Girls who’ve been carrying the identical bra for an prolonged time frame ought to think about swapping it out for a brand new one to assist defend their breast well being, based on a lingerie skilled — and a board-certified dermatologist weighed in as properly.
Katie Weir, the “bra whisperer” at lingerie model Curvy Kate, has labored within the lingerie trade for 15 years, becoming 1000’s of girls in individual and nearly.
“If you’re carrying your bra commonly — 4 instances every week or extra — and also you don’t take care of it as fastidiously as it’s best to, it would solely final for as much as 5 months,” the U.Ok.-based skilled advised Fox Information Digital through electronic mail.
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“By this time, the bra can be too stretched to give you the correct quantity of assist, which may negatively have an effect on the assist your boobs ought to be getting,” she mentioned.
“Nonetheless, in case you do handle your bra, it might last as long as a yr.”
Girls who’ve been carrying the identical bra for an prolonged time frame ought to think about swapping it out for a brand new one to assist defend their breast well being, based on a lingerie skilled. (iStock)
Physique adjustments attributable to hormone fluctuations, weight acquire or weight reduction may end in an ill-fitting bra, she mentioned.
To forestall this, Weir advised ladies get a bra becoming each six months to make sure that it’s the proper measurement.
Sporting a bra for longer than really helpful can lead to the underwires penetrating by the material and digging into the underarms or sternum, she warned.
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“Because the bra is stretched out, it would have misplaced form and elasticity, which means it received’t be holding your physique and lifting your bust as a lot, which may result in poor posture,” she added — and “even lack of shallowness.”
When a bra has misplaced elasticity, the wearer might want to tighten the band and shoulder straps, resulting in an uncomfortable and ill-fitting form beneath clothes, Weir famous.

“If you’re carrying your bra commonly — 4 instances every week or extra — and also you don’t take care of it as fastidiously as it’s best to, it would solely final for as much as 5 months,” Weir advised Fox Information Digital. (iStock)
“Once you get a brand new bra, it’s best to all the time put on it on the loosest hook and eye,” Weir mentioned. “This could really feel agency with two-finger pressure, sufficient to be pulled away from the physique not more than an inch.”
Each 5 months, Weir suggests tightening the hook and eyes on the band.
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“After 4 months, this can be to the center, and after eight months it is going to be on the tightest hook,” she mentioned. “This may provide the identical agency match as day one.”
How an ill-fitting bra impacts the pores and skin
Allison Leer, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder at Unity Skincare in Dallas, Texas, warned that carrying a bra that’s too tight can result in chafing as a result of bra rubbing towards the pores and skin.
“There are specific strain factors on a bra that may go away seen purple marks and irritation, similar to your underbust and the place the bra falls in your again and shoulders,” she advised Fox Information Digital.

Physique adjustments attributable to hormone fluctuations, weight acquire or weight reduction may end in an ill-fitting bra. (iStock)
“The fixed rubbing of the pores and skin causes rashes and irritation, which beneath sure circumstances can result in an an infection.”
Sporting a bra that’s too giant may have hostile results on the pores and skin, mentioned Leer.
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“If the bra is simply too large, your breasts received’t obtain the assist they want, which results in ugly stretch marks,” she mentioned.
Sporting a correctly fitted bra can assist keep away from these points whereas retaining the pores and skin across the breast space wholesome and youthful, Leer added.
Tricks to prolong the lifetime of your bra
Weir shared with Fox Information Digital a few of her prime tricks to get the utmost put on out of a bra.
Machine washing can injury delicate bras by placing extra strain on the underwires, she mentioned, and quick spin speeds and scorching temperatures can distort delicate and embroidered materials.

Machine washing can injury delicate bras by placing extra strain on the underwires, Weir mentioned, and quick spin speeds and scorching temperatures can distort delicate and embroidered materials. (iStock)
“Should you do want to clean your bras, handwashing is the perfect path to go down, as your delicates may not fare properly in a washer,” she mentioned.
When washing lingerie, Weir really helpful utilizing a non-biological detergent.
Organic detergents use enzymes to higher take away dust from garments, however they will generally be a bit harsh on materials.
Non-bio detergents don’t comprise these enzymes.
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“Additionally keep away from utilizing material conditioner, as it would break down the elasticity in your bras,” she mentioned, which might trigger the bra to turn out to be misshapen and fewer supportive.
By no means put bras in a tumble dryer, mentioned Weir, as the cruel, scorching setting will trigger shrinkage, wire injury and a misshapen match.

In between wearings, Weir really helpful storing bras in a approach that may assist them maintain their form and keep away from breeding harmful micro organism. (iStock)
“The most suitable choice is to air dry them with out hanging them up by the straps, which can put pointless pressure on them,” she mentioned.
“As an alternative, dry your bras flat or air dry them on a rack by the center of the bra.”
In between wearings, Weir really helpful storing bras in a approach that may assist them maintain their form and keep away from breeding harmful micro organism.
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Keep away from storing molded bras with a cup folded inside the opposite, she mentioned, as this may result in creasing and misshapen cups.
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“Strive to not tangle your underwired bras, as this will bend the wires out of form,” Weir added.
“As an alternative, lay them flat in your drawer or hold them in your wardrobe.”
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