Having a great selection of reliable bras makes getting dressed a breeze. Not only do they make you feel more comfortable and supported throughout the day, but they also make your clothes look better. A well-fitting bra ensures that your bust line sits correctly, enhancing your silhouette, so when you find an option you love, it’s natural to want to hold onto it for as long as possible. 

We’re all guilty of keeping older pieces of lingerie for too long, especially if it’s one of our favourites. Unfortunately, all bras have a shelf life and will begin to deteriorate after a certain amount of time. While a brand-new bra will provide the support you need, it doesn’t stay this way forever, as signs of wear will begin to show when it needs to be replaced.

Deciding on the right time to replace your bras can be challenging, as several factors can affect this. To make it easier, we’ve created a handy guide featuring our recommendations on how often you should change your bra, with a list of telltale signs that it might be time to replace one of yours.

Read on to find out the truth about how often you should change your bras and whether it’s time to refresh your underwear drawer.

Table of contents

1. How often should you change your bra?
2. Signs you need to change your bra
3. Women’s Bras at Camille 

How often should you change your bra? 

Many factors can affect how often you should dispose of your bras and purchase new ones, so you’ll likely be unsure about whether to keep yours. Generally, we recommend changing your bras every 6-12 months, as the elasticity and structure of their fabric typically begin to deteriorate during this time, causing it to stretch out of shape. 

Of course, many women have more than one bra in rotation and are likely to have various colours and types in their collections. However, bras worn multiple times a week should be changed at least once a year to prevent them from becoming uncomfortable and unsupportive. Bras only worn occasionally can be kept longer; however, it is beneficial to keep them for less than 18 months. 

How often you should change your bras also depends on how often you wash and dry them. To make yours last as long as possible, you should hand wash and air dry them to prevent unnecessary damage. Putting them on a powerful wash cycle and drying them in the tumble dryer can break down your bra elastic more quickly, so you’ll need to replace them more often.

To get the best out of your bras, it’s also important to ensure that you know your exact size. We recommend having a bra fitting every 6-12 months to check for any changes and determine whether you need to size up, down, or stay the same. 

Signs you need to change your bra

No matter how well you care for your bras, they all have an expiration date. Here are some of the most obvious signs that it’s time to say goodbye to one of your current bras and purchase a new one.

You’ve kept your bra for more than a year

If you’ve had one of the bras you regularly wear for over a year, it might be time for an upgrade. As bra elastic wears out over time, regularly replacing them will ensure that you receive the comfort and support you need. 

The band is stretched out 

The back of a bra naturally stretches out over time, which is why it has a hook system. The hook system allows you to secure your bra in a tighter position when the bra back stretches, allowing for a more secure fit. 

By tightening your bra, you can experience the same snug feeling that you did when the bra was brand new. However, if the band still feels stretched out when worn on the tightest hook, this is a sign that it’s time to swap out your bra for a new one.

The straps are loose

Your bra straps must  be properly fitted over your shoulders, so the cups fit well enough to support your breasts. If they are slipping down your shoulders even after being tightened, this is a sign that your bra has lost some of its elasticity and needs to be replaced.

The cups are too big or small

If you’re noticing a significant gap between your bra cups and your breast, the cups have been stretched out, or the volume of your breast has decreased. Either way, this means that you aren’t receiving enough support from your bra due to changes in its structure.

Having cups that are too tight is also problematic, as this can cause discomfort and inhibit blood flow. If your cup size is correct, loosening the straps so that you can fit two fingers comfortably between them and your skin will improve their fit. However, if your cup size is too small, you’ll need to swap out your bra for one in your newly measured size.

The underwire is sticking out

When a bra becomes worn out, the underwire can break free from its lining and become exposed. This can cause discomfort, especially if the angle of the underwire causes it to dig into your skin. Although you can push it back into its lining and sew up the hole, this will only temporarily keep the wire in its original position, so we recommend getting rid of the bra straight away and treating yourself to a new one.

Women’s Bras at Camille

Many factors can determine when to get rid of your bras and replace them with new ones. By following our advice and checking your bras for signs of wear, you can ensure they are replaced when needed to experience sufficient comfort and support with every wear. 

At Camille, we offer a huge selection of high-quality women’s lingerie, with t-shirt bras, strapless bras, sports bras, and more. Browse our collection and upgrade your lingerie today. 

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