Let’s be honest: most of us have ruined at least one great bra in the wash. 

Maybe you tossed it in with your jeans. Maybe the straps wrapped around everything like a clingy ex. Maybe you forgot that “delicate cycle” is not just a polite suggestion — it’s the law. 

Whatever the crime, the result is the same: sad lace, limp straps, cups that look like they’ve been in a bar fight. 

We get it. Life is busy. But a little TLC goes a long way — and if you’ve invested in a bra that fits, supports, and makes you feel like your life is mildly together, you really want it to last. 

So here’s our no-judgement, step-by-step guide to washing your bras properly — so they stay beautiful, supportive, and in your drawer for the long haul. 

First Things First: How Often Should You Wash Your Bra? 

This might surprise you: not after every wear. 

Unless you've just finished a HIIT session or got caught in a heatwave, bras can be worn 2–3 times between washes. Over-washing can actually break down the elastic faster. 

Give them a breather between wears (yes, they need rest too), and rotate your favourites to make them last. 

The Golden Rule: Hand Wash is Best 

If you can, hand wash in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. It's the lingerie equivalent of whispering sweet nothings to your intimates. 

Here's how: 

1. Fill a sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water. 
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent (no bleach, no harsh chemicals). 
3. Gently swish your bra through the water — like it’s a silk scarf, not gym gear. 
4. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes. 
5. Rinse thoroughly in clean water. 
6. Press gently to remove excess water — no wringing, no twisting, no stress. 
7. Lay flat on a clean towel or hang by the centre gore (never the straps) to dry. 

Do not tumble dry. The heat breaks down elastic faster than a Monday morning meeting breaks your soul. 

Too Busy to Hand Wash? (We See You.) 

If you must machine wash, here’s how to avoid lingerie heartbreak: 

Always use a lingerie bag — this protects your bras and stops straps from doing battle with your bedsheets  Fasten the back hooks — to prevent snagging on other clothes  Use a cold, gentle cycle — no heat, no spin tornadoes  Wash with similar fabrics only — no bras in with jeans, towels, or anything with zippers  Still air dry — a dryer is a bra's worst enemy.

The Don’ts (We’re Serious About These Ones) 

• Don’t bleach – it destroys stretch and colour
• Don’t wring or twist – it warps the cups
• Don’t hang by straps – it stretches them over time
• Don’t iron – we shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are
• Don’t forget to rotate – wearing the same bra every day shortens its life (even if it’s your soulmate)

Final Thought: If You Love It, Care For It 

A bra that lifts your bust, your mood, and your confidence deserves more than being tossed in with the towels. 

At Bendon, we make bras that are built to last — but even the best need a little love. Wash gently. Dry slowly. Rotate regularly. Because the better you treat your bra, the better it treats you.