How to Wash Your Bras

Let's talk bra care

Your bras go through a lot. The better you treat them, the longer they'll last — and the better they'll support you.

Washing your bras the right way keeps them in good shape, protects the elastic, and helps them feel new for longer.

How often should I wash my bras?

You should wash your bras after you've worn them 2-3 times. We recommend having at minimum 3 bras in your daily rotation, and rotating through them so that you're never wearing the same bra two days in a row. This helps preserve the elasticity of your bras and ensures that all of your bras last longer.

Here's a suggested bra-wearing and washing schedule:

Do I need to hand-wash my bras?

While it may sound high-maintenance, hand-washing can actually be quite simple and is most definitely worthwhile. This gentle approach to caring for your bras helps them last as long as possible, protecting the bras' fabric and structure.

You don't need much:

• A sink or basin
• Lukewarm water
• A gentle detergent (we love Eucalan or Soak—no-rinse and biodegradable)
• A clean towel for drying

How to hand-wash your bras

If you're using a no-rinse detergent (like Eucalan or Soak):

1. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add one pump (around 1 tsp) of detergent.
2. Clasp your bras to prevent them from snagging. Submerge them in the water and press them down to soak for 15 minutes.
3. When time's up, gently squeeze out the water.
4. Lay your bras flat on a towel to dry.

If your detergent requires rinsing:

1. Follow Steps 1 & 2 above.
2. Rinse the bras in clean water.
3. Refill your sink with fresh lukewarm water, and let them soak again for 5 minutes.
4. Gently press out the water.
5. Lay flat to dry.

How to machine-wash your bras

We recommend hand-washing when possible, but machine-washing is also a great option!

If you're using a machine, we suggest the following:

• Clasp your bras first (prevents snagging)
• Use a mesh lingerie bag
• Choose the delicate or gentle cycle
• Stick to cold water and gentle detergent

Always, always air-dry

No matter how you wash your bras, we recommend never putting them in the dryer. Heat breaks down the elastic, warps the cups, and shortens the life of your bra.

Here's how to dry them instead:

• Lay your bras flat on a towel
• Don't hang them by the straps or center gore — that can stretch them out

A few final tips

• Clasp your bras before washing
• Wash gently = wear longer
• Let them air-dry fully before wearing or storing

Need a bra that's worth the care?

Explore Radical bras →