Bras are one of the most critical undergarments for a woman's outfit. For starters, they support, enhance and make your attire look put together. However, when it comes to cleaning and caring for a bra, it's a piece that tends to be neglected.
If you're like me, you own at least one favorite pair that you wear on a regular rotation. When it comes time to wash it, though, you either push back laundry day to later in the week or have to succumb to wearing an uncomfortable underwire strapless bra from yesteryear.
Instead of going nipple-free or aching in discomfort throughout the day, Shop TODAY brought a few experts to weigh in on bra care and laundry hacks, plus must-have products to keep your lingerie out of the drawer of forgotten garments.
How often to wash your bras | Best way to wash your bras | Machine washing tips | How to dry your bras | Editor-approved laundry products | More laundry products to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
Editor-approved detergent$undefined$12.97
How often you should wash your bras?
According to Jené Luciani, author of "The Bra Book," you should wash your bra after every wear. "The sweat, the dirt and the oil in our skin break down the elasticity of the bra fabric, especially if it is microfiber," she said.
However, other bra experts suggest that your bra's washing rotation depends on different factors. "Generally, we recommend washing your bra after three wears, but it depends on the length of wear, amount of activity and perspiration," mentions CUUP's director of fit, Tania Garcia.
The condition of your skin also can impact your bra washing rotation. "For individuals with oily-prone skin or those who sweat more than the average person, you will need to wash the bras more frequently than those who don't have either of those factors," added style expert Naina Singla.
What is the best way to wash your bras?
Like any delicate garment, bras also require extra love and care. There are several methods when it comes to washing a bra but, according to Garcia, the best and easiest process is adding a gentle detergent to a sink full of water and washing it by hand. "Water temperature depends on [a] bra’s material — make sure to check the care instructions," she added.
After, you'll want to lather the bra for five minutes and let it soak in the soapy water for 20 minutes. Then, drain and rinse it off with clean water and lay it flat to dry.
How to wash your bras in the washing machine
Sometimes, our busy schedules get in the way of laundry day and washing bras by hand takes dedication. If you do want to machine-wash them, Singla recommends making sure "to fasten the hooks on each bra and put them on a delicate or hand-wash cycle using cold water and avoid using the spin cycle."
"It's useful to place most types of bras in a mesh bag, so it creates a barrier between them and other items in the washing machine. If bras are mixed in with other clothing, they can get damaged by friction and they can snag, get tangled and tear," she mentioned.
If you want to be extra careful, Luciani also suggests removing the pads and putting the bras in a garment bag that zips up.
How to dry your bras
According to Luciani, you should never dry your bras in a dryer. "The heat from the dryer is literally kryptonite for the bra. It will break down the material of the bra much faster."
"Always hang dry bras, as the heat from the dryer will shrink the bra and could also damage the elasticity of the straps as well," added Gatherall founder, Louise Lai.
Editor-approved laundry products
For your favorites: Apricotton Dryer Bag
- Soft material
- Can hide zipper
- Only holds one bra
Best for: Delicate intimates
The fine mesh of this bag will protect your most delicate lingerie. This one is smooth and super sturdy, plus you can hide the slider of the zipper so the bag doesn't open during the wash cycle. Aside from keeping your delicates safe, you can use these bags for travel use. You can keep socks, bras and underwear in one place.
Sensitivity away: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent
- Helps soften clothing
- Affordable for size
- Truly unscented
Best for: Sensitive skin
Associate editor Allie Wise has been using this detergent for years without failing her. "I have sensitive skin and this detergent keeps my clothes soft, and doesn’t make my skin itchy or red," says Wise.
Also, the detergent contains enough formula for 64 loads and is free of fragrance if you have a sensitive nose.
Deodorize with intention: Attitude Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Floral scent
- A little goes a long way
- Not the best cap design
Best for: All types of clothing
This laundry detergent has been a favorite [Espinal] for the past few months for its fragrance and formula. The liquid is very clear and leaves a soft scent behind, after washing your clothes. The best part is that the formula is made with plant-made ingredients and works well with my building's water-efficient machine.
