Lingerie Care 101: How to Wash, Dry and Store Your Bras
The short answer: Wash in cold water, do not wring, and never put a bra in the dryer. A well-cared-for bra lasts 6 to 9 months. A bra that gets machine-washed in hot water on a regular cycle lasts a few weeks.
'Machine e dile ki hobe?' - this is one of the most common questions in our Girl Talk community. The short version: it will survive a gentle machine cycle. But how you wash and dry a bra changes how long it holds its shape.
How to wash your bras
| Method | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hand wash (ideal) | Cold water, mild detergent, soak 10 to 15 minutes, press gently, rinse | All bras, especially moulded cups |
| Machine wash (acceptable) | Cold water, gentle cycle, inside a mesh laundry bag, hooks closed | Seamless bras without moulded cups |
The three rules
- Never wring. Wringing warps the cup shape and stretches the elastic. Press the water out gently between two towels.
- Never tumble dry. Heat breaks down nylon-spandex and elastic. Lay flat to dry or hang by the centre gore, not by the straps.
- Rotate your bras. Elastic needs 24 hours to recover its shape. Wearing the same bra two days in a row shortens its life.
How to store
Stack moulded bras cup-in-cup in a drawer, not folded in half. Folding a moulded cup creases the shape. Soft bras like the Seamless Air Bra can be folded flat.
When to replace
- The band is on the tightest hook and still rides up.
- The elastic no longer springs back when you stretch it.
- The cup has lost its shape or wrinkles when worn.
- The fabric has pilled or thinned.
With proper care, most SHAPE bras (nylon-spandex) last 6 to 9 months of regular wear. Replace sooner if you wear one bra every day without rotating.
Questions women ask us
Can I use fabric softener?
Avoid it. Fabric softener coats the elastic and reduces its stretch recovery. Use mild detergent only.
How often should I wash my bra?
Every two to three wears, or after any day you sweat heavily. In Dhaka's humidity, every two wears is a good rule.
My bra smells even after washing. What do I do?
Soak in cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. Vinegar neutralises odour without damaging the fabric. Rinse thoroughly.
Free, private fittings. Walk into any of our 7 Dhaka stores and a fit advisor will measure you, help you try on styles in private, and answer every question. No appointment, no pressure, no purchase required. Or message us on WhatsApp +880 1784 163199. Find a store.
Part of The Fitting Room by SHAPE.
