How often do you replace bras? Although you might have heard that you should replace a bra every six months, how frequently you actually need to depends on how you use and care for it. Some women might use a bra for over a year, while others might need a replacement less than six months. There are many factors in play. Let’s learn how to identify signs of an old bra so that you know when to replace it.

Importance of a Well-Fitting Bra

One of the most essential characteristics of a perfect bra is how well it fits. There are many common bra fit issues that you should check for. It should optimally support your breasts while keeping you comfortable. It should help you maintain correct posture and enhance your natural beauty. A well-fitting bra does not cause pain, discomfort, stretch marks, or other warning signs of poor support or incorrect posture. Finally, it should boost your confidence in knowing that you’re wearing a bra that fits perfectly.

24/7® Classic T-Shirt Bra

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$72

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Signs Your Bra Needs Replacing

Finding out when to replace a bra isn’t difficult if you know the exact signs to look for. Over prolonged use, Bras lose their shape and structure, with the materials giving in due to wear and tear. Let’s learn how to tell if your bra is worn out and needs a replacement.

1. The Band is Too Loose

According to bra experts, approximately 80% of the support offered by your bra comes from its band. Therefore, if you notice that your bra’s band is too loose or shifts around, you should replace it. Ideally, the band should be snug enough only to slip two fingers between the band and our back. If there is more space, it’s too loose, and your breasts aren’t getting enough support.

2. The Cups No Longer Fit

It’s natural for bra cups to lose their shape as they age. The loss of cup shape might cause your breasts to spill out or settle in the bottom of the cup. Lifeless cups also affect how you look, failing to complement the natural beauty of your breasts. Therefore, replace your bra if the cups are too small, bumpy, out of shape, or lifeless.

3. Straps are Stretched Out

When a bra reaches its expiration date, its straps will start giving you constant, annoying reminders. Due to the loss of elasticity, the straps slip off your shoulders. You will notice that your bra isn’t providing as much lift as it used to. When the straps, the vital bridge between the cups and the bra’s back, give in, so does that bra.

4. Underwire is Painful or Poking Out

You should never buy or put up with a bara if its underwire causes you pain. When the underwire of your favorite bra starts to poke out, causing discomfort by digging into your skin, you should say goodbye to it. There might be temporary fixes, such as sewing the underwire back in. However, it makes more sense to find your new favorite bra.

Zero Edge™ Wireless Push-Up Bra

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Zero Edge™ Wireless Push-Up Bra

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5. Fabric is Damaged

Any fabric has a life expectancy depending on how often you wear and wash it. When it’s time for a bra to retire, its material will show signs of aging, like frayed edges, loose stretch, and faded fabric. Start shopping for a replacement bra when you notice these signs of wear and tear.

How to Measure for a New Bra

Your bra size isn’t a constant, especially if you’ve lost or put on weight. Therefore, it’s wise to measure your bra size before you set off on shopping.

• Step 1: Start by finding your Band Size. Place a tape measure around your rib cage, holding it tight enough to stay in place and loose enough to slide two fingers underneath. Take the reading, add two inches if it’s an even number, or add three inches if it’s an odd number. The result is your Band Size.
• Step 2: Hold the tape around the fullest part of your chest, which is the cross-section around the nipple for most women. The reading is your Bust Size.
• Step 3: Calculate your Cup Size by subtracting your Band Size from your Bust Size. Your cup size increases by one for every inch of the difference. If the difference is zero, your cup size is AA. A difference of one inch translates to an A Cup. A difference of two inches means your cup size is B. If the difference is three, your cup size is C, and so on.

If you still have bra fitting problems, take our quick online Fitting Room Quiz to learn your ideal bra size. Additionally, you can chat with one of ThirdLove’s Fit Stylists for help finding that perfect bra.

Finding the Right Bra Style

You must carefully consider certain vital factors when finding the perfect bra style since you will be spoilt for choice when shopping for bras. Start by identifying your breast shape as it influences how different bra styles work for you. Your breasts might be fuller towards the bottom, set closely or widely. Always search for bra styles according to the shape of your breasts.

Bra Maintenance Tips

Taking good care of your bras enables them to serve you longer. You should wash most bras every one or two wears, while sports bras, hosiery, and briefs need to be washed after each wear. Always opt for hand-washing your bras over machine-washing. Additionally, you should carefully store your bras, separating embellished ones from others, stacking them one behind the other, facing towards their molded shape, and leaving enough space between bras to enable the material to breathe. For more information on how to wash your bras and store your lingerie, read our bra care guide!

A great bra should be comfortable while offering ample support and lift for your breasts. Bras, just like most clothing, need replacing. How often you should replace bras depends on how much you use them and how well you care for them. The good news is that bras start showing signs of wear and tear when they age. Therefore, watch out for those cues and replace your bras timely to ensure your health and well-being.