Unlike beauty products, bras don't have a handy expiration date that lets you know when they're past their prime. Alas, undergarments do have a shelf life and you're probably hanging on to some bras that should be put out to pasture. (You're not alone; we're guilty of it, too.)
Not sure how long bras are meant to last? We weren't, either — until we consulted some industry experts. Here, they share tips for keeping your intimates wardrobe up to date and a few of our editors share the bras they buy on repeat.
How often should you replace your bra?
Bianca Izzo, design director of La Vie en Rose, tells us it's generally recommended to replace your bra every 6-12 months "depending on how often you wear it and how well you care for it. If you wear your bra regularly, you might want to replace it sooner."
With the right care, Dora Lau, the founder and president of Dora L International, says some bras can "last for years."
Here are some telltale signs that it's time to replace your bra:
- It's not comfortable anymore: "If you start feeling discomfort, it could be a sign that the bra is no longer serving its purpose and a good indicator to replace it," Izzo says.
- It doesn't look the same anymore: "If a bra has lost its shape, elasticity or no longer fits properly, it may be time for a replacement," says Frej Lewenhaupt, a textile care expert and co-founder of Steamery.
Best bras, according to experts
CRZ Yoga Adjustable Longline Sports Bra
- Affordable
- Lots of colors
- Straps may not be sturdiest
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 19 | Closure type: Pull-on | Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Lau is fond of this "versatile style" and says it can be "worn all day."
"It’s a good pick for a long work day, yoga or lounging. I like it for its durability and wire-free comfort, as well as the removable pads. This style washes well in the washing machine as long as you line dry it, which extends replacement time. It is an easy bra to care for and is comfortable," she says.
Maidenform Everyday Luxe T-Shirt Wireless Convertible Bra
- Adjustable, convertible straps
- Shoppers say it's comfortable
- Not the most supportive
Sizes: 34A-40D | Colors: 7 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Modal, spandex
Specialty bras are nice, but sometimes you're just looking for a do-it-all style that can get the job done. "This is a bra you can wear every day. It’s super comfy and soft," Lau says.
It has straps that are both adjustable and convertible, so you can wear it traditionally or as a racer-back.
Elomi Cate Full Coverage Bra
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Mixed reviews on wire quality
Sizes: 34E-46HH | Colors: 7 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Polyester, nylon, elastane
Intimate apparel stylist Laura Burke says this is her favorite plus-size bra and describes it as a "workhorse." She calls the non-stretch satin durable and says it "holds the heaviest of breasts."
If you have a fuller bust or figure, she recommends opting for a style with seams: "Don’t be afraid of seams. They lift and shape the breast tissue more than any T-shirt bra ever could. The side support panel on this bra will help project your breasts forward and slim your sides and back."
Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Convertible Bra
- Bra stays put without shifting
- Reviewers say it's comfortable
- Some noted inconsistent sizing
Sizes: 30B-44I | Colors: 5 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Polyamide, spandex
"Strapless bras last longer than an everyday bra because we are usually wearing them much less frequently," says Burke. "This is a very popular and high-quality strapless style. The boning will help it maintain its structure for many wears."
Anita Extreme Control Sports Bra
- Many noted comfortable straps
- Good for HIIT workouts
- Some say not for everyday wear
Sizes: 30B-46E | Colors: 14 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Polyester, polyamide, elastane
Burke’s favorite sports bra has nearly 2,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “The breathable and highly functional pique fabric outlasts many washes,” she says.
When you’re looking for a custom fit from your sports bra, Burke says hook-and-eye closures are the way to go. “Small, medium, large shopping just won’t cut it. Look for sports bras that offer encapsulation and compression,” she suggests.
Editor-recommended bras
Gap Seamless Rib Bralette
- Smoothing around back & sides
- Can handle stronger wash cycle
- May need to size up
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Closure type: N/A | Fabric: Nylon, polyurethane
"Having a DD chest doesn’t give me the freedom to rock cute, frilly bras whenever I please. (The girls need ample support on a 24/7/365 basis.)" says senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "That said, this Gap bralette is the closest I’ve gotten to my wire-free fantasy. Not only is the ribbed material ridiculously comfortable, but it also gives a surprising amount of lift. I first discovered this bralette from a devoted shopping community online about three years ago and I’ve bought about 10 of these in a variety of colors ever since."