Hang it up: SONGMICS Clothes Drying Rack
- Can fit a lot of clothing
- Can be big for small spaces
Best for: Clothes you need to air dry
Whether you’re drying clothes or intimates, this is a great home organizer to save energy and space while air drying your clothes. Plus, this will extend the lifetime of your garments.
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko prefers to air dry her clothes at any opportunity. "This clothing rack is the perfect size for a load of laundry! I like that it has two levels so I can hang everything from jeans to dresses, swimsuits and active wear. When you’re done, just fold up the whole thing and put it in your closet (or behind the couch)."
Best laundry products, inspired by expert advice
For the delicate garment: Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags
- Over 26,000 positive ratings
- Very durable
- Generously sized
- Some customers had zipper issues
Best for: Undergarments
Start protecting your lingerie with these mesh bags from Muchfun. The laundry bags are designed to wash delicate clothes and feature breathable mesh construction and anti-rust zippers with auto-lock to prevent the bag from opening while on the washing machine. With 16,000+ verified five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers rated it five stars for its sturdy design.
I also own something similar and this is an extra step you should add to your laundry routine in order to extend the longevity of your bras.
Protect it with mesh: Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bag
- Very spacious
- Fast-drying
- Long-lasting
- Zippers aren't super durable, per some shoppers
Best for: Wireless or wired bras
If you're worried about crushing your cups, use this mesh bag featuring frame protection and mesh fabric. The laundry bag is designed to maintain the shape of your bra while spinning inside the washing machine, to avoid damage and crush.
"These are big and made very well. I like them because your padded bras fit nicely and are not tight at all," said one verified reviewer.
All in one place: Resovo Bra Hanger
- Saves space in closet
- "Very well made"
- Needs even weight on each side
Best for: All types of bras
After hand-washing your bra, you can hang and air dry it with this rack organizer. Plus, experts say this is the best way to dry your bras. The hanger is available in two textures and comes with 20 polished stainless steel swivel hooks. This is a great way to avoid squishing your bras and is a space-saver when you don't have the area to lay them flat.
Just the essentials: Zum Clean Laundry Soap
- Formulated with essential oils
- Large, long-lasting container
- The scent is subtle
Best for: Sensitive skin
The plant-based, grime-fighting formula makes this laundry soap an efficient dirt remover. The soap is made with saponified 100% coconut oil, natural fragrance from essential oils, baking soda and vegetable glycerin to work its magic on the dirtiest clothes. Also, the laundry soap comes in different scents such as patchouli, sea salt, lavender, sweet orange and more.
Also, if you’re worried about skin sensitivity, this laundry detergent will deep clean your underwear without a long list of ingredients.
Sans toxic: All Ultra Free Clear HE Liquid Laundry Detergents
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Keeps clothes "soft and clean"
- Great price for 123 loads
- Hard-to-see measuring cup lines, per some customers
Best for: Sensitive skin
According to the brand, this is the No. 1 laundry detergent recommended by dermatologists. The unscented and hypoallergenic formula is made for sensitive skin and is safe to use in any washing machine including high efficiency. Customers rave about this product for its sensitivity factor to protect clothes and in preventing skin irritation. Plus, Garcia recommended a gentle detergent to keep your skin and intimates safe.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team chose products based off style experts' advice on how to wash and dry bras without wearing them down or tearing them. We included useful products for gentle washing and drying, such as mesh bags drying hangers.
Meet the experts
- Jené Luciani is a renowned bra expert and the author of "The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimsuit, and More!" She previously talked to TODAY Style on how social distancing affected her skin care routine.
- Tania Garcia is CUUP's director of fit, a brand focused on timeless and supportive intimates.
- Naina Singla is a style expert and national fashion stylist. She previously talked to Shop TODAY on the best footwear for holiday parties.
- Louise Lai is the founder of Gatherall, a brand focused on meeting comfort and modern design.
