Bra guide: how to take care of your bra

October 1, 2026

A bra sits close to the body and is exposed to sweat, skin oils, heat, and moisture. At the same time, it often contains elastic and delicate materials that are affected by repeated washing. How you use, wash, and store your bra therefore plays a role in how long it lasts.

But how often does a bra actually need to be washed? Here is our advice for choosing the right one, washing gently, and taking care of your bra between washes.

The right bra starts with the right fit

A bra should sit firmly around the body and provide support without digging in. The cups should enclose the bust without any gaps or the breast being pushed over the edge. The size can also change over time, so a bra size that has worked for a long time does not necessarily remain the correct one.

Lindex has a comprehensive guide with advice on how to measure your size and choose between different models and fits.

Lindex tips: How to find the right bra

How often should you wash your bra?

There is no set number of uses that suits everyone. How often your bra needs to be washed depends on how long you have worn it, how much you have sweated, the activity, the temperature, and the material. A sports bra after a sweaty workout, for example, has different needs than an everyday bra that you have worn for a few hours.

Look at, smell, and feel the bra. Is it dirty or properly sweaty? Wash it. Is it damp? Let it dry. Does it just feel a bit stale or smell? Air it out or treat the odor. Is it still fresh? Wear it again.

Wash as needed, not just out of habit.

Let your bra dry and air out between uses

When you take off your bra, it is a good idea to let it air out before putting it back in the wardrobe, especially if it has become damp.

Sweat, skin oils, and other organic residues from the skin accumulate on a bra. Together with moisture and heat, this affects the microbial environment in the textile and can contribute to odors.

If your bra is clean but smells, Pure Effect Textile Spray can be used between washes. The biotechnology is based on Bacillus subtilis in spore form. Through biological processes, the bacteria help break down organic residues that odor-producing bacteria feed on, instead of just masking the smell with perfume.

Spray thoroughly on a really sweaty sports bra and lightly on an everyday bra that just needs freshening up. Let the bra dry before you use it again, so it feels comfortable to put on.

Spray. Wait. Use again.

Find Pure Effect Textile Spray here

How to wash your bra gently

Always start with the care instructions. Materials, underwires, padding, and lace differ between different models. A laundry bag makes machine washing gentler on your bra.

If hand washing is recommended, use a small amount of detergent and treat the bra gently without rubbing or wringing it out. If the bra can be machine washed, fasten the hooks and place it in a laundry bag. Choose a gentle cycle and follow the temperature in the care instructions.

Pure Effect Laundry Wash is suitable for all materials, including more delicate fabrics and hand washing.

Let your bra air dry

Gently squeeze out excess water after washing and shape padded or molded cups while they are still damp. Let your bra air dry and avoid the tumble dryer unless the care instructions say otherwise. High heat can affect elastic materials.

Ensure the bra is completely dry before putting it back in the wardrobe. Padded and molded bras are best stored so that the cups retain their natural shape. Place them one after another in the drawer rather than folding or pressing them together.

Read Lindex's care advice for your bra

Take care of it, and don't overwash it.

Common questions about bras and washing

How often should you wash your bra?

There is no set number of uses. Start with how your bra has been used and whether it is dirty, sweaty, or smells. A bra that is still fresh can often be aired out and used again.

Can you use the same bra multiple times?

Yes. If your bra is not dirty or properly sweaty, you can use it several times. Feel free to let it dry and air out between uses.

Can you wash a bra in the washing machine?

Check the care label. If the bra can be machine washed, you can fasten the hooks, use a laundry bag, and choose a gentle cycle.

How do you get sweat odor out of a bra?

Always let your bra dry between uses. If it is clean but still smells, Pure Effect Textile Spray can be used to remove odors between washes.

How should you dry a bra?

Follow the care instructions. Air drying is generally gentle on bras with elastic, padding, and other delicate parts. Shape the cups while the bra is still damp and let it dry completely before putting it away.

How do you know if you have the right bra size?

A bra should sit firmly around the body without digging in or slipping, and the cups should enclose the bust. Since the body changes over time, it can be good to measure yourself again even if you have used the same size for a long time.