4 Reasons Your Bras Aren't Lasting As Long As They Should

We all have a bit of a love-hate relationship with bras, don't we? They make us look perky and support us all day long... But then they also make us feel caged and like we can't breathe properly at times. And while we may own a hundred of them, we only have a special relationship with a few. The ones that fit like a dream and feel like a second skin. But two months later, it's in tatters, the wire is bent out of shape and it can't be worn again. If your best bras don't last you very long, here's what you might be doing wrong.

1. You're buying the wrong size

Yes, yes, I'm sure you've heard this before. Getting sized is essential for finding the right bra. But what you might not know it that when you're trying on a bra, you shouldn't be trying it on the loosest hook, expecting to fill out in the next few months but in the tightest hook, since the bra is going to slowly lose elasticity and will need to be tightened as time goes by.

2. You're washing them wrong

I'm guilty of doing this, and I know I'm not the only one. Washing instructions for all your clothes matter but none more than those for bras. Throwing them in with the rest of your laundry in the washing machine is the worst thing you can do to them. Did it really come as a surprise when all the wires started poking you? So ditch the dryer, wash them with your hands in cold water. It sounds like torture, I know, but it's the only way to make their life longer.

3. You're not storing them right

Raise your hand if you have a drawer in your closet that is overstuffed with your clean bras, all in a jumble? Proper storage is very important. You can get a lingerie organiser if you think that'll help. The lumps and creases caused by improper storage could be causing your bras to fall apart more easily.

4. You aren't giving your bras a break

Sure, you only wore it for a few hours today and it still smells fine tomorrow... But don't wear the same bra again. I'm not even going to start with hygienic reasons - it's just not good for your bra to be worn on consecutive days without a break or a wash. And even if you wash and dry it the same day, avoid wearing the same bra for at least the next 2-3 days. This time gives the elastics to recover and take back their original shape again.