Wearing your bra directly against your skin might make you think it needs daily washing, but experts agree that's not always necessary.

Wondering how often to clean your bras and the best way to keep them in top shape? Here's everything you need to know to extend your bra's lifespan while lightening your laundry load.

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Fun Fact: You Can Wear Your Bra Without Washing It

There's good news for laundry haters: washing your bra after each usage isn't required and may even cause damage. According to a lingerie expert, "you don't need to wash your bra after every wear unless it's sweaty or stained." Overwashing can harm elastic and delicate textiles. To help maintain the shape and longevity of your bra, try to wear it a few times before washing it.

How to Know When It's Time to Wash Your Bra

The frequency of washing your bras depends on various factors. Here's how to decide if your bra is due for a wash:

Conditions of the Weather

• Sweat and body oils build up more quickly during the hot summer months, so you might need to wash your bras more frequently to avoid material deterioration.
• Activity Level Your bra is ready for a wash after intense workouts like hot yoga or a hike. Bras used during exercise should be cleaned after each usage, according to experts.

Size of Bra

• You may need to clean your bras more frequently if you wear a higher cup size because perspiration may accumulate more quickly.

Material for Bras

• Durable materials like spandex or nylon can withstand more frequent cleaning, whereas delicate fabrics like silk or lace need softer treatment and less washing.

The Sniff Test

• It's time to wash your bra if it looks or smells strange. But, even if there is no odor, oils and perspiration can still harm the fabric, so don't wait until it is obviously filthy.

You may prolong the life of your bra and maintain its freshness without overwashing it by taking these considerations into account.

Advice for Increasing the Durability of Your Bras (and Surviving the Wash)

Bras need special attention to keep their shape and durability because they are frequently composed of sensitive materials. Here's how to maintain their excellent condition:

Turn Your Bras Around

Don't wear the same bra on different days. "Rotating your bras gives the elastic time to rest and prevents overstretching," according to a professional. To equalize wear and tear, try to rotate at least three bras.

When necessary, spot clean.

Don't do the entire wash for minor spots. Instead of washing the entire bra, lightly dab the afflicted area with a mild soap and water solution.

Take Care to Wash

If you're washing in a machine, use a delicate wash cycle, cool water, and a mild detergent. Bras should always be kept in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent snagging. After pressing out extra water, let them air dry flat; do not wring them out or use a dryer because heat can damage elastic and fragile textiles.

Look for signs of wear and tear.

No bra lasts forever, even with the right maintenance. To ensure adequate support and comfort, swap out bras with stretched bands, loose suppleness, or protruding underwires.

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