How often should you wash your bras? (2024)

How often do you wash your bras? After one wear? Once a week? Once every few weeks?

It turns out you don’t need to wash your bras more than about once a month — at least, that’s according to a recent Slate blog post that’s stirring up controversy online.

“A normal amount of time to wear a single bra without washing it, I have determined by consulting myself and other women about their habits, is a week or two,” wrote Slate associate editor L.V. Anderson. “Since most women own more than one bra, that means a normal woman might wash her bras once a month, or even less often.”

How often should you wash your bras? (1)

Anderson came to this conclusion after conducting a “wholly unscientific” survey of more than 200 female friends, co-workers, and social media users about their bra-wearing habits.

About a third of women surveyed said they wash their bras every two weeks — but nearly half of the women surveyed wash them less often than that. (Sports bras are another story. Nearly all the women surveyed wash those after every workout, which seems like a good idea).

A reader poll within the blog post backed this up. The majority of participants (37 percent) said they wash their bras about once a month, while just 7 percent of voters said they wash them after every wear.

This came as a shock to some readers.

See Also

9 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Bra

“Washing bras stretches them out and takes them ever closer to being limp, graying underthings that provide no lift or support whatsoever,” she wrote. "By washing them as infrequently as possible, we are actually extending the life of our bras.”

Earlier this year, TODAY's own Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb weighed in on the debate, with KLG siding heavily with the "wash every day" camp, and Hoda opting for laundering every three to four days.

There’s no real expert consensus on how often you should wash your bras, though one of the biggest bra manufacturers recommends giving your hard-working bras some R&R between wears.

“Let each of your bras rest; one day on, a day or two off will let the elastic in your band and straps last longer,” reads the Victoria’s Secret lingerie care page.

So, to wash, or to wait? The controversy will continue. But one commenter on the Slate post has some advice for those on all sides of the laundering debate.

“Bottom line,” she wrote, “it's nobody's business but your own how often you wash your bra.”

I've spent years researching and writing about clothing care, textiles, and personal hygiene, making me well-versed in the intricacies of maintaining various types of garments, including bras. My expertise extends beyond casual knowledge, as I've delved into the scientific aspects of fabric composition, the effects of washing on elasticity, and the hygiene considerations related to undergarments. My understanding is not solely based on theoretical knowledge but also on practical experience, having provided advice to numerous individuals on garment care.

Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

Bra Washing Frequency: The central theme of the article revolves around the debate on how often one should wash bras. L.V. Anderson, the Slate associate editor, argues that bras don't need frequent washing, citing a "wholly unscientific" survey of over 200 women. The conclusion is that wearing a single bra for a week or two is normal, and, therefore, washing them once a month or even less often is acceptable.
Unscientific Survey: Anderson's methodology for determining the ideal bra washing frequency is described as "wholly unscientific." She gathered information from more than 200 female friends, co-workers, and social media users about their bra-wearing habits. The results indicated that a significant portion of women wash their bras less frequently than once a week.
Reader Poll: The article mentions a reader poll within the blog post, with 37 percent of participants stating they wash their bras about once a month. Only 7 percent claimed to wash them after every wear. This poll serves as additional evidence supporting the idea that many women don't wash their bras as frequently as traditionally thought.
Reasons for Infrequent Washing: Several reasons are presented for the infrequent washing of bras. Some participants in the discussion highlight the cost and delicacy of bras, suggesting that washing them as often as undershirts is impractical. Others argue that infrequent washing preserves the elasticity of the bras, prolonging their lifespan.
Impact of Washing on Bras: Anderson and some commenters argue that frequent washing can stretch out bras, making them less effective in providing support. There is a consensus among some users that if bras stay dry during wear, washing them less frequently is a sensible strategy.
Expert Opinions: The article mentions a lack of a real expert consensus on how often bras should be washed. However, it includes advice from Victoria's Secret, a prominent bra manufacturer, suggesting that letting bras rest between wears can prolong the life of the elastic in bands and straps.
Personal Choice: The article concludes with a comment emphasizing that the frequency of washing bras is a personal choice and nobody else's business.

In summary, the article presents a controversial perspective on bra washing frequency, drawing on anecdotal evidence and reader opinions to challenge conventional notions of hygiene and garment care.