How to Store Your Bras So They Keep Their Shape
When you find a bra that fits beautifully, you want it to last. You know the one. It holds everything just right, smooths you out where it needs to, and feels like a little boost of confidence under your clothes. Good bras are hard to find, so you want to make sure yours lives a long and happy life. But something a lot of people overlook is that the way you store your bras matters just as much as how you wash them.
At Rose & Thorne, we design bras that love you back. And we know that with a bit of extra care between wears, they’ll stay that way. The advice below will help you store your bras in a way that holds their shape, reduces stretch, and keeps them looking new for longer.
1. Don’t fold the cups inside each other
You might think flipping one cup inside the other is a smart way to save space, but it can actually flatten or dent the cups in padded styles. Once the foam bends in the wrong direction, it’s more likely to develop creases and wonky bits.
Instead, lay your bras flat with the cups facing up and the straps tucked neatly behind.
If you’re short on drawer space, stack your bras like nesting bowls, one behind the next. It protects the cup shape and gives your drawer that boutique-style order.
If your drawer doesn’t fit full-length bras, even standing them upright (cups facing forward) keeps their shape much better than squashing or folding.
2. Give them their own space
Bras do best when they have breathing room. Lace and elastic are delicate, so keeping them separate from jeans, zips, and hooks stops snagging and fraying before it starts. Start by using a quality mesh wash bag that's suitable for your load (we stock two sizes), and then invest in some decent bra drawer organisation too.
If you’ve got a dedicated lingerie drawer, great! If not, create a section that’s just for your bras. Drawer dividers, small boxes, or even recycled gift boxes will all do the trick.
3. Don’t hang them by their straps
It might look tidy, but hanging bras by their straps slowly stretches the elastic. The longer they hang, the faster the support fades. If you prefer to hang rather than fold, drape each bra carefully over a padded hanger, folding it at the centre gore (where the cups meet). That way, the weight is evenly balanced, and your straps stay strong for longer.
If you really need to hang your bras, you could also consider hanging them by the band. That puts all the tension into the part of the bra that’s designed to carry weight.
4. Rotate your bras
We all have our favourites, but wearing the same bra day after day gives the elastic no time to recover. Giving each bra a 24-hour rest between wears helps it bounce back to its original fit.
Aim for a small rotation. A couple of everyday bras, one active bra, and one for special outfits. This not only extends their life but also means your bras keep feeling supportive instead of slowly stretching out.
When you notice one starting to feel looser, slide it toward the back of the rotation and let your newer ones take the lead.
5. Travel smart
Travelling is when good storage habits pay off. Nest your bras together, cups facing the same way, and fill them with small items like socks or briefs to help them hold their shape. Pop them near the top of your suitcase so heavier items don’t crush them.
For bonus points, pack them in something with stiff sides, like a shoe box to give them a little extra protection.
6. Handle with care
A good bra is a little piece of engineering. It’s flexible, structured, and soft in all the right places. But please, treat it gently. When you take it off, don’t yank the straps over your shoulders or twist it into a ball. Unhook it carefully and lay it flat or straight into its drawer spot.
If you’ve had a long day and can’t face organisation, even draping it over a chair overnight (flat, cups up) is better than scrunching it into a pile of laundry.
A little love goes a long way
Good bra care isn’t about perfection, it’s just small, simple habits that help your favourites last. Store them well, give them a bit of space, and rotate what you’re wearing, and they’ll return the favour by staying supportive for much longer.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about how to keep bras in shape, but if you have a burning question not covered below, please get in touch. Our team of Australian bra gurus are a wealth of information.
FAQs About Bra Storage Australia
Q: How should I store my bras to keep their shape?
A: Lay your bras flat with cups facing up, and tuck the straps behind the cups. Avoid folding cups inside each other to prevent creasing. For limited drawer space, you can stack bras like nesting bowls.
Q: Can I hang my bras on hangers?
A: Yes, but avoid hanging by the straps alone, as this stretches the elastic. Use padded hangers and fold bras at the centre, draping evenly over the hanger arms.
Q: Should bras be stored with other clothing?
A: It’s best to keep bras separate from other clothing. Dedicated drawers or organisers protect delicate fabrics from zips, hooks, or rough materials that can snag lace or stretch elastic.
Q: How can I store bras when travelling?
A: Nest bras together with cups facing the same way, and fill cups with small items like socks or underwear. Pack them at the top of your suitcase to avoid crushing.
Q: How often should I wear my bra?
A: Give each bra at least 24 hours between wears so the elastic can recover. Rotate between everyday bras, active bras, and special-occasion bras to extend lifespan. And if you’re unsure how often to wash yours, our simple guide breaks it down.
