How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Bras
If I find a bra that fits well, is comfortable, and doesn’t make me want to yank it off the second I walk through the door, I’ll wear that thing to death. But just like everything else in our closets, bras don’t last forever. One of my bras has holes in it, and I still keep putting it on. Lol! Eventually, the elastic wears out, the shape goes, and before you know it, you’re wondering why your favorite top isn’t fitting quite right anymore.
I decided it was the perfect to take a good look at what I’ve got in my bra drawer and decide what needs to go. A lot of retailers are running end-of-summer or back-to-school sales right now (I told you this was a good time), which makes it a great time to refresh your basics without spending a fortune. So today, we’re going to chat about how to know when it’s time to replace your bras, how often you really should be doing it, how to make your bras last longer, and a few of my favorite tried-and-true bras that are perfect for women over 50.
How Long Does a Bra Actually Last?
If you’re wearing the same one day after day, washing it regularly, and tossing it in the dryer (guilty!), then it’s probably only good for about six months. I know. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
Now, if you’ve got a good rotation going, meaning you’re switching between a few bras, washing them gently, and letting them air dry, they can last closer to a year.
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bra
Knowing when to retire that old standby is the hard part, but here are a few signs to watch for.
1. The straps are stretched out
If the straps keep falling off your shoulders no matter how much you tighten them, the elastic’s worn out. Once that stretch is gone, there’s no bringing it back.
2. The band is riding up
Your bra band should sit snug and straight across your back. If it’s creeping up toward your shoulder blades, it’s no longer doing its job. And your “gurls” aren’t getting the support they need.
3. The cups look wrinkled or deflated
A bra that’s lost its shape can make your tops look off, even if everything else in your outfit is on point. If your cups are gaping, folding, or just plain sad looking, it’s time.
4. You’re constantly adjusting it
If you’re tugging at it, shifting it around, or readjusting throughout the day, it’s not you. It’s the bra.
5. It doesn’t support you anymore
Sometimes a bra looks okay, but it just doesn’t feel right. If you’re not getting that gentle lift or support like you used to, that’s your sign.
6. There’s damage
If the wire is poking out, the hooks are broken, or you see fraying, quit trying to put the wire back in place, and do yourself a favor and toss it. A damaged bra isn’t just uncomfortable. It can actually cause irritation or even posture issues over time.
7. You’ve had it for over a year and wear it all the time
Even if it still seems fine, if it’s in heavy rotation and you’ve had it more than 12 months, it’s probably past its prime.
How Many Bras Do You Need?
This is different for everyone, but I like to keep around five or six in regular rotation. That gives me enough options to match different necklines and outfits, plus it helps each bra last a little longer.
Here’s my mix:
- A couple of good everyday bras
- A wireless one for everyday and travel
- A strapless or convertible bra for certain outfits
- And one that just makes me feel a little fancy – lace, color, etc.
The key is not wearing the same one every single day. Give them a break so the elastic can recover. Your bras and your back will thank you.
How to Make Your Bras Last Longer
Let me be the first to say I don’t always follow the hand wash only rule, but I do try to treat my bras a little more gently now. Here’s what helps:
- Use a mesh lingerie bag if you’re machine washing.
- Always wash on cold, gentle cycle.
- Skip the dryer and air dry them flat or hang them from the center.
- Stack molded cups inside each other instead of folding them.
- If you’re looking for a gentle detergent made just for delicates, this one on Amazon has a lot of great reviews. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but it’s designed for lingerie and delicate fabrics, and people say it helps extend the life of their bras without leaving behind any residue or harsh scent. It might be worth a try if you’re looking for something more delicate than your regular detergent.
What to Look for in a New Bra
I get it, shopping for bras isn’t always the most exciting thing to do, but getting it right makes such a difference. Here’s what I keep in mind when I’m shopping.
- Fit and comfort come first. If it’s digging, squeezing, or riding up, keep looking.
- The band should feel snug without being tight. That’s where most of the support comes from.
- Be open to new styles. With the necklines these days, you may need a different style than before!
- Sizes can change. Get remeasured once a year if you can.
Once you find a style you like, I always recommend buying more than one so you can rotate them and make them last longer.
My Go To Bras Right Now
You know I love sharing my favorite finds, and bras are no different. Here is a quick overview of the bras I keep on rotation:
This is my go-to bra for everyday wear! I swear by the bra-llelujah from Spanx because it fits great, is wireless, has wide straps, and does a great job of controlling my back fat. I have it in nude, so I can wear it under my white tops. Plus, the front closure makes getting it on and off a breeze.
Underwire bras aren’t usually my first choice, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this bra a try. My husband said I should be wearing this one all the time. I think his exact words were “perky” and “lifted,” which gave me a good laugh. Those aren’t words I hear very often these days. It’s smooth under clothes with no lumps or bumps, and surprisingly comfortable for an underwire.
