Be honest—do you wear the same one or two bras over and over? We understand how exciting it is to find tried-and-true styles that work for you, and never wanting to let go. The good news is by using proper care tips and showing your bras a little TLC, you can extend their lifespan by quite a bit. With that said, no matter how well you treat your bras, they all have an expiration date.
Could it be time for your favorite bra’s last hurrah? Or, maybe you have a few bras that are sitting in your top drawer—that you never wear—and it’s finally time to let go. Here are three signs (you might be overlooking) that you need to replace your bra and donate old ones to those in need.
1. Changes to the Fit of Your Bras
First and foremost, it’s time for a new bra if your current ones no longer fit you. This can be due to body changes, weight loss or gain, nursing, or the many reasons why a woman’s body fluctuates. Test out your bra in question by putting it on and seeing how it looks and feels. We recommend getting a bra fitting every 6 months or at least once per year. Our bodies are constantly changing and these changes can change how our bras are fitting and what size we may need.
Do you notice any gaping or overflow in the cups—even when the straps and closure are perfectly adjusted? Are the bands digging in at the sides or is the underwire too tight or loose? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s a good sign you need to replace your bra, identify your current size, and instead, find a bra that changes with you.
2. Visible Signs of Wear and Tear on Your Bra
This next tip may seem obvious but is easily ignored. If you catch the early signs of a worn-out bra, you’ll avoid wearing it well into the time that it no longer looks flattering or feels comfortable. Check for issues like color fading, loose seams, stretched out straps, and little rips and holes. These can soon lead to bigger problems like underwires poking through the fabric and jabbing you—no, thank you. Once you start noticing these things, you’ll know it’s time to start looking for a new bra.
Proper bra care will help increase the durability, comfort, and look of your bras so always follow the care instructions of your bras.
3. You Never Wear it
Let’s say you have a few bras that fit you well and are in good condition but you simply don’t wear them. We all experience changes to our style and wardrobe which means the bras we once loved might not work for us anymore. Were you once a sports bra only wearer but now you enjoy lacy bralettes and push-up styles? Take a peek at your bra collection and say goodbye to the old and unused and make room for new bras that you will actually wear, feel great in, and that’ll complement your clothes.
Don’t worry, your old bras can have a chance at a new life! Learn more about our bra donation program at Soma® and find a new favorite bra (or two) while you’re at it.
UP NEXT: How to Donate Your Bras with Soma®
