It can be hard to let go of a long relationship. Especially when that relationship is with your most favourite and comfortable bra! But sometimes despite the comfiness, your bra can be doing you more harm than good. Tempting though it is to hang onto these things until they fall apart before our eyes, it’s important to reassess and replace your bras. And it’s most likely at more regular intervals than you might expect! So here are the tell tale signs that it’s time to replace your bra.
You’ve had it for a year
Most of us can’t even remember how long we’ve had our bras. Experts advise that you should replace your bras every 9 months max. Of course, this depends on how often you wear a specific bra, and how well you’ve cared for it. Everyday bras will clearly become worn sooner than those you keep for occasion wear. Those very occasional use bras will last for years. When it comes to daily bras, though, we think that an annual refresh is a manageable and easy to remember benchmark.
There are signs of stretch
Look out for tell tale signs of stretch and misshaping in the cups, band and straps. You’ll notice, for example, that you’re fastening your bra on a tighter fitting. Your bra straps may be falling down and need frequent tightening. You may also notice that there is a gap between the cup fabric and your breasts, or that the cup appears misshapen. Some of these things can happen with weight loss too, but if your bra is a year or so old then you should re-check your measurements and replace your bra.
The size is wrong
Weight fluctuations and the natural changes that happen to our bodies as we age often mean that we need to reassess our bra. Even if you don’t think that your bras have worn out, you’re not doing your breasts any favours by sticking to your existing bras. You may notice either a gap in the cup or spillage of your breasts over the cup. These signs are not only uncomfortable but they’re also not going to look great either. Check out our guide to measuring yourself correctly for a bra and try to remember to do this regularly!
It just looks tired
Open your underwear drawer and your heart sinks at the sight of your bras? If they’re all a little bit faded and you can see imperfections in the fabric, then they’re likely a couple of years old. When you see little thread ends protruding from the fabric this is a sign that the elasticity of the bra has failed and the fabric is breaking down. At this point, it’s definitely time to have a big old refresh of your bras, but make sure you measure yourself first!
It’s causing you pain
There are many different types of pain that an unsupportive, old, or wrongly sized bra can cause. You may experience a dull ache in your lower back or shoulders where the weight of your breasts is not being distributed correctly. Or your breasts themselves may begin to feel sore. If the elasticity has failed in your bra straps, you’ll experience digging in and red marks on your shoulders and loose underwire may begin to dig in towards your armpits. If you experience any pain at all, it’s time to consign that bra to history!
You’ve gone off it
All of these practical reasons that you need to replace your bra can pale into insignificance if your existing bras simply do not bring you joy. You’re worth wearing clothes that make you happy, and that might come from the shape that they give you or from the colours and designs of the fabric. We’re all different. So if your bras turn you off, don’t wait for them to break down. Just get out there and find something new!
Elle Courbee’s selection of soft cup shaping bras are all about giving you a silhouette that gives you confidence and joy. Shop the ranges here.
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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