Bras are the foundation of your wardrobe—and when cared for properly, they’re also the foundation of comfort, support, and confidence. But when it comes to bra care, there’s one question that stirs up endless debate: how often should you wash your bra?
From hygiene to longevity, Felina’s bra experts break down everything you need to know about how frequently to wash your bras, why it matters, and how to help your most beloved intimates last longer.
Why bra hygiene matters
Washing your bras isn’t just about keeping them fresh—it’s about preserving the integrity of the fabric, supporting healthy skin, and extending the life of the piece itself.
- Body oils, sweat, and buildup: Bras sit close to your skin all day, meaning they collect body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells. Throughout the day, your bra may also collect deodorant residue, and sometimes makeup. Over time, this buildup can compromise both the feel and function of the fabric.
- Why clean bras matter for skin: Wearing an unwashed bra too often—especially in warmer weather or during workouts—can lead to irritation, clogged pores, or even breakouts along the chest and back. Keeping your bras clean helps protect not just the garment, but your skin too.
Recommended washing frequency
How often should you actually wash your bra? Here’s what our experts recommend:
Every three to four wears: As a general rule, bras should be washed every three to four wears—not daily, but certainly not “whenever you remember.” This helps strike the balance between over-washing (which can wear down fabric faster) and under-washing (which can lead to hygiene issues).
When to wash sooner? There are a few times you might want to wash more often:
- After an intense sweat session or a particularly hot day
- If you’ve worn a bra against bare skin under something snug
- If it starts to feel stretched out or lose its shape
Spot cleaning between washes: In between full washes, it’s totally okay to spot clean. Gently dab deodorant or makeup marks with a mild detergent and cold water, then lay flat to dry. Think of it as refreshing your bra between wash days.
3 Bra care tips for longevity
Want your favorite Felina bra to last longer? It’s all about how you care for it—both before and after you wash.
- Rotate your bras: Wearing the same bra multiple days in a row doesn’t give the elastic time to recover, which can cause it to stretch out prematurely. Instead, we recommend you rotate between 3–5 bras in your weekly lineup.
- Avoid consecutive wears: We get it, you have that one favorite bra or a go-to that you love to wear each day. But wearing any bra every single day will strain the elastic and fabric. Even the highest quality bras need a break. Give each bra at least a 24-hour resting period between wears to help preserve its shape and bounce-back. It’s not just about hygiene—it’s about letting your lingerie live a little longer.
- Use delicates bags or pillowcases in the washing machine: When it’s time for a wash, treat your intimates gently. Hook the bra closed so the hooks don’t snag on anything. Place it in a mesh laundry bag (or even a clean pillowcase if you’re in a pinch!) before tossing it in the machine. This little step prevents the bra from twisting, stretching, or getting tangled with other clothes. Always use the delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Better yet, consider hand washing if you can spare a few minutes—it’s the gentlest method. After washing, never throw your bras in a hot dryer. Heat can warp underwires and ruin elastics. Instead, lay your bra flat or hang it to air dry (hanging by the center or draping it, rather than by the straps, to avoid stretching). Taking these precautions during laundry will keep your bras looking and fitting like new.
Final Thoughts
Your bras are the hardest-working items in your wardrobe, so it’s only right to treat them with the same love you give other pieces of clothing. Keeping your bras clean and well-cared for is an act of self-care that pays off in both comfort and dollars saved. Regular washing—about every 3-4 wears—keeps your bra hygienic and your skin happy. Smart habits like rotating bras and washing them gently will preserve their shape and support. Remember, a bra that’s fresh and in good condition is going to feel better, support you more effectively, and last far longer
Finally, treat yourself and your top drawer to quality pieces that are made to last. With the right care, Felina’s collection of high-quality, long-lasting bras will serve you day after day.
Discover bras that are made to last
Looking to add more wash-friendly, wear-everywhere bras to your top drawer? Explore Felina’s Bras