How Long Should a Bra Last?

Last updated on April 27th, 2020 at 07:00 am

A bra is an essential piece of clothing in any woman’s wardrobe. It helps to support the breasts as well as contour the cleavage for a perfect silhouette. But a bra has a lifecycle just like you other pieces of clothing. So how long should a bra last?

What is the Average Bra Lifespan?

The consensus is that a bra can last anywhere from 6 months to 12 months.

But on condition that you wear it in rotation in tandem with two or three other bras. It also needs to be of good quality and well taken care of for its to last longer. A lot of factors play a part in determining the length of the period your bra will last.

What Determines How Fast a Bra Ages?

1. Number Of Bras

For starters, if you wear the same bras on a daily occasion, it is going to get worn out faster than one worn every three days. The more bras you own, the longer their lifespan.

2. Cup Size

Larger cup bras wear out faster than smaller bras. This is because of wear and tear caused by supporting more massive breasts. Think of it as the axle in a truck compared to the axle in a small vehicle.

Check this too: Why Does My Bra Hurt My Ribs

3. Quality

If you buy a two-dollar bra, the most you can get out of it is three months of supportive wear. On the other hand, a properly made bra will last up to one year as long as it is worn on rotation and whether it is taken care of or not.

4. Washing

Bras are meant to be hand washed. And washing them in a washing machine will shorten their lifespan as it damages the underboob wires and weakens the elastic band.

5. Flip Wearing

This is the most common method of wearing a bra. Whereby you flip it upside down, clasp the hooks, then rotate it and lift it to cover the boobs damaged the bra. It weakens the elastic band, dents the cups, and causes the wire to poke from the sides.

6. Number of Wears

As mentioned earlier, wearing your bra day in day out will cause it to wear out faster as compared to that special bra that you only wear once in a while, which is why special occasion bras last longer than regular bras.

Signs That a Bra is Old

These are signs that it is time to replace your bra;

1. It keeps riding up your back when you wear it.
2. The elastic is stretched, and the band at the bottom no longer hold the breasts in the bra.
3. The wire keeps poking you or is broken.
4. Your bra size has changed, and your no bra longer fits you.
5. Your bra has holes and running seams.
6. The cups are dented and do not hold their shape.
7. Your bra does not offer any support.
8. It is stained and looks old, and you would be embarrassed to be seen in it.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear A Bra

1. It improves breast shape. Research shows that wearing a bra causes the breasts to lose their shape over time, because of weakened muscles, which causes them to droop.
2. Improved blood circulation;- Ill-fitting tight bras such as compression sports bras or minimizer bras can affect the flow of blood to your chest area, which may, in turn, lead to cardiovascular health problems.
3. It improves breast health due to proper blood circulation and lack of sweat trapping.
4. It saves you money as you no longer have to spend money buying bras.
5. Freeing your breast increases your level of comfort.
6. A bra prevents the development of healthy breast tissue that plays a significant role in preventing the formation of cancerous cells in your breasts, among other breast diseases.

Should you wear a bra? This is a matter of personal preference. Wearing bras have several demerits. But it is up to you to weigh the option and decide whether you want to wear them or not.