7 Signs It Is Time To Go Bra Shopping ASAP!

Bra shopping is one thing all women delay till the last minute and I am one of them. The strap will keep falling down from my shoulder along with loose elasticity irritating the life out of me. That made me think, “How often should I change my bra?” If you are on the same boat as me, let’s dive into all the signs your bra is worn out and that you need to get a new one ASAP!

How Long Do Bras Last?  

Any kind of undergarment, be it underwear, panties, or bras, they last only for a certain period of time. In a bra’s case, they last somewhere between 6 to 12 months depending on how many times you wear it, how many times you’ve washed it, and how much your body grows or sheds weight. 

If we talk about bras in terms of washing, then you need to practice a 50 wash rule. Throw your cotton bras out after washing them 50 times. You can try using white detergent with a fabric softener or a brightening agent to prevent it from graying soon. Also, once the bra is washed 50 times, don’t throw them out. Instead, recycle and use them as rag cloths. 

Fun Fact: Do you know that spacesuits evolved from bras? The Playtex bra company played a huge hand in designing the astronauts’ suits and revolutionized spacesuit design.

How Often Should I Change My Bra? 

It doesn’t matter how well you take care of your undergarments because experts recommend that you must change every every 6 to 12 months. Daily washing and wear and tear makes them lose their elasticity.

If your bra is overused, it can be very uncomfortable on your skin. Also, some people say that wearing wired bras for more than 12 hours can cause breast cancer or any other breast health issue. This isn’t true at all. No study has evidence to support this theory. 

On the other hand, research confirms that if you are pregnant, wearing bras with wires and firm cups can block your milk ducts and cause health problems. It’s best to wear comfortable bras during the early months of pregnancy and go braless after your second trimester. After delivery, you can opt for maternity bras or nursing bras.  

7 Signs You Should Replace Your Bra

Women love nothing more than a well-fitted bra that won’t cause discomfort while they have a busy day ahead. Knowing how many times a week should you change your bra and when you should toss them out can greatly enhance your overall experience.

To ensure that you maintain comfort and style, let’s take a look at all the signs that your bras and underwear are screaming to be replaced. 

1. The straps are digging into your skin

Did you know that 80% of women wear the wrong size bra? Yes, a study confirms this, which means that 8 out of 10 women are wearing incorrect bra sizes. If you are wearing a bra that’s not your size, it can dig into your skin and leave its imprint.

You’ve either shrunken your bras/sports bras by washing them too many times or the bra is compensating for a loose band by digging into your skin. This is one of the obvious signs your bra is worn out.

2. The straps keep falling off your shoulder

On the other hand, if the straps are falling off your shoulder, you’ve stretched them out beyond their competence. After every use, ensure that the straps fit in perfectly. If they don’t, it’s time to replace your bra and get new undergarments. 

3. The cups are overflowing and the band rides up your back 

If the cups of your bra are overflowing, it’s a clear sign that the bra is too small or not the right style for your shape. This can lead to discomfort and lack of support, as well as an unflattering appearance.

First, measure yourself and try different cup sizes or different styles, such as full-coverage or balconette to find a better fit that accommodates your body type and shape. When your bra is properly fitted, it will offer smooth coverage without any overflow problems.

Furthermore, the band of the bras should sit horizontally and comfortably across your back. If it’s too loose or too tight, it’s an indication that it’s not the perfect fit for you. You need to purchase a new one that fits you perfectly

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4. The underwire is poking or bents

How many times a week should you change your bra? Change or buy a new bra when the underwire feels like it’s poking into your skin or if it gets bent out of its shape. You’ve overworn your bra and it won’t offer you proper support.

If you continue wearing the same bra over the week, it could cause skin irritation or injury. During such times, it’s best to replace your bra to ensure you have the right support and comfort.

5. You feel uncomfortable throughout the day

The purpose of a bra is to make you feel comfortable. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable throughout the day while wearing your bra, it’s a significant sign that it may need replacing. Discomfort can also feel like pinching, digging, or chafing. 

These things can affect your daily activities. Personally speaking, an uncomfortable bra impacts my overall mood and confidence. This used to happen a lot during my pregnancy with my nursing bra. I threw them all out and purchased new ones immediately. 

What’s more is that an uncomfortable bra can hurt your chest. Recently, I had severe chest pain and I thought something was wrong with my heart. I found out after visiting my doctor that it was due to an old ill-fitting bra. The tightness caused extreme pressure on my chest and I couldn’t bear it anymore. 

6. The fabric is losing its color and nature

How often should I change my bra? If the fabric is losing its color or losing its original nature, it’s one of the signs your undergarment has aged and won’t provide the comfort you need. This deterioration in quality can affect your comfort, its functionality, and appearance. 

7. Your bra has an unpleasant odor  

How long can you wear a bra before washing? A general rule of thumb is to wash it every two to four wears. It’s understandable if your unwashed bra smells off, in which case washing it every time it is used would be sensible.

However, if your bra gives off an unpleasant odor despite washing it several times, it’s one of the signs that it is harboring stubborn bacteria. Sweat, dust, and germs could be a contributing factor to this unhygienic smell. It’s best to get rid of them right away.  

5 Helpful Tips When Shopping For Bras 

Before you head out to purchase a bra, know your personal choice. What exactly are you looking for? Padded, underwire, or strapless. Here are some more tips that will help you when you go for bra shopping:

• Invest in well-made bras from reputed brands. Don’t opt for cheap ones as they damage easily and have fitting issues
• Get professionally fitted at a lingerie store and measure your bust regularly
• Try before you buy – lingerie is expensive and buying without trying and then keeping them just for the heck of it is not a wise choice
• Opt for breathable materials 
• Explore various styles for different occasions. There are different bras for different dresses. Don’t just stick to one design and style. Experiment, lingerie shopping can be a delight!

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How Many Bras Should I Own? 

You need to own at least 7 to 10 bras ensuring that you wear a fresh one each day. Should you change your bra every day? If you are someone who sweats a lot or takes part in a lot of physical activity, you need to change your bra at least twice a day. Have variety so you don’t get bored of wearing the same type of bra everyday. 

Conclusion

Life is too short to wear ill-fitted bras. Thus, if you’ve spotted one or more of these signs, don’t delay and rush to your nearest lingerie store. Your comfort matters the most and nothing should trouble you throughout the day. Every woman deserves the feeling and freedom of a fresh fit. Go ahead and treat yourself every now and then instead of wearing the same bra everyday.