Image: Getty Images)

Although it's broadly expected that you should clean your knickers after every wash - unless you're in some sort of grubby festival situation - bras are a bit more of a grey area in this regard, especially if you have a favourite one. Many will happily chuck on their trustiest bra wear after wear, only throwing it in the washing machine when they feel they absolutely have to.

Others simply won't feel comfortable wearing theirs for more than one or two outings, knowing they just won't feel right without a fresh bra, even if nobody around them were to be none the wiser either way.

Now, bringing their professional wisdom to a debate that's been ongoing for generations of bra wearers, lingerie tech expert Georgina Bibby, has shared the magic number you should be aiming for.

As previously reported by the Mail Online, Bibby revealed: "It will depend on the wearer and your everyday activities but washing your bra after every two to three wears is a good general rule to go by.

"As well as maintaining your bras, you should also be looking at replacing the old ones. The general rule of thumb is to replace bras after about 180 wears."

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Bibby also went on to urge readers to take good care of their bras, which can be quite delicate, ensuring that they stay in tip-top condition for longer.

She advised: "When washing your bra, be sure to clasp it and use a mesh garment bag to cushion the bra and keep it from twisting and tangling in your washing machine'.

"Washing it on a gentle cycle with cold water, avoiding the dryer, and resorting to air drying and storing them flat instead of rolling them up will ensure the bra keeps its shape and quality."

According to an eye-opening UK-based survey conducted by Mashable, 35 per cent of women confessed to wearing a bra at least five times before sticking it in the wash, while 11 per cent cleaned theirs after every use.

In a separate interview with Glamour, Pour Moi's lingerie technologist, Lois Siciliano, also recommended a two to three-wear rule when it comes to bras, warning that overwashing could well damage the elasticity.

Siciliano explained: "When it comes to normal use, every two to three wears is fine. Obviously, that's not the case if it's a sports bra you're wearing to an intense gym class or if it's a hot summer's day. If you're particularly sweaty, you should wash the bra each wear."

Julia Banim