How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?

It’s one of the questions every woman has wondered, even if not out loud. How often should you actually wash your bra? Everyone does it differently. Some people wash after every wear, some wait until their bra starts looking at them funny, and most of us land somewhere in the middle.

But there are actually recommendations for how often you should wash your bras, and they largely depend on your physiology, the Aussie climate, and the fabrics you wear. In this article, we’ll be sharing a few simple bra hygiene tips to help you find the sweet spot between “too often” and “not often enough,” so your bras stay fresh, clean, and supportive for longer.

 

Wash Everyday Bras Every 2-3 Wears

Most everyday bras are happiest when they’re washed every 2-3 wears. That’s usually enough to remove natural oils, deodorant marks, and daily build-up without putting your elastic through more laundry cycles than it needs.

There are a few factors that can shift that schedule, namely:

• Humidity

Australia’s warm, sticky summer days mean sweat builds faster, so wash more often.

• Sensitive skin

If you’re prone to irritation, washing more often can help.

• Fabric

Lighter fabrics or lace may need a little more care.

Over-washing is just as tough on your bra as under-washing, so rotating between a few favourites is the easiest way to keep them fresher for longer. If you missed our care tips, take a peek at The Biggest Bra Care Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) for a good refresher on what to avoid.

 

Wash Sports and Active Bras After Every Workout

Active sports bras should be washed after every wear. No exceptions.

Sweat contains salt, oils, bacteria, and skincare residue, all of which can break down elastic and fabrics if they’re left to sit. Washing your sports bras after each workout keeps the fibres healthy, helps the fabric breathe again, and keeps your bra smelling fresh instead of like the inside of a gym bag.

If you’re building out your activewear collection, start with a rotation of two or three Sports or Active Bras, one on, one in the wash, one ready to go. Not sure which you need? Read our Guide to Picking A Good Sports Bra.

 

Wash Maternity and Nursing Bras Every 1-2 Wears

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body goes through a lot. You’re warmer than usual, you’re dealing with letdown, nipple creams, and more contact against the fabric.

For most women, washing every 1-2 wears keeps things clean and comfortable without wearing out your bras too quickly. Breast pads can give you an extra wear or so, but if you leak onto your bra fabric, throw it straight in the wash. 

If you’re still setting up your pregnancy and nursing wardrobe, our guide on How Many Maternity Bras Do You Really Need breaks down the basics.

 

How to Refresh Old Bras

Sometimes a bra feels a little tired, but not ready for retirement. Before you say goodbye, here are a few “refresh and revive” tricks to give it a second wind.

1. Re-shape the cups

Lightly moulded or padded cups can lose their structure over time. Give them a light steam and gently smooth them from base to top with your hands, following the original curve. Often that’s all it takes to bring back a smooth silhouette.

2. Tighten everything up

Straps and bands will relax naturally, especially if you’ve been wearing that bra for a while. A quick adjustment can lift everything back into place. If you’ve been using the loosest hooks for a while, move in one set. If you’re already on the tightest setting and still feeling movement, it might be time to replace it.

3. Gentle deep-clean

A warm soak with a mild detergent can help release oils and revive the elastic. Then wash as normal. 

4. Fix what’s fixable

A loose hook? Replaceable. A tiny bit of fraying? Trim and tidy. A twist in the wire channel? Often repairable. If the band, cups, or wires are completely stretched out though, it’s probably time to thank it for its service and find your next favourite.

For long-term shape, check out our guide on How to Store Your Bras. A little organisation really does make them last longer.

 

Get Bra Advice From Rose & Thorne

How often you should wash your bra all comes down to matching your laundry to your lifestyle. While sweaty sports bras can’t take a second round, your daily bras for the office can tough it out between washes. 

So, no more stressing about what everyone else is doing. Those second-day bras aren’t just acceptable, they’re usually the right choice for the life cycle of your lingerie. 

 

Bra Washing FAQS

How many bras should I have in rotation?

Most women find a rotation of three to five bras works best, a couple of daily favourites and a few more extras for different outfits or activities. Rotating your bras gives the elastic time to recover and keeps them supportive for longer.

Can I wear the same bra two days in a row?

Absolutely, as long as it’s not been damp or sweaty. Your normal daily bras should be able to handle two days back-to-back, but even better if you can alternate a few bras at a time so they get a breather to bounce back between wears. 

Does not washing my bra often enough affect the fit?

It can. Oils and deodorant build-up make the fabric less breathable and can weaken elastic over time. When the band loses its spring or the straps stop staying put, it’s usually a sign that the fibres are holding on to more than they should.

How do I know if I’m overwashing my bras?

If your bras start feeling rougher, lose their stretch quickly, or fade faster than usual, you may be washing them more than they need. Everyday bras usually do best with a wash every 2–3 wears, not every single wear.

Do different fabrics need different wash frequencies?

Yes, lighter fabrics, lace, and soft microfibre tend to show body oils sooner, while firmer fabrics can go an extra wear or two. Pay attention to how your bra feels. If it’s starting to lose freshness or shape, it’s time for a wash.