You’re ruining your sports bras – follow my washing guide so they last longer and stay supportive of your girls
A LINGERIE expert has shared her washing guide to extend the lifespan of your sports bras.
It all comes down to a few simple rules in the laundry.
Follow these and your bras will last longer and support your girls.
Workouts can put a lot of strain on a sports bra.
Not just the pulling and stretching as you run, press weights or play tennis.
But, let’s face it, sweat also plays a role.
Therefore, taking care of your sports bras ensures they last longer and feel fresh, but it also maintains their support and comfort during your workouts.
Lingerie expert at NEXT Georgina Bibby has shared her tips for keeping your sports bras in top condition.
If you’re not already doing these, then start now.
WASH AFTER EVERY USE
This might seem a no-brainer, but not every woman washes their sports bra after working out.
Some brave women admitted to not washing their bras at all.
There is no excuse, said Bibby. Everyone sweats and that has to be washed away.
“A dirty sports bra is a breeding ground for bacteria caused by perspiration so it’s important to wash your bra after every workout even if you don’t feel that you’ve got particularly sweaty,” she said.
WASH REWRITE
It’s so convenient to throw your gym gear – including bra and panties – in the drum, add detergent, switch it on, and walk away.
But most experts agree this is not the best way to take care of your delicates.
“Hand washing is actually the best method for ensuring they keep their elasticity and shape,” said Bibby.
“Sports bras are often made from nylon which requires more care than other materials,” she added.
Bibby advised soaking them in warm water for around 20 minutes and use a gentle washing detergent to clean them thoroughly.
Be sure to rinse them afterward.
If you insist on still using the tub, then place them in a laundry bag.
This helps them maintain their shape and not get damaged.
SOFTENER IS A NO NO
One of Bibby’s tips might be counter-intuitive – she advises against using a fabric softener.
While they make your bras feel soft, they are not great for these synthetic fabrics.
“Over time they can break down the fabric and elastic reducing their supportiveness and stretch,” wrote Bibby.
Just use a mild detergent to remove odors and stains instead.
DRYING DAMAGE
Avoid chucking your sports bra in the dryer.
Long-term, you will do untold damage to its elasticity.
Instead, air dry them. You will be surprised how quickly this works.
Just lay them flat on a towel, or a drying rack,” said Bibby.
“Make sure it’s away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and prevent them from stretching out.
“If you’re hanging your bra out to dry, avoid hanging it by the straps as this can cause it to stretch,” she said.
Lingerie expert's bra-fitting tips
Jeanette Misseldine, founder of No. 1 Bra, shared her bra-fitting tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Measure your ribcage to get the correct band size.
- Pay attention to the wiring before buying.
- Only increase one cup at a time and test before buying.
- Try different brands to find what works.
BRA STORAGE
We’ve all done it, stuffing lingerie into draws as soon as they are dry.
But this is the last thing you should do.
In the future, adopt a more disciplined and orderly approach.
“Avoid folding your sports bras into tight spaces or cramming them into drawers,” she said.
“Instead, lay them flat or stack them neatly to prevent unnecessary stretching or deformation of the fabric and straps,” Bibby wrote.
ROTATE-A-BRA
It makes sense to have more than one bra.
One on, one in the wash, and the other drying.
This will simply help extend the lifespan of each one.
ATTACHMENT DISORDER
We all hold onto bras, even though they show obvious signs of wear and tear.
This is a bad habit and it has to stop.
“The more you wear your sports bra the more comfortable it might feel,” said Bibby.
However, structure is key for this item so if you feel as though it has lost its stretch or your chest doesn’t feel supported it might be time to buy a new bra.”
“Investing some time and care into maintaining your sports bras will pay off in the long run, ensuring they continue to provide the support and comfort you need during your workouts,” she concluded.