How to machine wash your bra

If you need your bra back in business in a hurry, you might need to machine wash it.

The first thing you need to do is get yourself a lingerie wash bag to keep it safe. Wash bags should be sheer enough for the water to penetrate your lingerie and wash everything properly, while being sturdy enough to protect fine garments through every wash cycle including spinning. Side note: they’re also a good idea for socks or tights to stop a pair being separated (and inevitably lost and gobbled by the sock monster) or tights getting tangled and stretched.

John Lewis and Partners does a set of three wash bags which can be used for all fine goods (£7.23), Boux Avenue sells one especially for bras (£5), as does Intimissimi (£8).

Once you’ve popped your bra inside a washbag, follow the care instructions but make sure you wash at 40 degrees or more, because anything colder won’t cleanse properly. Wash on a delicate washing cycle and only use gentle detergent. Once done, carefully reshape the cups to ensure they stay in the correct position.

Beautiful machine washable bras to buy now

If you really can’t be bothered to hand scrub your delicates – we understand. You might that means pretty bras are off limits, but plenty of on-trend brands stock gorgeous bras that can be machine washed. Although, most of them will favour a bralette shape, over under wiring and lace details.

Shop below for bras that look great, feel comfortable and don’t have to be hand washed.

“How often should you wash your bra?”