How to Wash a Bra: Keep Your Aubade Lingerie Impeccable for Years

How Often Should You Wash a Bra?

Many women hesitate to wash their bras too often, fearing they might damage these precious pieces. While that instinct comes from care, daily wear, body heat, perfume, and skin contact affect the delicate fibers faster than you may think. 

General rule: After 2–3 wears, your bra should be washed. 

• If you sweat heavily, wash it sooner. 
• Light bralettes worn briefly may last longer between washes. 

Regular, gentle washing keeps odors at bay and helps extend the lifespan of your lingerie without putting unnecessary strain on the fabric. 

Hand Washing: The Gold Standard for Refined Bras

You've found the perfect Aubade bra — a true work of art. Now it’s time to care for it just as beautifully. 

For our more intricate designs — those featuring rhinestones, sheer cutouts, or delicately embroidered cups — we always recommend hand washing. This method is the most gentle and ensures underwires stay in shape, lace stays soft, and your bra continues to contour perfectly to your body. 

Worried that hand washing is time-consuming? With the right steps, it takes little longer than a delicate machine cycle — and your lingerie will thank you. 

Here’s how to hand wash your bra properly: 

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (max. 30°C / 86°F). 
2. Add a pH-neutral, bleach-free detergent made for delicate. 
3. Fasten the bra and soak it for 5 minutes. 
4. Gently press detergent through the lace and cups — never scrub or twist. 
5. Rinse with clean water until no soap remains. 
6. Lightly press out excess water — do not wring or twist. 

Important: Always skip fabric softener when washing lingerie. Silicones in softeners can coat and swell microfibers, leading to sagging straps and dull lace. A quality delicate detergent is all you need. 

Temperature & Detergent: The Perfect Pair for Bra Care

Your goal is clean and preserved lingerie. Since you typically wear bras for short daytime periods, a wash temperature of 20–30°C (68–86°F) is enough. Higher heat may damage elastic bands and loosen glue at the underwire ends. 

Choose a liquid delicate detergent or a silk-specific formula. Powder detergents can get caught in lace patterns and leave light-colored bras looking gray over time. 

Spot treatment tip: Notice a small stain? No need to wash the entire bra. Dab a few drops of detergent onto the spot, let it sit briefly, then rinse gently. Avoid chlorine bleach, harsh stain removers, or aggressive salts — they’ll damage premium lingerie. 

Machine Washing Bras: For Simple Styles Only

Cotton or sports bras without underwires, rhinestones, or embellishments may be washed in the machine — but only with care. Always check the label for instructions and wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C max. 

To preserve the shape of your bra, follow these key rules: 

• Close the clasps to avoid snags on lace or other lingerie. 
• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect cups and wires. 
• Limit spin speed to 800 RPM — higher speeds can warp underwires. 
• Never use fabric softener — it breaks down elastic and reduces support. 

Even so, premium bras made of silk, jacquard, or fine lace should always be hand washed. A few extra minutes of care ensures long-lasting elegance. 

How to Dry Bras Without Losing Shape

After washing, place your bra between two clean towels and press gently to remove water. Avoid wringing, tumble drying, radiator heat, or direct sunlight — all of which can damage the fabric and structure. 

For underwire bras, lay flat on a towel, cups facing upward, and reshape the cups gently. Triangle bras or soft styles can be hung to dry, as long as the straps can support the weight without stretching. 

Delicate Lingerie Care: Easier Than You Think

Washing a premium bra isn’t just about throwing it into the machine — especially when it’s made from delicate materials like lace, satin, or silk. These fine fabrics deserve the same care and attention that went into crafting them. 

Fortunately, gentle hand washing and careful drying are simple routines that preserve your lingerie’s color, fit, and luxurious feel. 

Bonus: Proper bra care not only saves water and energy — it protects the fabric and extends wear, helping you reduce textile waste and shop more sustainably. That’s luxury with a conscience.