I also have this bra for occasions when I’ll be wearing a halter, one-shoulder, or strapless top or dress. That’s when you’ll need a comfortable strapless bra that stays put! Because I loved my everyday bra by SPANX, I decided to try the strapless one, also. I find that it is as comfortable as a strapless bra can be and doesn’t slip or slide, even in hot weather when I’m sweating.
I’ve got a full roundup of my favorite bras in this post along with other posts on every type of bra you could need:
- Nine Great Sports Bras to Buy Now
- The Best Front Closure Bras For Women Over 50
- Comfortable and Supportive Strapless Bras for Women Over 50
- The Best Bras for Large-Chested Women Over 50
If you’re looking for bras on sale, I’ve done a round up below of ones available in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Bras Included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I’m always on the lookout for wire free bras that still offer a little lift and shape, and this one checks all the boxes. It’s soft, supportive, and disappears under t-shirts. If you’re someone who avoids underwires but still wants to feel put together, this is a great everyday option.
This is one of those bras that makes you feel like everything is right where it should be. It’s full coverage without feeling bulky, and it smooths things out beautifully under tops. If you’re fuller chested like I am, this is the kind of support you’ll really appreciate.
Don’t let the word “bralette” fool you. Reviews on this one say it was made with support in mind. It’s supposed to be perfect for days when you want comfort but still need to feel held in. The stretchy fabric looks comfy, and it would be a nice change from traditional underwire bras when you’re lounging or running errands.
This is one of those bras that looks like you would forget you’re even wearing one. Reviews say it is buttery soft, has no wires, and the straps can be worn regular or crisscrossed in the back. It would be great for layering or low-cut necklines.
For those who want a little lift without too much padding, this balconette bra offers a flattering fit and a smooth finish under clothes. The full coverage design keeps everything in place while the lower cut neckline works with all kinds of tops and dresses.
What a pretty bra, gurls! Some of well-endowed friends say this underwire plunge bra is both supportive and stylish, with sheer paneling and side support to keep the fit comfortable and flattering.
If you’ve ever put on a fitted top and wished your bra didn’t create any lumps or bumps, this one might be for you. The extra smoothing in the back and sides, and the underwire gives great support without feeling too stiff. It appears to help your clothes lay nicer and gives you that smooth look from every angle!
Shop More Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Bras:
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🙂 Bras are so tricky, great information and ideas!
🙂 Good information. I have a terrible time finding the right bra.
Tania, when I am home, I literally live in pajamas! The craziest place I wore them was to. clean the Dental office where I work ( I get paid to do it ) … WELL, one day I walked out the back door and the wind slammed the door shut! No keys, no cell phone! Some guys were doing construction in a complex across the way… walk of shame to borrow a phone…needless to say, no pjs while cleaning the office!! BTW, I’m a Soma gal. Happy Thursday❤❤❤
😊 Good article! I am guilty of tossing my bras in the washer but I put them in a zipper pouch that kind of helps protect them.
🙂 Think it is time for a new bra!! Thanks for the post
Very good article!! Due to some past BC surgery issues, I’ve had good luck with the Knix brand of bras.
🙂 found it.
🙂 Thank you this is a good reminder to me to replace some of mine
I may have to try the front closing Spanx bra😊
😀 good time to check my bras!
😀. Thanks so much for all the information. I need to order new bras right now!
🙂 I’m ordering the Spanix bra that is on sale, I cant pass up bras on sale, they are usually so expensive
Excellent post at just the right time – for me. This is the motivation I needed to go bra shopping. 🙂
I do go out my jammies sometimes. 😊
I need to replace my bras.
FOUND IT
Thank you for doing all the hard work and finding great bras
I hate bra shopping and you made this easy for us all
😀 thanks I always looking for a good one for the girls. You know what I mean.
☺️ I’m always trying new bras. Thanks!
🙂 Forgot my smiley face!!
LOL. It’s so funny. I just got back in the house from watering my garden in my leopard print nightgown. I just threw away a couple of bras and replaced them. This is great advice.
🙂 I’ve always wanted to try the Spanx bra.
This came at a good time. I just completed breast cancer treatment and now I need to get a few new bras that fit.
❤️❤️❤️
🙂. Two things I hate shopping for are bras and bathing suits!!
🙂 I found my perfect fit bra several years ago and went to order some more and they don’t make them any more. Your timing is impeccable. Yay, thanks!!!
Thanks for the tips on when to let go of what was a favorite bra and move on. Lots of possible new options to choose from.
🙂
Found it! This is Not a Smiley Face!
😊 Thanks for all these beautiful options. I’m definitely stuck in a bra rut! 🤭
Thank you!
