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WE wear them everyday - but many of us don't know the proper way to look after our bras to make them last.
Whether you prefer wired, non-wired, lace or cotton, bras need a little TLC to keep them performing their best.
Thankfully, a bra expert from the UK brand Lounge has dished out exactly how to clean them so they last you a lifetime.
Us women all have our favourite bras to go to, and it can be devastating having to let it go because the fabric has become worn or the straps have stretched too much.
But now you can make sure they last for years thanks to Lounge's Head of Product, Emily.
She first revealed that washing your bra after every use was not only unnecessary, but could damage it.
By cleaning your bras after every use - you could damage the fabric as well as cause it to stretch quicker.
“It’s best practice not to wash your bra everyday, we recommend washing your bras every 2-3 wears to prevent them from getting over stretched or dimpling," the bra expert says.
While it might seem a bit of a chore, Emily explains that hand washing your bra is the best way to make it last for years.
The spin of the washing machine can damage the wires so Emily recommends hand washing it in warm water with mild detergent, leaving it to soak briefly, and taking it out to air dry.
Although it is best practice, Emily knows that not everyone has time for hand washing so also offered some top tips on reducing the risk of damaging your bras in the washing machine.
She said an underwear care bag would be your best friend.
"This is the best way to make sure your Lounge underwear last as long as possible by protecting the delicate materials from being damaged inside a washing machine," she adds.
"Pop your favourite pieces inside the bag, zip it up and machine-wash alongside similar colours."
The bra expert adds that you should also never put them in the tumble dryer and air dry them instead.
Lingerie experts at Lounge have also revealed the best way to find what bra size is perfect for you
You want to start your bra size fitting without a bra on if you're doing it at home, take a tape measure and measure from your back to under your bust where the bra usually sits.
Write down how many inches - they recommend going up two inches from this when buying a bra to ensure comfort (if you measure 30 get a 32 band).
Measure the fullest part of your bust using the tape measure - you don't have to pull it tight to do this and keep a note of the inches.
You can then use this very simple equation: cup size – band size.
For example, if your bust measures 36 inches and your band measures 34, you would be a 34B.
Once your undies are clean, it's time to store them - which is just as important to make them last for years.
Emily recommends fastening any hooks or clasps to ensure they don't catch on the fabric and lying them down flat to maintain the shape of the bra.
And while we all have our go-to everyday bra, Emily relays that it's important to rotate them.
"This helps keep them in tip top condition and prolongs their lifespan, we recommend that you have at least three to four bras to switch between," the bra expert explained.
