When I was younger, my parents taught me to take care of my toys because they would not replace them if I was careless. I would need to save my allowance and rebuy them myself. Is there not a more perfect way to prepare a child for the constant cycle of repurchasing items as an adult? I mention this anecdote because the theme of this article and that of my parents’ lesson are the same: Stuff lasts longer if you take care of it. Nevertheless, there are several external factors impacting the lifespan of undergarments too.
Bras
Most quality manufacturers state bras will last between six and nine months or roughly 130 wears, more for higher end brands like Prima Donna or Empreinte. That’s a great starting point, but there are multiple considerations which can either shorten or lengthen a bra’s lifespan.
- Cup Size: People with heavier breast tissue, especially those with larger cup sizes, may find their bras do no last as long. A bra for a size 36JJ works harder to keep breasts supported and contained throughout the day than a bra for a size 36C.
- Activity Level: If you work at a desk job where your bra has little more to do than stay in place and keep tissue lifted, then the bra will have less wear and tear than, say, the person who waits tables at a busy restaurant. The more you stretch the elastic of the bra throughout the day, the faster it will wear out and stop giving you support.
- Quality: Not all bras are created equal, and even at higher price points, you will find styles whose quality doesn’t warrant a prolonged life. Manufacturers strive to achieve the right balance between price and longevity, but for every generalization there’s usually an exception.
- Design: Certain design elements in bras can be more susceptible to wear and tear than others. Straps with high elastic content may roll or stretch faster than ones with felting or stiffer fabric. Two-ply wings retain their shape and support more than single-layer power mesh, and bras with more than three hook-and-eye closures allow you to tighten the band further as it stretches. Finally, there are some bras, like the Playful Promises Tallulah sequin style, which are not designed for everyday wear but rather for special occasion use only. Wearing special occasion styles as everyday bras will cause more damage over time.
However, the two most important factors influencing how long your bras last are:
- How Often You Wear It: If you wear a bra everyday for several weeks, you are not giving the elastic time to snap back and will stretch the bra faster. If you only have two bras in rotation, you will notice those bras need to be replaced around the six month mark because of how much wear they receive. My recommendation is have three to four different bras you can rotate if you want to prolong their wear.
- How you Care for It: Sorry y’all, but throwing the bra in the washer and especially the dryer is one surefire way to destroy it. Modern washing machines do have low or non-existent agitation cycles now to mimic hand washing, but there is always an element of risk. Even on delicate wash in a lingerie bag, the bra can still be damaged. Molded cup bras in particular need to have their shape preserved for them to fit properly. And the dryer? Never, ever, ever, ever, ever put your bra in the dryer. I don’t care what setting you think will be “safe.” It. Is. Not. The dryer functions by applying heat, and since every bra contains some elastic component for stretch, the heat will break down the fibers faster, making it lose shape and tightness. There’s also the possibility for the hooks to catch in the holes and twist. I’ve even seen dryers melt the plastic components of bras into an ugly art project mess. Just don’t do it. If you’re unsure how to properly care for your intimates, check out the information in this article.
Underwear, Shapewear, Stockings, & All the Rest
As with bras, the lifespan of other undergarments relates directly to the frequency of use and the level of care taken to clean and maintain the item. I do not use the dryer for anything which contains elastic. As I mentioned above, the properties of elastic do not mix well with heat, and guess what keeps your underwear from going all “droopy butt” halfway through the day? Quality elastic! Shapewear suffers the same pitfalls, more so if it also uses bra-like features such as hook-and-eye closures, boning, or any special fabrics.
Stockings are another matter entirely. I keep my nails pretty short and still have a history of punching holes through stockings. (Note: I sidestep this issue by wearing a lot of fishnets.) Generally speaking, the finer the denier of the stocking, the easier it is to rip and tear. Heavier microfiber or wool fabrics can last for years if properly cared for between uses. For sheer stockings, I recommend moving slowly as you put the stocking on, storing them in a safe place away from anything which can snag, and gently hand washing them. Heavier deniers can be washed in a a lingerie bag on delicate. Personally, I’ve found tight products in the $14 to $30 range last the longest, even compared against more expensive brands.
Finally, if you have any specialty pieces like corsets or silk lingerie, it’s important to strictly follow the care instructions. There are some expert lingerie makers whose pieces can last a lifetime if treated well.