How to wash & care for your bra properly: Keep your favourite lingerie in shape
A perfectly fitting bra is like a good friend: It gives you support, helps you feel comfortable and enhances your silhouette. To help the fit and colours of your favourite CALIDA pieces stay in good condition for as long as possible, proper 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 supports hygiene, but too much friction can put strain on the fibres. The golden mean: Wash your bra after around 3 to 4 wears.
The exception: Sports bras or bustiers that you wear directly against your skin on hot days should be washed immediately. Sweat residue contains salts that can affect delicate elastane.
Expert tip for proper care: Give your bra 24 hours of rest after a day of wear. The fibres need this break to return to their original shape. This can help your lingerie retain its shape.
2. Hand wash or machine wash: Which is right for your material?
CALIDA uses high-quality materials with different care requirements:
Lace: Hand washing is preferable to help protect delicate details.
Cotton & Swiss+Cotton: Robust and generally suitable for machine washing on a gentle cycle.
TENCEL™ & Modal: These fibres are particularly soft and should always be washed in a laundry bag to help protect their smooth surface.
Why use liquid detergent for delicates?
Unlike powder, it can dissolve evenly and is suitable for gentle cleaning. It does not contain bleaching agents that could weaken the fabric over time. You should also avoid fabric softener, as it can affect the fibres and impair the supportive function.
3. Why do bra wires sometimes come out?
This is a classic sign of excessive heat or a spin cycle that is too fast. If the fabric contracts slightly due to incorrect care, the wire retains its original size and can push through the fabric. A laundry bag and keeping to the 30 °C limit can help protect the material.
4. How should you dry and store your bras?
After washing, gently shape the cups 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 unnecessarily stretch the material.
Care is also important in your wardrobe: Never place the cups inside one another. Instead, fasten the hooks and store your bras flat, one behind the other. 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: Thoughtful care for your comfort
Proper care is a way of showing appreciation for your lingerie. By avoiding heat, choosing suitable detergents and giving the fibres time to recover, you can help your CALIDA lingerie retain its properties and fit for as long as possible. Your comfort and the fit of your lingerie will thank you every day.
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