By: HEATHER BIEN
You know that having a clean bra is important for looking good, feeling good, and yes—smelling good, too. But it can be easy to make mistakes during washing that end up doing more harm than good.
No one wants to find their bras are warped or worn after a trip in the washer and dryer. Not only is tossing a newish bra bad for your wallet, but it’s also bad for the environment. [You know what isn’t bad for the environment though? Bamboo bras!]
Correctly washing your bras is a necessary step in making sure that they live full and long lives. Rather than throwing them in the machine, take the right steps to make sure you’re taking care of your bras as much as they take care of you.
The Best Way to Wash Bras? By Hand
When it comes to underwire vs wireless bra styles, both types of bras have one thing in common - they’re delicate. Because bras are so delicate, they are important parts of our wardrobe that require special care. Hand washing plays a big role in maintaining the longevity of your best bras. Not sure how to go about hand washing bras?
Set aside some time every couple of weeks to take the following steps for bra care.
Round Up Your Supplies
First, gather the following:
- Mild detergent
- Sink, Bowl, or Basin of Water
- Towels
- Hangers or Drying Rack
Get Squeaky Clean
Once the stage is ready, wash your bras as follows.
-
Fill your container with cool or room temperature water. Avoid hot or lukewarm water, as higher temperatures can warp and damage the elastics in bras, changing their shape and fit.
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Add a small amount of detergent. A tablespoon should do the trick. More soap isn’t always better. Instead of making your bras cleaner, extra detergent may leave a filmy residue.
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Soak. Swish the bra around in the mixture and rub the suds into the fabric. You want to make sure it is saturated and soapy. When choosing how long to soak, consider your bras' material. Light, delicate lace bras only need ten minutes or so (the same goes for other delicate garments). If your bras have gone weeks (or months!) without a wash, you might want to leave them submerged for a full hour.
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Rinse. Dump out the soapy water and refill your container with clean water. Rub the clean water into the bra, gently rinsing out the soap. Be careful not to twist or pull too hard on the bra. If the bra still looks (or smells!) less than spotless, repeat the previous steps.
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Towel dry. Remove the clean bra from the water and lay it flat on a towel. Use another towel to pat it dry. Remember not to wring out the bra. The whole point of handwashing is to be more gentle than a washing machine!
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Air dry. Allow the bra to dry on a hanger or a drying rack. Heat is another potential source of damage and can change the shape. An important thing to remember is to hang your bras by the center gore, the part that connects the two cups, not by the straps. The weight of the wet bra can stretch out the straps, causing damage over time.
- Store your bras properly. Find a clean, dry, and organized place to store your everyday bras. This will keep them damage-free and ready for the next wear. Check out our blog post about how to store bras for more details.
When Time’s in Short Supply, Machine Wash Your Bras
Sometimes you might not have the time, energy, or available supplies to wash your bras by hand. Luckily, there’s still a way to wash them in a machine while keeping them in good shape.
Here's how to wash a sports bra, an underwire bra, padded bras, bralette, and everything in between with a laundry machine.
What You’ll Need
Like handwashing, machine washing requires some special equipment. Make sure you have the following:
- Mesh or Lingerie Bag
- Washing Machine
- Gentle Laundry Detergent
- Hangers or Drying Rack
What To Do
Take a little more care with your bras than you would with your sturdier garments.
-
Put your bras in a mesh bag. Bags will help to prevent snagging, tangles, and twisting inside of the washing machine. Any extra layer of protection is better than none.
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Start your cycle. Use cold water and the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. Use a mild detergent and wash according to machine instructions. The less the bra is jumbled together with heavier fabrics that could bend wires or abrade fabrics, the better.
- Air dry. Even when using a machine washer, it’s important to allow the bras to air dry. Follow the same methods as outlined above to avoid risking heat damage.
Aside from bras, you can also follow these instructions when washing your other delicates. And when machine washing, proper storage is just as important (if not more)!
How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?
In general, bras should be washed after every three to six wears.
The amount of time between wearing and washing can depend on the season and your activities while wearing the bra. If you've been hitting the trail or the gym, sweat and dirt can build up on the bra. In that case, it would be better to wash sooner rather than later.
Another thing to consider is rotation. Wearing the same bras over and over can cause excessive wear and tear. Make sure you have more than one bra in your underwear drawer.
Find Your New Favorite Bra with Boody
After years of improper washing, are you finding that some of your bras are looking a bit worn out or misshapen? It's time to invest in a new staple piece for your bra wardrobe.
Boody’s bras are made from comfortable, flexible, and breathable bamboo viscose fabric that are as kind to the earth as they are to you and your laundry. Plus, they’re crafted for comfort without wires or hooks, so you don’t have to worry about snags and other damage in the wash.
Shop our line of ultra-soft undies today.
