Skip to content
WARDROBE

How Often Should You Wash Bras?

Bras need washing every 2 to 3 wears. Here is why, what to look for, and what to do between washes instead of running another cycle.

Laundry1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Bras generally need washing every 2 to 3 wears.
  • Elastic needs a rest day to recover its shape. Wearing the same bra two days running does more damage than one extra wash would.
  • Between washes: Rotate between three so each gets a day off.

Elastic needs a rest day to recover its shape. Wearing the same bra two days running does more damage than one extra wash would.

The short answer

2–3 wears

How often to wash brasElastic needs a rest day to recover its shape. Wearing the same bra two days running does more damage than one extra wash would.

When to wash sooner

Wash it now if

  • it has been worn twice
  • a hot day or exercise
  • it no longer sits level

What to do between washes

Rotate between three so each gets a day off. That single habit extends the life of all three more than careful washing does.

How to wash them

Hand wash or a mesh bag on delicates, cold, and never tumble dry — heat is what kills elastane.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you wash bras?

Every 2 to 3 wears. Elastic needs a rest day to recover its shape. Wearing the same bra two days running does more damage than one extra wash would.

What should I do between washes?

Rotate between three so each gets a day off. That single habit extends the life of all three more than careful washing does.

Tools for this topic

Related reading

Laundry

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

Wash frequency by garment, why washing less makes clothes last longer, and what to do instead of washing when something is not actually dirty.

Read Article
Laundry

How Often Should You Wash Swimwear?

Swimwear need washing every wear. Here is why, what to look for, and what to do between washes instead of running another cycle.

Read Article
Laundry

How Often Should You Wash Suits?

Suits need washing every 4 to 6 wears, dry cleaned twice a season. Here is why, what to look for, and what to do between washes instead of running another cycle.

Read Article

Read next

LaundryHow Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?Wash frequency by garment, why washing less makes clothes last longer, and what to do instead of washing when something is not actually dirty.Read Article

Get new guides by email

New guides, calculators and checklists, once a week. Unsubscribe in one click.