How to wash bras correctly: Keep your favourite underwear like new
A perfectly fitting bra is like a good friend: it provides support, ensures you feel comfortable all day long, and flatters your silhouette. To ensure that the fit, elasticity and colours of your CALIDA favourites are preserved for years to come, the right care is essential.
by Florijeta
February 18, 2026•5 min reading time
Tips to extend the life of your favorite bras.
Table of Contents
The key points: The 5 Golden Rules
Washing frequency: Every 3–4 wears (Sports bras after every use).
Temperature: Maximum 30 °C – heat is the enemy of elasticity.
Protection: Always use a laundry bag and close the hooks before washing.
Detergent: Use liquid delicate detergent; avoid fabric softener.
Drying: Air dry only, lying flat. Never put them in the tumble dryer.
1. How often should you wash your bra?
Frequent washing ensures hygiene, but too much friction can stress delicate fibres. We recommend finding the ideal balance: wash your bra after about 3 to 4 wears.
The exception: Sports bras or bralettes worn directly against the skin on hot days should be cleaned after every use. Sweat residues contain salts that can attack fine elastane fibres, making them brittle over time.
Expert tip for longevity: Give your bra 24 hours of regeneration after a day of use. The fibres need this break to return to their original shape. This is the most effective way to prevent your underwear from stretching out.
2. Hand wash or machine wash: What suits your material?
CALIDA uses high-end materials with specific needs:
Lace: Hand washing is preferred to protect delicate, intricate details.
Cotton & Swiss+Cotton: These are robust and usually machine-washable on a gentle cycle.
TENCEL™ & Modal: These sustainable fibres are exceptionally soft and should always be washed in a mesh bag to protect their smooth surface from pilling.
Why liquid delicate detergent? Unlike powder, it cleans without leaving residue and is gentler on colours. It also contains no bleaching agents that could weaken the fabric over time. Please avoid fabric softener, as it coats the fibres, impairing both the supportive function and breathability.
3. Why do underwires sometimes come out of the bra?
This is a classic sign of excessive heat or a spin cycle that is too high. If the fabric shrinks slightly due to incorrect care, the underwire retains its size and eventually pokes through the fabric. Using a laundry bag and strictly sticking to the 30 °C limit are your best protection.
4. How to dry and store your bras properly?
After washing, gently press the cups into shape with your fingers. Lay the bra flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch the material unnecessarily.
Care is also important in your wardrobe: never tuck one cup into the other. Instead, close the hooks and store your bras flat behind each other to maintain their silhouette. Here you will also find more helpful tips for storing bras correctly.
Bras from the "Cate" series are best left to air dry outside.
Conclusion: Mindful care for long-lasting comfort
Proper care is an act of appreciation for your underwear and your body. By avoiding heat, using gentle detergents and allowing the fibres time to regenerate, CALIDA’s signature quality will remain noticeable for years. Your comfort and the perfect fit will thank you every day.
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