About the Author:
Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.
Sources:
- Racked. Your Bra Needs a Washing. Here's How. https://www.racked.com/2015/10/9/9463285/bra-washing-guide
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Wearing underwear is part of your everyday routine. You hop out of the shower and pull on your panties, bra, socks, and outfit; usually without overthinking the finer details. You might notice a stray thread on your favorite sweater, or a little fluff on your black pants. But what about the finer details of your undergarments? Chances are, you don’t pay much attention to them. You wear them every day - so no surprises, right? Maybe not. Have you ever wondered what the little pocket piece piece inside your panties is for? It’s a small detail many people overlook, which is why questions like “why do women’s panties have a pocket?” come up so often. That small piece of fabric is called a gusset and it’s there to keep your intimate area comfortable and protected.1 Let’s explore what a gusset does and why it’s an important feature in underwear. Why Gussets Exist in Women’s Undergarments (and What That Little “Pocket” Really Does) Now that we’ve drawn your attention there, you may be thinking about that small square of fabric at the bottom of your panties.2 It’s easy to wonder what the pocket in women’s underwear is used for when you first notice it, but this tiny panel plays a big role in comfort and hygiene. Without a proper gusset - especially in underwear made from synthetic materials - your underwear could be far less comfortable. In fact, the state of the gusset often indicates when it’s time to replace underwear. You don’t only find gussets in panties. This extra piece of fabric is also common in: Tights Pantyhose Leggings Workout pants and shorts In all of these garments, the gusset helps keep your genitals protected and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Protection & Hygiene: The Real Function Behind the Pocket-like Gusset So… what is the pocket in panties for? The main answer is protection. Many undergarments are made with fabrics that feel soft but aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking. That’s why the gusset is generally made from a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, often similar to the bamboo-viscose blend used in many comfy underwear designs. This is ultimately the reason why panties have a pocket built into the design. Your body naturally produces moisture in the form of vaginal discharge, - this is normal and healthy.3 However, when you wear underwear that traps moisture and doesn’t allow airflow, you may be increasing the risk of: Yeast infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Bacterial vaginosis A well-designed gusset helps keep the genital area dry, ventilated, and hygienic. That said, choosing underwear with the right fabric isn’t enough - how you wash your underwear, especially around the gusset area, also matters for maintaining hygiene. You can read more about proper care in our guide on how to wash underwear. Comfort & Fit: How the Gusset Works Like a Soft Pocket Layer Aside from hygiene, comfort is another major reason why panties have a pocket. Sensitive skin around the vulva can easily be irritated by rough fabrics or seams. If your underwear is made from materials like satin, silk, polyester, lace, nylon, lycra, or spandex, those fabrics can bunch up or chafe - especially without a gusset to provide a soft, protective layer. Without it, the answer to why there is a pocket in panties becomes clear… it acts as a soft barrier against irritating fabrics. Imagine going commando in a pair of jeans: the friction from seams rubbing against skin can be painful. A gusset gives you a soft cushion between your skin and potentially irritating fabric making underwear wearable all day long. For breathable comfort and secure fit, you might also consider underwear crafted from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo viscose and designed to allow airflow around your genitals. 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Cheap fabrics, poor stitching, rough seams, and uncomfortable adornments also signal lower-quality underwear - which can compromise comfort and hygiene. For best results, choose underwear that: Uses natural, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo viscose Fits well around your waist, hips, and legs (not too tight or too loose) Lets your skin and genitals breathe and stay dry Do Men’s Underwear Include a Gusset, Similar to the Pocket in Women’s Panties? Yes! Men’s underwear typically includes a gusset,4 often located around or along the inseams. So the reason as to “why does underwear have a pocket?” Is that the gusset reduces the number of seams that rub against the skin, which decreases chafing and improves overall comfort. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, the presence of a gusset helps the underwear conform better to the body. You can read more about design differences in our boxers vs briefs guide. The Bottom Line: What That Little ‘Pocket’ in Women’s Underwear Actually Does When someone asks ‘what is the little pocket in women’s underwear for?’ now you know. The gusset provides comfort, moisture-management, and protection for sensitive skin. For optimal comfort and hygiene, choose underwear made from high-quality, breathable, moisture-wickling materials like bamboo or organic cotton. If you’re interested, many of our styles deliver just that. About the Author: Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community. Sources: Health. 6 Underwear Rules Every Woman Should Live By. https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by Business of Fashion. Gusset. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/gusset MedlinePlus. Vaginal Itching and Discharge: Adult and Adolescent. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm Textile School. Anatomy of Men’s Underwear. https://www.textileschool.com/308/anatomy-of-mens-underwear-briefs/#:~:text=In%20men's%20underwear%2C%20the%20gusset,thus%20formed%20%E2%80%93%20fitting%20and%20comfortable
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