The Ultimate Guide to Bra Care

Despite wearing a bra for most of our lives, there are lots of us who don’t know how to properly take care of one. We throw them into the wash, hang them by the straps, crush them in drawers, and hope for the best. Then we wonder why they stop being our favourite so quickly.

It’s not a ‘you’ problem, though. We’re just not taught how to care for bras properly, or given conflicting advice about how to do it. But a well-cared-for bra will last much longer than one that isn’t, so it’s worth getting familiar with the do’s and don’ts. 

This guide pulls together everything you need to know, from washing and drying to caring for different fabrics and cup styles. Think of it as your one-stop hub for bra care, with links to more info if you want the full step-by-step breakdown.

Understanding what your bra needs

Before we get into the practical stuff, we should point out one important point. Every bra is a little different. Not just in terms of how they’re made, but also what they’re made of and how they’re used. For example, a T-shirt bra has very different needs from lace. A sports bra lives a harder life than one for special occasions.

Caring for your bras properly is all about matching the right kind of care to the right kind of bra. 

Start with the foundations

If your bras could sit you down for a heart-to-heart, this would be their first request would be, “Please stop washing me on cold.”

Warm, gentle washing is the sweet spot for longevity. It’s kinder to the fabric and far better at removing body oils and deodorant. We go into the full how-to in How to Wash Bras Without Ruining Them, but here’s the high-level idea:

• Do up the hooks

• Pop it in a wash bag

• Gentle detergent

• 30-40°C on a gentle cycle

And it’s worth noting that washing your bras too often can age them just as quickly as not washing them often enough. Your standard everyday bras usually need a wash every 2–3 wears, while sports bras need it every time. We break frequency down properly in  How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?

Where most bras lose their shape

Drying is where the biggest potential for damage can happen. Long story short, heat is the enemy. The UV rays from sunshine can destroy your bras and dramatically shorten their life span. With that in mind:

• Keep bras out of direct sunlight

• Air dry

• Hang them from the centre gore

• Reshape cups while damp

If you want the full walkthrough of each step, you’ll find that in more detail in 5 Tips for Drying Your Bras.

The habit that makes the biggest difference

You don’t need a picture-perfect bra drawer straight out of Pinterest, just a little space and a bit of structure. Storing your bras properly is another really important factor in extending the life of your lingerie. 

The one thing you should never do? Fold one cup into the other. It dents moulded cups and encourages wires to twist over time.

If you haven’t seen our storage guide yet, pop over to How to Store Your Bras So They Keep Their Shape for simple ideas that make a surprising difference.

How to care for different bra types

Every bra has its own personality, and looking after it properly means treating it the way it prefers to be treated. The habits that keep a moulded T-shirt bra perfectly smooth aren’t the same ones that keep lace soft, or a sports bra supportive. With a little care, each type will last longer and feel better on your body, it just starts with knowing how to look after each one.

How to wash t-shirt bras and padded bras

T-shirt bras and padded bras have a good memory, so anything that dents, crushes, or twists the cups can show up the next time you put them on. When it comes out of the wash, give the cups a quick reshape with your hands while they’re still damp, following the curve they naturally sit in. Let them dry in that shape, and store them the same way, preferably standing upright, with cups facing forward (not folded into each other). 

How to wash lace bras

Lace bras are delicate in theory, but in practice they just need a bit of breathing room. A wash bag protects the fabric in the machine, and laying it flat (or drying it in the shade) will help maintain its texture. Lace doesn’t enjoy being scrubbed but it can handle the washing machine, unless it’s a particularly fine or sheer style.  

How to wash sports bras

Sports bras live a harder life than most. Sweat, salt, stretching, and all the impact that comes with movement. They prefer regular washing (after every wear), a gentle cycle with warm water, and complete shade when drying. Once the band softens too much or you start feeling bounce where there shouldn’t be any, it’s time to retire it. If you’re replacing one now, our Sports & Active Bras range includes bras for everything from long walks to high-impact training.

How to wash large cup bras

DD-K cup bras have to work overtime, so it’s worth giving them a little extra love. Wash bags make a bigger difference here, as does rotating between a few bras so the elastic has time to recover. Keep an eye on strap stretch as well, once the buckle isn’t holding the strap in place, the bra has likely done its dash. 

How to wash wireless bras

Wirefree bras are low-maintenance and tend to last well as long as the band stays firm. If the band softens too much, the bra will stop giving you the lift and comfort it’s meant to. Gentle warm washing, reshaping if needed, and air drying in the shade are usually all they need to stay in great shape.

How to make your bras last even longer

A few small habits can make a big difference to how long your bras hold their shape. Rotating your bras is one of the simplest; giving the elastic a day or two to recover helps it stay firm and supportive for much longer. For the same reason, try not to wear the same bra two days in a row, even if it’s your favourite, a little rest goes a long way.

It also pays to check your fit every six to twelve months. Our bodies shift more than we realise, and if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing weight changes, you may need to replace your bras sooner, or have a sister size on standby. Make sure you’re letting your deodorant and body lotion dry before getting dressed too, as that transfer onto your bra’s fabric puts it under more strain.

Protect your bras with Rose & Thorne New Zealand

Whether you need washing help, drying tips, storage ideas, or advice for your specific bra type, we cover all your burning questions in Rose & Thorne Bra Care 101.

Want to get personalised support about finding the best bra for your body? Our bra gurus offer online bra fittings from the comfort of home. Book yours now, or start shopping our full range of bras and pick out a new favourite.