Have you ever wondered why your sports bras never seem to last as long as you'd like them to?
When you find the perfect sports bra for your workout, it can make you breathe a huge sigh of relief. You want something that's supportive, but also looks nice - and a lot of the time they don't come cheap, so you want to get the most out of them that you can.
However, lingerie expert at NEXT Georgina Bibby has shared that there's an error you're likely making when you wash the garment that's causing it to ruin faster than it should.
The mistake you're making could be down to your fabric softener, as you may think it "makes your bras feel softer", but it's also "breaking down the fabric and elastic over time". As a result, this can "reduce their supportiveness and stretch", which is not what you want from your sports bra.
"Most sports bras shouldn't need softening and should be fine to be washed with only a mild washing detergent to remove odours and stains", she said. Shockingly, 8% of women admitted they don't wash their sports bras at all, but you must wash them after each workout as they're a "breeding ground for bacteria".
Shoppers flock to buy must have Boux Avenue bra that sells one every 10 secondsGeorgina also recommends hand washing your bras, as it helps them to "keep their elasticity and shape". She said: "Soak them in warm water for around 20 minutes and use a gentle washing detergent to clean them thoroughly. Be sure to rinse them afterwards. If you do have to put them in the washing machine, place them in a laundry bag to ensure they maintain their shape and don't get damaged."
Just like normal bras, it's a "good idea" according to Georgina to have a few bras in rotation which will "help expand the lifespan of each one and give you time to properly wash and dry them before your next wear." And, make sure when you're storing them you "lay them flat" so they last as long as possible.