Maidenform Dreamwire Back Smoothing Underwire Bra
- Non-restrictive and silky soft
- Smoothing wider side panels
- Sizes only go up to DDD
Sizes: 34B-40DD | Colors: 4 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
"This bra is so seamless and invisible under a T-shirt that I’ve gotten compliments on the T-shirts I wear because of how good the bra makes them look," raves commerce editor Vivien Moon. "It’s not restrictive and so smooth so it fits under any tee (even lightweight white tees) without notice."
Etam Bra No. 5 The Lightly Lined Plunge Bra
- Impressive size range
- High quality and comfortable
- Shipping may take a while
Sizes: 30B-40DD | Colors: 5 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Polyamide, elastane, polyester
“I’ve struggled to find a bra that fits me properly because I have an unusual size (28F or 30E depending on the cut) and have had to get sister sizes that never quite sit right from U.S. brands for years. Enter: this bra,” says production associate Audrey Ekman. “I was so shocked by how comfortable and supported I felt — no wires digging or uncomfortable band riding up, and my chest actually felt lifted and supported, rather than suppressed or spilling over in the cups. I finally found a bra that fits!”
Soma Embraceable Perfect Coverage Convertible Bra
- Molded cups
- Perfect fit
- Very soft
- Mixed reviews on straps
Sizes: 32B-42DDD | Colors: 13 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
“Almost my entire bra collection is from Soma,” says associate editor Kamari Stewart. “They’re comfortable, supportive, fit perfectly and have styles for every occasion. This one is in my regular rotation.”
Soma Enbliss Wireless Bra
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Sharp nails may tear material
Sizes: 32A-42DDD | Colors: 22 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
"This bra is super comfortable and has a good stretch without the straps digging on my shoulders," says SEO writer Jannely Espinal. "It feels breathable and the cotton material works well for warmer days. I’ve used it for two years now and it's still one of go-tos for everyday."
Stewart also has two bras in this style in her weekly rotation.
Montelle Flirt Demi Lace Bra
- Comfortable
- Stretchy mesh
- Best worn with loose tops
Sizes: 28C-38E | Colors: 17 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
I personally own this bra in several colors and love the subtle lift it provides. It offers an instant confidence boost, even if I’m just wearing something totally casual and working from home. Plus, it’s super comfy!
Soma Vanishing 360 Front-Close Bra
- Front-close is easy to use
- Comfortable
- Not many colors
- Some say runs small
Sizes: 32B-42DDD | Colors: 5 | Closure type: Front close | Fabric: Nylon, elastane
This is another favorite of Stewart's. "The front-close clasp makes it easy to throw on and it's comfortable enough to wear all day long. I often forget I have it on until it's time to take it off," she says it
Cuup The Balconette Mesh
- Comes in an array of sizes
- Breathable mesh
- Sheer material
- Cups run slightly small
Sizes: 30A-50H | Colors: 39 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Ekman loves this particular style so much, she owns it in two colors and even has the swimsuit version. "The mesh is super breathable and sits nicely under tops and dresses, and the balconette cut is really chic with unpadded cups that don't feel suffocating."
Natori Bliss Perfection Contour Underwire Bra
- Comfortable and supportive
- Versatile style
- Limited back sizes
Sizes: 30A-38G | Colors: 10 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, lace, polyester
“There’s a reason why this bra is a bestseller,” says editor Kelly Vaughan. “It’s extremely supportive, comfortable and versatile with most outfits. While I tend to be boring and stick to nude or black, it’s available in tons of colors.”
