Bra Care Guide
Well-designed, perfectly fitting lingerie is something to be cherished — and with the right care, it can last and last. At Triumph, our lingerie is crafted to the highest quality standards, so it not only looks and feels great, but also supports you over time.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to wash and store your bras properly, when to replace them, and how to find your perfect fit. Take care of your lingerie, and it will take care of you.
Washing
- Wash every 3–4 wears (or sooner if sweaty).
- Follow the care label for fabric-specific guidance.
- Wash whites, brights, and darks separately. New items, especially dark colours, may bleed — wash them on their own.
- Use a gentle detergent for delicates — avoid harsh chemicals and brighteners.
- Handwash when possible, especially for underwire or lace.
- Use lukewarm water and gently press out moisture (never wring or soak).
- If machine washing, use a delicate cycle with cool water and always place bras in a mesh bag for protection.
Different materials require specific care to maintain their quality and longevity. Always refer to the care label for the best results, as there may be exceptions. When in doubt, hand washing and air drying are the safest options. In general, garments should not be bleached, tumble dried, ironed, or dry cleaned.
Bra Care By Material
- Lace/Mesh: These delicate fabrics should be hand washed and air dried to prevent snags, stretching, or damage.
- Cotton: A durable and breathable fabric. Use a gentle machine wash cycle and air dry for best results.
- Wired Bras: To preserve the shape and integrity of the wire, avoid machine washing. Hand wash gently and reshape while drying.
- Moulded Cups: Maintain their structure by hand washing only. Lay flat or hang to dry — never wring or fold.
- Sports Bras: Hand washing is recommended to preserve shape and elasticity. If you use a washing machine, place your bra in a lingerie wash bag and select a cold, delicate cycle to prevent damage.
- Underwear: Machine wash your underwear on a delicate cycle using lukewarm water. Avoid hot water settings, as they can shrink cotton fabrics and damage elastics.
using a washbag
For extra protection during machine washing, fasten the hooks and place your bras in one of our Triumph delicates wash bags.
Use a gentle cycle with lukewarm water, and don’t overfill the bag—this prevents tangling, snagging, and distortion, keeping your bras in perfect shape, wash after wash.
drying & storing
- Avoid heat exposure — it damages delicate fabrics and elastane.
- Never tumble dry. Air dry flat or hang by the center (not the straps) to prevent stretching.
- Store moulded bras flat with the clasp fastened to maintain shape.
- Stack bras cup-to-cup to preserve structure and support — never fold cups into each other.
- For padded bras, hang with clip or padded hangers, secured at the center to avoid distortion.
longevity & replacement
You should replace your bras every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you wear and rotate them.
It's best to keep 3 to 4 everyday bras in rotation to prevent overuse and allow each one time to rest between wears. Signs that it's time to replace a bra include worn seams or elastic, misshapen or poking underwires, a poor fit, or discomfort such as digging cups or stretched-out straps.
Build Your Bra Wardrobe
Why the perfect fit matters
- A properly fitting bra offers better support, comfort, and posture - reducing strain on your shoulders, back and breast tissue.
- Ill-fitting bras can cause discomfort, affect how clothes fit, and even shorten the lifespan of the bra itself.
- Not sure of your size? Use our Bra Size Calculator.
- Prefer expert help? Visit us in-store for a personalised fitting with one of our bra specialists.
FAQs
It is recommended that you soak your lingerie for 10 to 15 minutes in lukewarm water with gentle detergent. This duration effectively cleans without damaging the fabric and elastic. Avoid soaking for longer than 30 minutes to preserve the bras shape and longevity.
Choose a gentle detergent that does not contain alcohol, bleach, or harsh chemicals. Look for products labeled “for delicates” to ensure softness and proper fabric care.
Bras often get damaged in the wash due to machine washing on a heavy cycle, using hot water, or harsh detergents. The agitation and heat can weaken the elastic, stretch fabrics, and cause underwire distortion. Washing lingerie without a lingerie bag or soaking them too long can also lead to damage. To protect your bras, hand wash with gentle detergent, soak for 10-15 minutes, and air-dry flat.
It's best to remove removable bra pads before washing to help them keep their shape and prevent damage. Washing pads separately or by hand prevents them from losing their shape and last longer.
Having 3–4 bras allows for rotation, minimizing wear and tear, and helping maintain elasticity.
While it’s possible to wash bras in the washing machine, it’s best to use a gentle cycle with cold water and place bras inside a lingerie bag to protect them. Avoid washing with heavy items and never use hot water or harsh detergents, as these can damage the fabric and elastic. Hand washing is still the safest method to preserve your bras’ shape and longevity.
Bras get creases when they're not stored properly—like folding the cups or squishing them in a drawer. Store bras flat or hang them to keep their shape.
Underwires often poke out due to overwear, improper care, or wearing the wrong size. If the bra is stretched or damaged, it’s usually a sign it’s time to replace it.