How To Care For Your Sports Bra: A Wash & Wear Guide

We’re here to talk about an essential part of every athletic woman’s lingerie drawer: the sports bra. They’re brilliant at providing much-needed support during your workouts but taking care of them can be a bit confusing. After all, keeping it in good condition is essential to ensure your breasts, neck and shoulders are properly supported when you put it on. In this beginner's guide, we're going to explore how to wash sports bras and how to keep them in pristine condition. Let’s get started!

How To Care For Your Sports Bra

1. Why Your Sports Bra Deserves Extra Care

2. How To Wash Your Sports Bra

3. The Do's and Don't's Of Washing Your Sports Bra

4. How To Store Your Sports Bra

5. When To Say Goodbye To Your Sports Bra

6. How To Get Fitted For The Right Sports Bra

1. Why Your Sports Bra Deserves Extra Care

You might be wondering why sports bras need any special attention. After all, they're just another item of clothing, right? Wrong! Your sports bra works incredibly hard. Whether you're doing a 5k run, hitting the weights, or perfecting your yoga poses, it’s there providing essential support and ensuring you stay comfortable. This hard work can lead to wear and tear if not cared for properly.

Sports bras, like regular bras, are delicate items. They are made up of a combination of materials like elastane, nylon, and polyester which are sensitive to harsh cleaning processes. These fabrics are also prone to retaining sweat and odours if not cleaned correctly.

2. How to Wash Your Sports Bra: The Detailed Breakdown

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to cleanse your sports bra the right way:

Step 1: Pre-soak your sports bras
This step is essential for loosening up sweat and body oils that may have accumulated during your workout. Fill a sink or basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Soak your sports bras for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Hand wash
After soaking, gently agitate the sports bra in the water. Don’t wring or twist the bra as it can damage the fibres.

Step 3: Rinse
Rinse your sports bra thoroughly under cold water until there are no more soap bubbles.

Step 4: Dry
Lightly squeeze out excess water. Lay it flat on a towel to dry or hang it on the clothes horse to get some air. 

For a more comprehensive guide, check out our Tips To Follow When Washing Your Bra.

3. Understanding The Do's and Don'ts of Washing Your Sports Bra

There are some basic dos and don’ts when it comes to washing your sports bra. Following these guidelines will ensure the longevity of your beloved workout companion.

Do's:

• Do use gentle detergent:Opt for a detergent formulated for delicate items. These detergents are less harsh on the fabric and help to preserve the lifespan of your sports bra.

• Do wash after every workout: This might seem like a lot, but trust us, your sports bra will thank you. Washing after each workout helps to prevent the build-up of sweat and bacteria, keeping your bra fresher for longer.

Don'ts:

• Don’t use the tumble dryer: The high heat of a tumble dryer can break down the elastic in your sports bra, causing it to lose its shape and support.

• Don’t use fabric softeners: While fabric softeners might seem like a good idea, they can actually reduce the sports bra’s ability to wick away sweat.

4. How to Store Your Sports Bra Correctly

Did you know the right storage strategies can help preserve the shape and elasticity of your sports bra? Now that you've mastered the art of washing your sports bra, it's time to look at how to store them properly. After ensuring your sports bra is completely dry, you should store it by laying it flat in a drawer. Avoid folding or inverting one cup into the other, as it can cause the bra to lose its shape over time.

5. When to Say Goodbye to Your Sports Bra

Even with the best care and attention, all good things must come to an end. If you notice that your sports bra isn't providing the same level of support as it used to, it might be time to say goodbye. Other signs of wear include fraying fabric, loose straps, or a band that doesn't fit as snugly as it once did.

6. How To Get Fitted For The Right Sports Bra

When it comes to buying a sports bra, remember that not all bras are created equal. Some may require more delicate handling than others. It's crucial to check the care instructions before making a purchase to ensure that you're happy with the maintenance requirements.

And there you have it! An all-inclusive guide on how to care for your sports bra and wash them. With this newfound knowledge, you'll be able to prolong the life of your sports bras and maintain their comfort and support for much longer. For more tips and tricks, or to check out our range of sports bras, come visit the friendly team at Illusions Lingerie in Moonee Ponds! Our amazing staff are on hand to dispatch lingerie wisdom, style advice and provide free professional bra fittings. 

Check out our range of sports bras today!