How Long Do Bras Last? Tips for Bra Longevity

In the age of overconsumption, brands will often try to get you to throw out your bras prematurely -- but we're here to help you get an idea of when it's actually time to replace them. Continue reading for more info, along with tips and tricks for keeping your bras in good shape, and how to shop for high-quality and long-lasting garments.

How long do bras last, anyway? Do some last longer than others? And how do you know when to replace them?

We'll answer all these questions ahead, along with tips for keeping your bras in good shape for longer and how to shop for high-quality, long-lasting undergarments.

How long does a bra last?

The lifespan of a bra depends on how often they're worn and washed. According to research, a bra might hold up for about 25 washes, which is about 6 to 12 months.

Factors affecting the lifespan of a bra

Other factors that affect the bra’s lifespan:

• The material and overall quality
  • Long-lasting materials include Nylon and Spandex blends, and Polyester.
  • Shortest-last materials include Silk due to its delicate nature and misuse of care.

*Hot Tip: Look for firm stitching, resilient fabric, well-encased underwire, and durable elastic in the band and straps to quickly gauge if a bra is high quality.

• How many times it's worn
• How often it comes into contact with sweat
• How often and how many total times it's washed
• How it's washed

Wearing a bra that's too tight could also prematurely wear out the elasticity, make it less stretchy, or permanently expand the delicate fabric. An estimated 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, and 70% of those wear one that's too small, so there's a decent chance this has happened to you.

Signs it's time to replace your bra

Can't remember the last time you bought a new bra? We've all been there, and we're not here to judge! But we can help you figure out if your current collection (or beloved everyday bra) should be swapped out for something new in your lingerie drawer.

Worn-out elastic band or straps

If the horizontal band of the bra that wraps around your back is worn out, frayed, or so overly stretched that it affects the fit, you probably need a new one.

The same goes for the shoulder straps. Adjustable straps can be tightened and loosened as needed to get the right fit and support, but they can wear down and lose their stretch over time.

Loss of shape or support

If your everyday bra seems like it's misshapen or isn't as supportive as it once was, you're wise to let it retire.

Sometimes, a worn-out bra can permanently stretch to a larger size. Proper fit is essential for support, comfort, and how a bra looks underneath clothes, so this is another sure-fire sign to replace it.

Support is extra-important for sports bras. And since this type of bra is exposed to sweat with virtually every wear, it may need to be replaced more often than a regular bra.

How to extend the life of your bras

Learning how to properly care for your bra can help lengthen its lifespan substantially. Continue reading for some of our tried-and-true care tips.

Proper washing and drying techniques

Properly washing and drying your bras is crucial. Here's what we recommend if you want them to last as long as possible:

• Consider washing by hand. Hand-washing delicates like bras can help prevent the materials from getting damaged, snagged, or misshapen which often happens when you use the washing machine. You can wash your bras by hand in your kitchen sink or bathtub using cool or lukewarm water and mild laundry soap.
• Use a lingerie wash bag. If you prefer to launder your bras in a washing machine, your best bet is to use a lingerie bag. These mesh zippered satchels help protect smaller, delicate clothing items while preventing the bra straps from twisting up and the hooks from attaching to other garments.
• Opt for mild detergent. Mild detergent is best for washing bras, and you don't need very much of it. Using mild detergent for bras helps preserve the delicate fabrics, elasticity, and structure, preventing irritation and extending the life of your bra. You can even find laundry soap formulated specifically for delicate fabric.
• Choose gentle wash settings. Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate wash cycle. If you're able to adjust the spin setting, choose a slower speed. Alternatively, you might be able to run your bras on a no-spin cycle, then carefully press out the excess water by hand using a dry towel.
• Limit heat. Heat can wear down spandex, elastane, and other stretchy bra materials. So cold water is generally best when washing delicate garments, including bras. If your bras were exposed to excess sweat or you're trying to tackle odors, a warm/cold cycle can help kill the bacteria and freshen them up.
• Air-dry whenever possible. Speaking of heat, hot air from the dryer isn't great for a bra's integrity, either. It can cause fabrics to degrade, and tumbling around can bend or otherwise damage the underwire. You can tumble-dry on a lower heat setting, but letting bras air-dry is usually best. After washing, reshape your bras, then lay them flat or hang them up to dry.

Rotating your bras

How long do bras last if you wear them nearly every day or multiple times a week? Not as long as they could last if you keep other bras in your rotation.

We can all relate to finding a bra you love that feels better and looks better than any other bra you've ever owned (that one bra that you’ve owned since 2015 and is hanging on by a thread, we're looking at you). But to avoid overuse, it's good to have at least a few in your collection.

After all, different shirts, dresses, and occasions call for different bra styles. But if you're set on a specific bra, and that's all you want to wear every day, consider buying multiple of the same style. That way, you'll always have a clean one!

How often should you replace your bras?

If you wear your bras regularly — at least once a week — you'll typically want to replace them at least once a year. If you wear a bra three or more times a week, it may need to be replaced sooner, potentially within six months.

Choosing durable bras for longevity

Bras that last the longest are made of durable, high-quality materials. Whether it's elastane, spandex, cotton, nylon, or polyamide, the fibers should be strong and able to stretch and conform to the shape of your body while still being comfortable.

Explore our long-lasting, high-quality bra collections

Negative Underwear is the place to shop for uncomplicated luxury essentials and undergarments that prioritize function, utility, and feel. We're obsessed with details but don't think a superior bra design has to be overly complex.

When you explore our selection of women's bras, you'll find minimalist styles that are supportive but never restrictive. Stylish yet understated and endlessly versatile, they can be worn every day, on any occasion.

Our intimately considered collections include underwire bras, wireless bras, and bralettes built to last. You can also explore our best-seller bras to see what's most popular — this is the place to look if you're the type of person who likes to buy multiple of a particularly reliable bra.

Final tips for maintaining your bra collection

When it comes to maintaining your bra collection, try to limit how often you wear and wash each bra. And when they need to be cleaned, be as careful as possible to avoid damaging the materials or mishappening the cups.

How you store them is important too. Shoving your bras into a drawer could lead to tangling, snagging, or permanent creases in the cup padding. Folding padded bras inside out (tucking one cup into the other) can cause wrinkling that's hard to remove.

If possible, try to store your bras flat in a drawer so they retain their shape.

If it's time for a wardrobe refresh, Negative Underwear has what you need. Our new, always expanding collections of bras and underwear are so comfortable it's crazy. Learn more about how many bras you should own to keep your collection full of styles for any occasion. 

Need help with how to measure your bra size at home? We're here to help you find the right size, style, and fit for your body and personal preferences.