How to Wash Your Bras: A Quick Guide

With delicate lace fabrics, metal underwires, and hook-and-eye closures, bras are some of the most delicate garments many of us own. Bras need to be washed and cared for properly to retain their shape and continue providing the support we need.

Whether you wash your bras by hand or prefer to machine wash them, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they stay in great shape. Keep reading below for our top tips for caring for your bras.

How to Wash Bras By Hand

The best method for keeping your bras looking and feeling new is to wash them by hand. We recommend washing many Glamorise bras by hand, but this can be a daunting task for some of us. Here’s how to wash bras by hand in 5 simple steps:

1. Close the bra clasp.
2. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water and add mild detergent.
3. Soak the bra for up to an hour before gently rubbing between your hands to work up a light soapy lather.
4. Rinse and gently squeeze excess water out of the bra.
5. Always hang your bras to air dry.

How to Machine Wash Bras

Let’s face it — we don’t always have the time to wash bras by hand. If you are going to machine wash your bras, follow these few steps to make sure they stay in good shape.

1. Close the bra clasp.
2. Put the bra in a lingerie bag. This will prevent it from snagging or pulling on other garments or the machine itself.
3. Use a gentle or delicate cycle on cool or warm temperature. A hot cycle will damage the fabric of your bra.
4. Always hang your bras to air dry. The high heat of the dryer will damage the elastic fabrics in your bra and warp the metal underwires.

How to Fold Your Bras

After you’ve washed and air dried your bras, the next step is to fold and store them. Though we may be inclined to toss our bras into a crammed drawer with the rest of our undergarments, you should be conscious of storing them properly to ensure they last as long as possible.

The best way to do so is by storing each bra flat with the cups inside of each other. This will allow them to keep their shape and they won’t get crushed when you close your drawer.

Concluding Thoughts

Knowing how to properly care for your bras will ensure that they last as long as possible and keep supporting you the way they are designed to. The best method for washing bras is always to do so by hand. If you have to machine wash your undergarments, make sure you do so on a cool or warm gentle cycle, and take proper precautions like using a lingerie bag.

If you’d like more information, check out our complete Bra Care Guide which includes a video demonstration on bra-washing 101.