How to Wash Bras Without Ruining Them

Let’s talk bra washing. Cold or warm? Hand wash or machine wash? Wash every wear, or… whenever you remember? We hear from women all over New Zealand who have been washing their bras one way, without knowing if it’s the right way. After all, bra washing tips don’t tend to come up in conversation.

But washing your bras doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need a Bachelor’s degree in Laundry Science to keep yours in good shape. This is your simple bra washing guide, written by a team that knows the topic inside out.

The real secret to bra care… technology

Shhhh, come a little closer. There’s something lots of bra companies aren’t telling you. You don’t have to hand-wash your bras. In fact, machine washing bras is what we recommend, because life’s too short, and your bra shouldn’t struggle with a little sloshing around. 

Here’s the step-by-step method we recommend for all Rose & Thorne bras.

Step 1: Do up the hooks and eyes

This stops your bra from catching on other fabrics and prevents stretching.

Step 2: Place it in a lingerie wash bag

A wash bag protects the cups, straps, lace, and wire channels. It’s the easiest way to stop accidental damage.

Step 3: Use a gentle detergent

Mild, liquid detergent is ideal. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners because they break down elastic and can cause fading.

Step 4: Wash warm, on a gentle cycle

Warm water removes oils and deodorant, 30–40°C is your sweet spot.

Step 5: Avoid heavy spin cycles

Hard spins can twist wires and stretch straps. A gentle spin is all you need.

Step 6: Air dry 

Drying is important, but there’s a right way and a wrong way. Avoid dryers, heaters, and direct sun. More on that in How to Dry Your Bras Without Ruining Their Shape.

 

Tips for hand washing bras

Despite what many guides say, hand washing isn’t automatically “better.” If anything, most damage comes from enthusiastic scrubbing or twisting.

That being said, hand washing can be worthwhile if:

• You’re caring for delicate lace

• You want a quick freshen-up

• You prefer minimal machine loads

But less touching, more soaking. A short soak with gentle detergent is plenty. Avoid rubbing the cups or wringing the band as that will distort the shape faster than a gentle machine wash ever would. Oh, and if you’ve got Rose & Thorne lace bras in your collection, don’t worry, ours are machine-friendly. 

Cold vs warm water for washing bras

A lot of bra makers recommend cold washing, but not because cold water is better for your bras. It’s actually to avoid colour-run complaints from bras that haven’t been dyed well. The problem is, cold water doesn’t properly remove body oils, deodorant, sunscreen or sweat that settles into your favourite daily bras. Over time, that build-up affects elasticity, hygiene, and even how your bra smells.

Like when you’re washing your hands, warm water is a much better choice. Our bras are tested to be safely washed on a gentle warm cycle (up to 40°C).

Common washing mistakes (and easy fixes)

Even if you’re washing gently, a few small habits can shorten your bra’s lifespan. Here are a few more mistakes we see, and the quick fixes.

╳ Washing unhooked bras

✔ Do up the hooks and eyes to stop snagging on lace, mesh, and other lingerie.

╳ Skipping the wash bag

✔ Wash bags reduce friction and protect against twisting and wire damage. Non-negotiable.

╳ Using fabric softener

✔ It coats elastic and weakens support. Skip it for all bras.

╳ Throwing bras in with heavy garments

✔ Denim, towels, and zips are the enemy. Keep bras with other delicates.

╳ Overwashing

✔ Everyday bras usually need washing every 2-3 wears, not every single wear.

╳ Letting bras sit damp in the machine

✔ NZ humidity + damp elastic = stretched-out bands and smells. Get them out quickly.

Following these small adjustments keeps your bras cleaner and stronger for longer. And now that you know how to make them last, what better time to invest in a few new pieces that make you feel fabulous?!

Find your fit and shop our new arrivals today!

Bra Care FAQs

How often should I wash my bras?

Your everyday bras should be washed every 2–3 wears, while sports bras need to be washed each wear. Rotate your bras so the elastic can recover between washes. You can learn more in How Often Should I Wash My Bra?

Do I need to use a wash bag every time I wash a bra?

Ideally, yes. A wash bag prevents twisting, stretching, and snags, which is particularly important for lace or moulded cups, but applies to everything in your bra drawer.

Can I wash padded or moulded bras in the machine?

Absolutely, as long as they’re in a wash bag and washed on a gentle warm cycle. Just reshape the cups while damp.

What detergent is safest for bras?

A simple, gentle liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they shorten the lifespan of your bras.