Lingerie brand Curvy Kate has enlisted the help of a bra expert to explain when you should buy a new bra. It’s not uncommon for women to continue using their bras for an extended period of time, possibly without being fully aware of the potential health risks.
Katie Weir is the Bra Whisperer at Curvy Kate. She has worked in the lingerie industry for 15 years, bra fitting thousands of women in person and virtually across the globe. Katie has appeared on Lorraine, Elaine and Steph’s Packed Lunch as a lingerie expert.
Katie said: “If you are wearing your bra regularly, for example, four times a week or more and you don’t look after it as carefully as you should, it will only last for up to 5 months. By this time, the bra will be too stretched to offer you the right amount of support which can negatively affect the support your boobs should be getting. However, if you do take care of your bra it could last up to a year.
“If you experience a change in your body such as hormone fluctuations, weight gain or weight loss, your bra might not fit as well as it needs to. That’s why I suggest you get a bra fitting every six months to ensure it’s the correct size for your body.
“Wearing a bra for longer than recommended can mean that your underwires will start to cause issues such as penetrating through the fabric and digging into your underarms or sternum. As the bra is stretched out, it will have lost shape and elasticity, meaning it won’t be holding your body and lifting your bust as much which can lead to poor posture and lack of self-esteem.
“If the bra has lost elasticity, it will also give a poor shape under clothing, you will need to tighten the band and shoulder straps leading to an uncomfortable shape and one which doesn’t do the most for your outfit. If the bra is discoloured, this will likely dampen your spirits as lingerie is the first thing you put on in the morning and sets the tone for the day.
“When you get a new bra, you should always wear it on the loosest hook and eye, this should feel firm with a two-finger tension, enough to be pulled away from the body no more than an inch. Then, every 5 months, you need to tighten the hook and eyes on the band. After four months this will be to the middle, and after eight months to the tightest hook. This then offers the same firm fit as day one.”
Four Tips to Get More Wear Out of a Bra
Although the average bra lasts up to 5 months, they can last for over a year if cared for properly. Check out Katie’s tips below to keep your bra looking and feeling fresh for years to come.
- Hand wash where possible. Machine washing can damage your delicate bras by putting lots of pressure on your underwires. Machine washing can also distort delicate and embroidered fabrics with spin speeds that are too fast and washes that are too hot. If you do need to wash your bras, handwashing is the best route to go down as your delicates might not fare well in a washing machine.
- Use non-bio washing powder. When washing your lingerie, use a non-biological washing powder and do not use fabric conditioner as these will break down the elasticity in your bras. This will mean that your bra becomes misshapen and can’t support your boobs as they should.
- Air dry your bras. Never put your bras in a tumble dryer as this harsh and hot environment will cause shrinkage, wire damage and misshapen bras. The best option is to air dry them, without hanging them up by the straps which may put unnecessary strain on them. Instead, dry your bras flat or air dry on a rack by the middle of the bra.
- Store them correctly. Instead of throwing your bras into a cupboard, store them in a way that’ll help them keep their shape and avoid breeding dangerous bacteria. Do not store moulded bras with a cup folded inside the other, this will lead to creasing and misshaped cups. Try not to tangle your underwired bras as this can bend the wires out of shape, instead lay them flat in your drawer or hang them in your wardrobe.
