The not so exciting task of laundry!
We probably have more bras in our drawer than necessary, we probably only wear 4 of the 12 we own for various reasons from comfort to colour! That leaves the age old problem of getting your fave T-shirt bra washed and dried because the work shirt leaves nothing to the imagination. My fave T-shirt bra happens to be Fantasie Rebecca, it has lasted well beyond the time it should have done and it will be a sad day when it goes to bra heaven! https://www.clairewoodall.com/rebecca-moulded-spacer-cup
Bras are a integral element of intimate apparel, your bra can enhance your appearance and make you look amazing, it can make you feel protected and secure and it can also make you feel super sexy and desirable. Super sexy and desirable won't happen if your lacy bra has holes, is mis-shaped and is a delightful colour of chewing gum grey!
My first top tip to extending the life of your bra is a great fit:
- Underband, if its too tight the band will be under undue tension.
- Shoulder straps, if the underband is too loose you will be drooping forward and using the shoulder straps to gain lift. Not a good option, its also bad for your posture.
- Cups, too small in the cup and your boobs are using it as a hammock. Its unsightly to have double boob and trashes the cups as you will be pulling at them trying to tuck in constantly.
- Wires: If the band is far too tight, the wires will often squeek, this is due to the cup being distorted and the wire casing being pulled tight. If the underband is too loose it will ride up your back and cause the cup to tip forward, putting pressure on the wire casing as the wire pushes forward.
Use this fit guide video or go for a professional fitting in store. https://www.clairewoodall.com/brands/panache
Ok, lets talk laundry, exciting? No. Essential? Yes!
- Wear for 2-3 days before washing. Your body's secretion of natural oils and sweat, not to mention the stuff we lather on will break down the fabric if allowed to be worn for longer than 3 days. Sports bras should be washed as required, I am a sweaty beast when I exercise, my sports bra is peeled off and will definitely need a wash after just one wear!
- You will need a minimum of 3 general bras, wash one, wear one, dry one. By owning 3 good bras it will allow you to care for them correctly.
- Over washing, this will also reduce the life of your bra.
- When the bra is new, it should fit on the loosest hooks. As the bra ages and deteriorates you can move the hooks to the middle and then eventually the tightest.
- Choice of bra for the job in hand. Wear a sports bra for sport not your lacey number, its not designed for that. Think of your poor boobs at that point too, they need holstering and strapping down for a jog not left to perch on the edge of a half cup!
Handwash
Yes this means with your hands, seriously hands are really good at hand washing!
Handwashing prevents the delicate materials that create the elasticity, which incidentally ensures comfort and support, to last. So, all of this sounds simple enough but just to be sure here is an 8 point guide.
- Fill a bowl with luke warm water.
- Using alcohol free detergent, pour in as stated. I use "Soak" and its a Calpol spoonful per bowl.
- Soak for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Using a small nail brush, gently brush away any dirt (yep that is skin and sweat and oily residue from your good self).
- Rinse as required in lukewarm water. The reason I use "Soak" is because its a no rinse formula, I love a bit of laziness!
- Do not wring the bra, it doesn't enjoy being wrung out (imagines small voice "stop cruelty to bras").
- Gently press against the side of the bowl to remove excess water.
- Hang over the shower rail or washing line. A husband/boyfriend booby trap! (Pun intended).
- Use the washer or dryer. This will void any warranty, the label clearly states "handwash". The clever people that make the bras have already carried out all kinds of tests, they know whats happened to the bra when its sent back. That is even despite an angry email saying you haven't machine washed it, or shouting loudly in a shop that you haven't........you are kidding it looks like you have towed the car with it!!!
- Heat will warp the bra.
- Other heavy items in the machine will cause wires to bend and become mis-shaped.
- Hooks will get caught, causing damage to the bra and also other clothing. So now you know, there are NO mice in your washing machine making little holes, its your bra hooks.
- Lace is certainly not designed and manufactured with machine washing in mind.
- Heat will break down Spandex and Lycra, this will reduce life of elasticity.
- The wires have blobs of protective coating on the ends, this stops them poking through the wire casing. Heat softens the glue and the protective blob comes off, allowing the sharp wire to cut through the fabric. Allowing the wire to stab you!
- Try not to invert moulded cups, it causes creases and distorts the shape on one side. My boobs are already looking like distant cousins rather than sisters, they don't need any more help!
So next time you part with your hard earned cash on a bra, don't throw it in the washer and dryer. That is utter madness, we all want fabulous boobs and our bras help us achieve that, look after your bras and they will look after your boobs!
Claire.xx
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