How Often Should You Replace Your Bra?

How old is your favorite pair of underwear? Or socks? And what about your bra? No matter what your answer, you may wonder what’s normal and what’s recommended about how frequently you replace your bra.

The fabrics we wear closest to our skin and most often tend to need replacement sooner than, say sweaters or winter coats. But just how often should you invest in a new bra? 

Rule of Thumb: Get a New Bra Every 6-12 Months

The rule of thumb is that bras need to be replaced every six months, but sometimes this can be stretched to twelve months. This is a pretty wide range... so, what gives? Well, it depends on a few different factors...

• How many bras you own: The more bras you own the fewer wears each bra gets over the same time span. So if you alternate between 2 or 3 bras, you’ll wear them out faster than if you’ve got 10+ bras to pick from. Just like shoes… they’ll last longer if you wear them less often.
• Frequency of rotation: Of course, connected with this is how frequently you rotate. If you’re like me, you have many pairs of shoes, but mostly wear the same one or two pairs constantly. Bras can be the same. Basically, that “favorite” that you wear more often will wear out faster than a bra you bought at the same time but wear just for special occasions.
• Length of wear: How long do you wear them before you wash and change bras? Some experts say you should change bras every day. Sweat and oil from our skin breaks down the delicate fabrics of our underwear, so the longer you wear underwear without washing, the more likely it is to degrade faster...
• How you clean it (machine-wash, hand wash, frequency): How often should you wash your bra? Many say after each wear. When you wash underwear, you’ll want to be careful. Some brands (like Knix) can handle a machine wash. Some need the gentlest hand wash with specialty detergent. No matter what the washing instructions, if you wash and machine dry your bras roughly you can risk shortening their lifespan. But regular gentle cleaning and air drying will help your bras last longer.
• Your bust size: Bras for larger cup sizes have to do more work in terms of offering support; after all the bigger the breasts the more support required. Unfortunately, this means that women with larger breasts may find their bras have a shorter lifespan.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bra!

The good news is you don’t have to rely too much on guesswork to know it’s time to move on. Your bra will have some clear tell-tale signs that it’s up for replacement. These include:

Loose Band and/or Bra Straps

You get most of the support from the band of your bra, and if you’re already clasping it on the innermost clasp and it’s still loose, it’s a good sign it has lost its elasticity.

Similarly, the shoulder straps can also lose elasticity over time, and you’ll probably find they fall down no matter how many times you adjust them.

The Underwires Are Popping Out of Your Old Bras

If you wear an underwire bra, it needs some extra tender loving care. Machine washing can bend the wires, and they can start to push out of their stitching. Of course, you can push them back in and stitch up the hole. But this seems to be a short-term fix; once the wires start popping, your bra is usually on its last legs.

The Old Bra Cups Are Losing Their Shape

If your bra has molded cups and they get bashed about over time and start to lose their shape, your bra will be less likely to give you the silhouette you want. 

Again, washing and drying methods can be a difference-maker in prolonging your bras and keeping each bra cup properly shaped. Another factor is how you store your bras when you’re not wearing them. Shove them in drawers or leave them dangling off doorknobs and you can expect damage, wear and tear to happen faster.

The Bra Fabric Is Breaking Down (Compromising the Bra's Support)

Frayed fabrics, little pieces of elastic breaking apart, holes, faded fabric, or stubborn stains are all signs of fabric degrading. You probably won’t need a magnifying glass to see this happen; your bra will just start to seem a little tatty. 

Now, we all love our favorite well-worn, well-loved pair of jeans or band t-shirt from back in the day. But even if “distressed” is your look, you probably don’t want it showing up on your underwear. Lace bras and other delicate fabrics tend to get damaged sooner (especially if you don't use a gentle lingerie wash). While it can be tough to call a day on an old favorite, take the hint: It’s time for something new.

Other Reasons to Invest in a New Bra

Sometimes, it’s not the bra… it’s you. Let’s face it: Our bodies aren’t frozen in time. We change too, whether it’s our body, our style, or just growing tired of things...

Your Body Has Changed...