Found the smiley. 🙂
🙂 Found it! Thanks for all of the great tips and lots of bras to choose from!
😊 I go out to get the paper in the morning in my pj’s. Although, mine aren’t as pretty as yours😊 I’ve been wearing Spanx bras, and love them!
😊I’m guilty of wearing pj’s outside all the time. But I live back off the road so no one see me. LOL!
😃 Great informational post, Tania. I recently released some very uncomfortable, but pretty bras from my life and I’m not missing a single one of them😂
🙂finding a great bra at a reasonable price is sooo hard- thanks for sharing
😀great tips, thanks
🙂 great information..
Thanks for this information. I always have trouble finding the right fit. 🙂 I step outside all the time in pjs.
🙂
So many options
🙂 I like the Spanx bra the best. I find a front close bra wrangles the girls best for me.
🙂 Great choices, thanks!
😄 I’m guilty of not replacing my bras often enough for sure.
😀. When mine starts feeling a little bit off stapes want stay up our the bra is slouching and not holding up good i tie a knot in it and throw in the trash
🙂 Still on the hunt for the perfect bra. I’ll be looking into these!
🙂all good tips
😊Wacoal bras are my go to bras. I wear a 36G and they make pretty ones with good support.
Found it 😀
Have been guilty lol. Fortunately a lot of my pj/loungers look like outfits.
🙂 Thanks for all the recommendations. I use a mesh bag as well!
😉 Good information
Thanks
😊 Thanks for showing us your favorite bras, they look like some nice ones!
😎 I love a front closure bra. Hard to find.
i have worn my pajamas to get something from my nearest take-out restaurant…………and hope i don’t get in an accident.
Love the Spanx bra. I bought it after reading one of your other posts.
My worst thing to shop for is a bra! lol
Found it 😊
Tania,
I recently tried the “This is not a bra” at your suggestion and it’s as you said “surprisingly comfortable for an underwire”. After giving up on uncomfortable underwire bras for a while, I’ll wear this one for a better look (as Joe noted 😉). Thank you for the recommendation!
😊. Thank you for this post. I have struggled this week trying to find bras.
🙂 Boy do I need new bras I will have to into these. I have known to step out in my backyard with Pj,s on
🙂 Bra shopping has been on my list for a long time, so hopefully today’s post gets me motivated.
🙂 yes, I need a bra burial! Great post!
🙂 great post!
Nice suggestions at a great prices. I’ve already ordered one. I like my “lumps and bumps” to stay hidden! 🙂
No, I don’t go out in my pj’s. But then again, I don’t have a pet that urgently calls me to go out. 🙂
😊 I am so bad about getting a bra I love and wearing it to death! 😂
I needed new bras very badly. After trying on bras at certain department stores with no success, a sales associate suggested I try Nordstroms to get a good fit. I was so thankful for the suggestion and set out to hopefully find some new bras that didn’t feel like I was being tortured while wearing them. With the help of a sales associate, I ended up buying 5 bras, all that felt wonderful on my body. The brands that fit me best are Natoir and Walcoal, but everyone’s body is different. I would highly recommend anyone who dreads bras shopping like me, try Nordstroms. Just a note though. I sound the stretchy bras without an underwire stretch out too much in a days wear. I tried one and ended up returning that bra even after wearing and washing. Nordstroms is great in that respect. Good luck to all!
😀Great helpful post – I dislike like bra shopping as much as I dislike shopping for bathing suits
😊 I’ve never tried Spanx bras. I may try one.
😊Thank you for the suggestions. I have the hardest time finding a bra to do what I need, lift and minimize!
Hilarious you walked Lucy in pjs….. very cute ones! I never have gone out in mine but many years ago a friend of mine drove her kids to school in her pjs …and had a wreck. The police officer made her get out of her car and she said people were driving by and gave her all kinds of looks! 😆
I’m going to give the Spanx bra a try! Great price and looks superior to any bra I’ve ever purchased. Thanks for the great suggestions.
I love it, and wear it the most.
😊
🙂
Great information.
And yes I totally walk all three of our dogs in my PJ’s in the morning, although mine are not nearly as pretty as yours!
Guilty as charged. I water the plants on my front porch in my pj’s most mornings.
Thanks for the bra choices.
found it 🙂
I think your look cute in your leopard pj’s! I get so disgusted by people who go shopping in pajama bottoms, they look lazy.
I like a tshirt bra that covers back and side fat with good support!
😊
My least favorite item to shop for!
Lol! They are needed, but despised.
Found it!
Great bra selections.
😊Thats my next step is going through my bra drawer. Thanks for sharing some styles. I will check some out.
Perfect timing Tania. My fave go-to is so stretched I “fall out” the top when I bend over to pick up my grands! Hate to give it up but it is time. 🙂
I know the feeling.