In a recent episode of their podcast, influencer Laura Henshaw made a shocking confession about how often she washes her bra. She admitted to only washing it once a month, which left her co-host and the internet divided on the topic. This revelation has sparked a debate on how often women should wash their bras and the reasons behind it.
The Debate on Bra Washing
Recently in her podcast, Laura Henshaw revealed that she washes her bra no more than once per month. Her co-host Steph Claire Smith was shocked by this revelation, who said she washes her bras every two to three wears. Laura was surprised by this, as she says that washing them so often decreases their lifespan. If they’re not dirty or smelly, why bother? The comment section on the post was then rife with debate as to how often we should be washing their bras. Some users said that they toss their bra into the bin after every wear, while others wait for a couple of wears before washing. Others, like Laura, revealed that they washed less frequently, unless they were sweating or the bra smelled bad. (1)
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How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?
The question of how often to wash bras is not a simple one. It depends on various factors such as personal preference, lifestyle, and the type of bra being worn. Also, if we’re all being honest, many of us have that one favorite bra that gets washed far less often than it should simply because we want to wear it all the time. However, experts generally recommend washing bras every two to four wears. Let’s explore the reasons why this is the recommended frequency. (2, 3)
1. Hygiene
Bras come in direct contact with the skin, and as a result, they can accumulate sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Washing bras regularly helps maintain proper hygiene by removing these accumulated substances.
2. Odor control
Wearing a bra multiple times without washing it can lead to the development of an unpleasant odor caused by the buildup of bacteria and sweat. Regular washing can help eliminate these odors and keep your bras smelling fresh.
3. Skin health
Bras that are not washed frequently can cause skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. The accumulation of dirt and bacteria on the bra can lead to itching, redness, and even infections. Regular washing helps to prevent these skin issues and maintain healthy skin.
4. Longevity
Washing bras regularly can help extend their lifespan. The accumulation of dirt, sweat, and oils weakens the fabric and elasticity of the bra over time. Proper washing and care can help preserve the shape and functionality of the bra, ensuring it lasts longer.
5. Comfort
Wearing a clean bra is much more comfortable than wearing one that hasn’t been washed in a while. Clean bras provide better support, breathability, and overall comfort.
General Recommendations
While the general recommendation is to wash bras every two to four wears, it’s important to consider personal factors that may warrant more frequent washing. For example, if you engage in activities that make you sweat heavily or if you have a medical condition that causes excessive perspiration, you may need to wash your bras more frequently.
It’s also important to note that different types of bras may require different care. Delicate, lacy bras may need to be hand-washed or placed in a lingerie bag to protect the fabric during the washing process. Similarly, sports bras, which are typically worn during high-intensity activities, may need to be washed after each use to remove sweat and odor.
The Bottom Line
While influencer Laura Henshaw’s admission of washing her bras only once a month may have shocked some, it’s essential to prioritize personal hygiene and take care of our undergarments. Washing bras every two to four wears is a good general guideline to follow, but individual circumstances and personal preferences should also be considered. Regular washing helps maintain hygiene, control odor, preserve skin health, and prolong the lifespan of bras, ultimately ensuring comfort and confidence.