Bras are worn directly against the skin all day long, which means they absorb sweat and accumulate dead skin cells with every wear. It’s a natural question, then, to wonder whether they need to go in the wash after each use. While that might seem like the hygienic thing to do, experts say it’s often unnecessary and can actually work against you in the long run.
Cleaning specialists at the Good Housekeeping Institute have weighed in on the ideal washing frequency to keep bras in their best possible condition. According to Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab at the GH Institute, most women are washing their bras far more than they need to. “Bras can be worn several times before washing, roughly three to four times,” she explains, noting that the exact number depends on how long you wore it and whether you were active or sweaty during the day. Washing them too frequently is one of the quickest ways to break down the fabric and cause them to lose their shape and elasticity.
Several factors play a role in deciding when it’s truly time to wash. If you’ve been exercising or spending time in the heat, sweat can build up faster, meaning you may need to wash after just one or two wears instead of waiting for three or four. The duration of wear is also an important consideration. As Forté puts it, “The longer you wear it, the more often it needs washing. If you take your bra off as soon as you get home, you can probably wash it after three or four wears.” The type of bra also makes a difference, with sports bras being a notable exception to the general rule.
Sports bras should be laundered after every intense workout since they are designed to absorb a significant amount of sweat during physical activity. Fortunately, they are typically constructed from durable materials like nylon and spandex, which hold up well even with frequent washing. Everyday bras made from more delicate fabrics, on the other hand, benefit greatly from less frequent laundering and more careful handling when wash day does arrive.
When it comes to actually washing your bras, the care label should always be your first reference point. Delicate fabrics are best handled by hand washing, while machine washing requires placing the bra inside a mesh lingerie bag and fastening all hooks beforehand to prevent snagging or tangling with other clothing. One thing you should never do is toss a bra in the dryer, as the heat can cause significant damage to the elastic and delicate materials. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay the bra flat on a clean surface to air dry naturally.
Another great habit that goes hand in hand with proper washing is rotating through multiple bras rather than wearing the same one day after day. Wearing the same bra repeatedly without a break puts constant stress on the elastic bands, reducing their lifespan much faster. Giving each bra a rest between wears allows the material to spring back to its original form and helps maintain the fit and support you expect from it.
Bras as a garment category have a long history tied to changes in fashion, culture, and health awareness. The modern bra as we know it today began to take shape in the early 20th century, with Mary Phelps Jacob often credited with patenting one of the first modern designs in 1914. Today, bras are made from an enormous variety of materials ranging from cotton and lace to technical performance fabrics designed for athletic use, and care instructions can vary widely depending on construction. The underwire bra, one of the most common styles, became widely popular in the mid-20th century and is still the top-selling design today. Proper garment care, including correct washing and drying techniques, is widely recognized by textile experts as one of the most important factors in extending the life of any clothing item, particularly those made with elastic components.
Share how often you wash your bras and whether this advice changes your routine in the comments!
