How long should a bra last and how many should a woman have?

Question

Seems like recently, although I have been buying better bras and taking better care of them, that they are falling apart sooner. The underwires are poking out and the fabric seems worn. I wash them on delicate and air dry them - they are the pricey ones from VS, so I hoped they would last longer. I keep about 6 good ones at a time so I can alternate.

Answer 1

A good bra can last from 4 to 6 months. You should make sure you are not wearing the same bra, over.. and over.. that makes them more worn and easily makes the wire poke out. Which you said you are having problems with. You are doing the best thing by air-drying them.. but maybe try not to wash them verrry frequently. Also, make sure you are getting the correct size. A bra is like a shoe, you need to wear them in. Also remember, you shouldn't be looking for comfort first, you should be looking for your correct size. You may need to re-size. Also, just because a bra is more expensive doesn't make it any better quality. Just remember that sizes also vary too, so make sure you are trying on the two sizes you may need in the bras, to make sure you get the best fit.

Answer 2

I certainly hope that if you are washing them on delicate in the washing machine you are washing them in the special circular bags that are made for washing bras. Woolite makes a nice one that has two compartments that zip, and you can purchase them at Walmart. Most manufacturers recommend handwashing which is the best way to make them last the longest. All my VS ones I wash by hand and air dry. The washer will wear out the stitching and the compartment that holds the underwire in will come apart quickly if you are just dumping them into the washer. It can be very dangerous to do that for another reason also. A couple of firemen that I know told me that about 30 percent of all house fires are caused by washers and dryers, and the majority of those are caused by underwire bras getting stuck under the agitator in the washer, or in the air vents in the dryer, which causes the motors to overheat trying to move the parts that have been immobilized and then fire....this is not the way to meet cute men in uniform!!! Bras will also wear out more quickly depending on your size and activity level. I have some that I have had to replace in six months, and others I have had for 2 years. I have about one dozen everyday bras, and then even more dressy, lacy decorated, cute girly ones for certain outfits and/or special occasions. I am a bigger busted person, so it can be difficult to find the comfort and support and fit that I need. When I do find styles that work for me, I try to invest in several at a time. Hope this helps. Have a good night!

Answer 3

I had the same problem so I asked the sales girl at VS. She said even washing on delicate will make them fall apart faster because of the agitator. She told me to hand wash them in cold water with a detergent made for delicates and let them air dry. I have done this and my bra's have lasted significantly longer than before (almost a year on the most recent ones). I have 5 regular bra's and 3 sports bras. That number seems to work well for me.

Answer 4

I've found that the more expensive ones from department stores wear out just as fast as the ones I buy at WalMart. I care for them exactly the way you do - delicate cycle and air drying them. I've tried different fabrics (cottony and silky kind). The cotton ones seem to last longer as far as the underwires not poking out. But they seem to lose overall support faster, too. My mom and grandma think I'm doing something wrong because I'm always needing to buy more bras. I'm bigger-chested than they are... maybe that has something to do with it?

Answer 5

Humm If I counted all of mine, you'd be shocked. So let's just say if you like it and can afford it, fill up the drawer! It seems the Egyptian cotton has made into the bra market, though this material claims to be 100% cotton, I've seen new bras in this material last maybe a month at tops. Even when buying them at top dollar (Which I try to avoid!) Lily of france makes a great bra lasts almost for forever! (It seems!) At VS, you're basically buying a name, not really a good product anymore. =o) Best of Luck!

Answer 6

Ahahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I was right!!!

I always suspected that the VS bras and lingerie were not as well made as some of the standard brands....but my girlfriend insists that they are.

I do the laundry and I use the delicate cycle too...but I've noticed that they seem worn after only three or four washings.

I've not been able to get her to go to Bali....they have a professional fitter...that will make sure you buy the right bra and have it adjusted properly...she says..she would be embarrassed to have a woman doing that. I think its silly...her OB/GYN is a man!!

Answer 7

I have been running into the same issue. You would think that VS bras would last longer( especially for the price you pay). But, they don't seem to last any longer than the ones from Target. I find that mine stretch out faster. Even though I never put them in the dryer.

Answer 8

I don't wear bras, because i am a dude, but, it would seem to me that a bra is like any other piece of underwear. it depends on what kind of outfit you are wearing.
just because the bras come from vs does not mean they are better. you should be able to put the item in the washer on hot, and in the dryer on the highest setting. you should not have to hand wash anything.
I would go to a discount store like walmart or kmart, or target, and check out their items. all of these items come from the same sources. chances are your vs bras are made by the same factory (overseas) that the look alike ones are.
If you are wearing a tshirt and jeans, a vs bra is not a good look anyway. save the sexy ones for special outfits. for instance some times white crew sox look better than silk socks.
If i was a girl, i would have at least 10, but remember you build up to these.
as well if the bra does not last 90 days, you can return it to target or kmart, where vs would laugh at you.
I know bras are expensive, but if you look and compare it is often possible to find them on sale, and at the outlet malls.
for me, it is important to know my size. I think this would apply to bras too.
so keep all these factors in mind. how's that?

Answer 9

Don't know your size, but I'm considered plus sized. I've purchased bras from VS, Wal-Mart, JC Penny, and the best that I've found have been from Lane Bryant. I've had the same problems you've had, wires coming out, lacey part tearing after 3rd wear, comfort issuse. I love Lane Bryant's bras b/c they are comfortable and durable...the oldest one I have is 3 years old. Try and see, there are more sizes online than in actuall store starting at 36C.
Lane Bryant is also usually more expensive than Wal-Mart or other stores but I feel it's worth it! www.lanebryant.com

Answer 10

A bra should last at least a year and a woman should have at least 7 (one for every day of the week). I honestly don't think VS bras are of such good quality. I bought a bunch one time and I returned them. Try maidenform - I love that brand.