Bra Signs – No matter how many bras you own or how well you care for them, every bra has an expiration date. Experts recommend replacing bras every six months. Depending on the number of bras you have and how frequently you wear each particular bra, this average bra lifespan can become shorter or longer. The bottom line is that every bra has an expiration date. However, having more bras can keep your bras from wearing out too quickly.
Although bras are one of the most important elements of a woman’s wardrobe, many women still treat their bras like an afterthought. We understand that sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect bra, and once you do, it’s even harder to let it go. It is quite common for women to think wearing an old bra over and over again is fine as long as it’s not falling apart. But the painful truth is, you are probably wearing your bra way past its expiration date.
Naturally, bras collect oils from our skin and residue from our deodorant, so regular washing keeps them in tip-top shape. Although these methods won’t make your bras last forever, they will give them a longer shelf life so you can enjoy them for longer.
In this article, we will be sharing with you the most common signs it’s time to discard your bra for a new one. Here is how to know the signs when it is time to buy a new bra.
1. The Band is Loose
You might think that the straps are what keep the breasts firm, but it is the bra band that does the majority of the heavy lifting. The band of a bra naturally stretches out over time. However, if you have been wearing your bra on the tightest hook for more than two months and/or the bra band is too loose, these are signs you need a new one.
2. The Straps Are Not Tight Enough
Your straps must be the right length. They should not be too loose and not too firm either. If your straps keep sliding off your shoulders and you can’t tighten them any further, they are stretched out, which means it’s time to discard the tired bra. Also, if they are causing discomfort or pressing so hard into your skin that they leave marks, they are no longer good and should be changed.
3. The Underwire Has Poked Out
We all know there is nothing as painful as when an underwire of a bra poking out and digging into sensitive skin. You may be tempted to simply shove the underwire back in, but that is not advisable. It means you need a new bra so go get yourself one.
4. The Bra is No longer Sitting Well
The center of your bra should rest directly on the center of your chest. If your band is being pulled away from your skin, drooping, or sliding around, your band is probably stretched; these are signs and the bra should be changed.
5. There is Gap In The Cup or Cup Too Small
If you are standing up straight and there is a gap in the cup, that means it is either stretched out, which can happen with lace bras in particular, or it is no longer your size. Although different styles of bras have different levels of coverage, your breasts should still fit properly in the cups. If your breasts are spilling out of the sides of the cups or near your underarms, your bra doesn’t fit properly and should be replaced.
6. Fabric Breakdown
All fabrics have a lifespan depending on your wearing and washing cycle. Your bra needs to change once the fabric starts losing its stretch. When a bra has outlived its usefulness, it often means it is no longer comfortable.
7. Popping Out Threads/Fading Colors
when bright-colored bras start looking dirty, dull, or faded, it is time to replace them with new ones.
8. Weight Loss/Gain
Whenever your body goes through a change, you need to get new bras. Whether you have been dieting or you put on a few pounds, the shape and size of your breasts are likely to be impacted. That means your current bras may not fit you the way they used to. So you may need to get yourself some new bras to fit your new size.
9. Change of Preference
Sometimes your style or bra preference can just change. After all, change is the only constant thing in life. It is always important to choose bras that make you feel happy and comfortable. So feel free to satisfy yourself by going for new bras when your preference changes.