Weight change can have a really big impact on how your bra is fitting. That’s because our breasts contain adipose fat, and so when our weight fluctuates, so does our bra size. No matter what the reason (body changes, hormones, pregnancy, weight loss or gain, or a new workout regime), when your body changes, odds are your bra needs to too. An ill-fitting bra will not do its job well.

Your Bra Is Just Not Comfortable

Ever realize you’ve been tolerating something that just isn’t comfortable? So many women just carry on despite the fact they detest their bras. A good sign of this is how quickly it comes off once you get home. If you’re one of these women, you deserve better: Replace your bra.

But clothing can also become uncomfortable because it no longer feels like “you.” Maybe you went through a phase of wearing a certain kind of lingerie or clothing, and now you’ve embraced a whole new style. Or perhaps you were coaxed into a purchase you now regret. No matter what the reason, give yourself permission to update to something more comfortable.

Ready for a Change?

If you’re ready for a change, we really recommend getting fitted. After all, if you go out and buy the wrong size bra, you risk finding yourself back in the same uncomfortable place. And trust us, it’s not easy to figure out the right size bra all by yourself.

Plus, you may discover a whole new style to explore — underwear fabrics and technology are constantly evolving. 

Now, at Knix, we understand many women put off replacing their bra for precisely this reason: They dread the bra fitting. That’s why we developed our virtual fit program. Learn more about it today and book your appointment!

What to Expect from a Knix Virtual Fitting:

• Book your virtual fitting here
• We’ll connect you with one of our expert Knix team members for a 1-on-1 fitting session over video chat. 
• For your bra fitting, we recommend you wear a bra with little or no padding and a fitted t-shirt to make sure we get an accurate measurement. You’ll also need either a) a soft measuring tape or b) a piece of string or cord and a tape measure or ruler.
• With different styles and sizes for 30A to 42G in the world’s most comfortable and supportive wireless bras, our fit experts can help you get into something that you will love to wear every single day.

Discover the Best Knix Bras for...

So with those tips in mind, here are our 5 top recommendations for different kinds of wearers and needs:

Best Bra for High Support: Catalyst Sports Bra

The Catalyst Sports Bra is the most supportive, high-impact, wireless sports bra you’ll ever put on. Designed to drastically reduce breast movement, the Catalyst outperformed over 800 bras it was tested against. And removing it after a long workout is a snap! With a wide range of size options, the Catalyst Sports Bra supports up to a G-cup.

What reviewers say:

“I have purchased many sports bras, but this one is the best I have ever worn. I love it so much that I am wearing it more on a daily basis too. It molds to your body, has a great innovative strap design, and is supportive while oh so comfortable. Well worth the money!”

“The best fitting bra I've ever had! So comfortable and supportive, great for everyday use with a physically demanding job.”

Size options:

From 32A to 42G - and everything in between!

Best Bra to Avoid a Slipping Bra Strap: Padded V-Neck Bra - Wide Strap

If (like me) your biggest peeve is falling shoulder straps, this might just be the perfect bra for you! With a neckline perfect for lower cut tops, the Padded V-Neck Bra - Wide Strap gives you a natural shape with strong support, and light, removable padding has you covered. Seamless construction and 4-way stretch fabric means this bra will adapt to your unique shape.

What reviewers say:

“Molds to your body perfectly!”

“The virtual fitting session was very helpful. The bra fits perfectly with straps that stay put. Love it!”

Size options:

32A to 42G - and everything in between!

Best Wireless Bra for Smaller Sizes: Infinity Bra

An amazing, do-anything everyday Infinity Bra - with new sizes for smaller breasts! With flattering wireless support, totally seamless design, and molded cups for a super smooth silhouette under tops and tees. Designed especially for those of us with smaller bands and cups

What reviewers say:

“This is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. I forget I'm wearing it at times. I'm quite small in the chest, and it still gives me some shape. Would recommend.”

“Comfortable yet still fits in the category of "sexy bra." I won't be ordering anything for my lady parts aside from Knix. Thanks, Knix!”

Size options:

28A to 38B - and everything in between!

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 1, 2022.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.