The ultimate guide to bra fitting and maintenance

If you’re anything like me, your relationship with bras is complicated. What starts off as a supportive, comfortable essential can quickly turn into something restrictive, uncomfortable and oddly determined to ruin your day. As much as bras remain one of my least favourite wardrobe items, I’ve started to wonder if maybe the issue isn’t entirely the bra itself. Maybe it’s the way we wear them, store them and care for them.

The truth is, many of us were never really taught how to properly fit a bra, maintain it or even recognise when it’s time to let it go. From finding the right size to figuring out why that stubborn underwire keeps poking through, a few small changes to your bra habits could completely transform the way you feel about this everyday essential.

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How to accurately measure your bra size at home in 4 simple steps

Fit check: Are you wearing the right size?

According to lingerie experts, most women are wearing the wrong bra size. That go-to push up bra in your drawer may actually be betraying you rather than supporting you and your bust.

How to check:

The band should sit firmly but comfortably around your rib cage without riding up.
Your breasts shouldn’t be spilling out of the cups (that includes any side-boob overflow).
Straps should stay in place without digging into your skin and leaving deep marks.
You should be able to tuck just two fingers between the band and your skin.

Pro Tip: Get professionally fitted at least once a year — especially after weight fluctuations, pregnancy or hormonal changes.

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Underwire woes

The dreaded underwire popping out is not just annoying, it’s usually your bra crying for help. Most of us have had moments where our day is ruined by an underwire stabbing us in the chest.

Possible reasons include:

Your bra is most likely too small for you or too old. It’s time to let it go.
You’re machine washing it too often instead of hand washing, or you’re not using a protective cover when popping it into the washing machine.
You’re folding it the wrong way or squashing it in your drawer.

Avoid the underwire mishap

Experts recommend hand washing your bras. It may seem like extra work but it extends the longevity of your undergarment. If you really have to machine wash, use a lingerie bag (although experts say to avoid the washing machine completely).

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Maintaining your bra

Bras are an investment — if you want them to last, you need to treat them as such. (You wouldn’t throw your silk blouse in a hot wash with your gym socks, so don’t do it to your bra.) Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when giving your bras some TLC.

Do:

Hand wash with a gentle detergent.
Dry your bra flat in the shade instead of direct sunlight. While the sun has some disinfecting properties, the intense heat and UV rays can damage the fabric — particularly the elastic and colours, causing them to fade and lose their shape.
Store bras flat, not folded, to maintain their shape.
Adjust your bra straps regularly as they loosen over time.

Don't:

Wear the same bra consecutively. It may be your favourite bra, but give it at least 24 hours between wears to ‘rest’ and reshape.
Hang them by the straps, as this stretches them out.
Toss them in the washing machine unprotected.
Sleep in your bra. Your bra and bust deserve a break.

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When to say goodbye:

All good things come to an end, and so do our bras. A bra is generally expected to last between six to 12 months with regular wear and proper care. However, this lifespan can vary based on different factors like how often it’s worn, how it’s washed and the quality of the bra.

It’s time to say goodbye if:

The fabric is pilling, faded or torn.
The underwire is loose or poking out.
It doesn’t support your bust anymore.
It’s either too tight, your breasts are spilling or it’s straight up uncomfortable.
The band is stretched beyond repair.

Don’t hold onto a bra for years. They can lose their shape and elasticity over time, even with good care, which is why it is recommended that you change them annually.

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