Natori Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Bra
- Holds up after excessive wear
- "Barely there" feel
- Runs small, order 1 size up
Sizes: 30A-38DDD | Colors: 8 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, lycra, lace, elastane
Vaughan says this bra offers “the best of both worlds — meaning the style and appeal of a lace bra with the support of a more *ahem* boring style. It’s quite supportive and comfortable so I can wear it underneath most tops and dresses. I’m not too precious about caring for my bras (hot water, regular cycle) and it has held up well for years under less-than-ideal conditions.”
Natori Cherry Blossom Convertible Bra
- Convertible straps, supportive
- Great for v-neck tops
- Cut doesn't work with all tops
Sizes: 30B-36G | Colors: 7 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, polyester
“This bra is crafted with the softest lace imaginable,” says Vaughan. “While this cut doesn’t work with every top, it’s great if you have something with a deeper V-neck and/or halter style, thanks to the convertible straps. It comes in tons of colors and I find it extremely supportive to boot.”
Thirdlove All Day Lace Uplift Plunge Bra
- Available in lace and non-lace
- Variety of color options
- Some say it runs big
Sizes: 32A-44E | Colors: 12 | Closure type: Hook and eye | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
I’ve been a fan of Thirdlove for years, particularly their lace bras. This style offers great coverage and a nice boost without feeling heavy or uncomfortable. It has a barely-there feel to it that makes me sometimes forget I’m even wearing a bra. The best part? The brand offers half sizes so you can get the perfect fit.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! The lifespan of a bra can depend on a variety of factors including how often you wear it, how often you wash it, construction and materials. Lau and Burke provide a short guide to keep in mind:
- Strapless bras: Burke says they "may last many years because it isn't worn very often."
- Sports bras: On the flip side, Burke says one "may not last the full year if it's getting worn and washed every time, which is usually needed."
- Bralettes and wire-free bras: If they're made with sturdier band elastics, Lau says they can last through more wash and wear cycles than a bra with underwire.
- Fine lace and elastic bras: Lau says these more delicate materials "tend to need replacement sooner than a bra with sturdier materials."
- Bras with bonded or gel glue finishes: The "finish" refers to the two pieces of fabric that are glued together in an area where you need more support like the underarm or wing (side and back area). According to Lau, the glue can relax after washing and wearing, so those types of bras may need to be replaced sooner.
- Lack of support: "Your bra is a support garment. Eighty to ninety percent of the support comes from the band. When the bra gets old or stretched out, the band will begin to ride up your back and gap in the front and no longer lay flat on your body. The cups or wire will start to get misshapen as well," Burke says.
- Poor fit: "In general, the bra will not fit as well. Spandex in elastics can degrade and lose their elasticity which gives less support. The bra will feel more loose and the back band can ride up with reduced elastic performance," Lau explains.
- Discomfort: "Underwire bras may present issues if the wires shift out of place and cause discomfort," Lewenhaupt says. Additionally, Izzo notes that a lack of support can lead to "discomfort or even back and shoulder pain."
- Poor performance: "If the fabric or padding becomes deformed, the bra might not give the smooth, flattering look it once did," Izzo says.
Taking care of your bra can help extend its lifespan. Here are a few tips for doing so from the pros:
- Wash with care: "Gently caring for bras by hand washing and line drying can extend the life of the materials and elastics. Do not put bras in the dryer," Lau says. Izzo also recommends using a lingerie bag to protect your bra if you must use the washing machine.
- Wash regularly: "Items like bras and underwear need to be washed more often than other clothing since they are worn close to the body. It’s recommended to wash bras after a couple of uses," Lewenhaupt advises.
- Rotate bras: "A woman should own a minimum of three everyday bras that should be rotated. Think about it as 'one to wear, one to wash, one to rest,'" notes Burke.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team interviewed experts to create a guide for replacing your bras. Editors also shared their favorites for when your collection needs an upgrade.
Meet the experts
- Laura Burke is an intimate apparel style, and the founder and owner of fitted.
- Bianca Izzo is the design director of the bra brand la Vie en Rose.
- Frej Lewenhaupt is a textile care expert. He is the co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery.
- Dora Lau is the founder and president of Dora L International.
