Bra Life Expectancy? Bra life span?

What is your bra life expectancy? While there is no magic formula to calculate your bra life span, it depends on the following factors:


1) How many bras you own 2) How often you rotate your bras 3) How you care for your bras 4) What is the Quality & Craftmenship of your bra

1)How many bras do you own? If you wear the same bra everyday it would quickly lose its elasticity. Yes...you know you are guilty of that one...! The life expectancy for that bra would obviously be shorther and would need to be replaced more often.


Fact: On average, women own about 6-10 bras. (see our bra statistic survey)

2) How often do you rotate your bras?


We all have that favorite bra that keeps finding it's way to the top of the drawer so it gets worn more than the rest. It will wear out faster than expected.


Fact:You should rotate your bra every 2 days.


3) How do you care for your bras?


Washing and wearing, stretches the fabric and causes it to relax resulting in less support. As your bra ages, the elasticity will relax. You can wash your bra in the washing machine (unless you really have the time to do it by hand- who does?). Make sure it is hooked together to prevent tangling and use a lingerie wash bag to keep your underwear separate. Wash on delicate cycle in cool water. And please...no dryer (especially for T Shirt Bras).


Fact: Heat breaks down the spandex.


4) What is the quality of material & craftmenship of your bra?

The quality of the material and craftmenship plays an important part in the life expectancy of your bra. Some of our vendors such as Chantelle or Prima Donna do extensive testing. For example, each new fabric used by the brand is examined and tested in Chantelle’s quality control laboratory for its reaction to washing, wearing, yellowing, and color fastness. Only when the quality of the material has been approved can the fabric be used for manufacturing.


Signs it is time to buy some new bras: Discoloration, loss of elasticity or shape, torn fabric or the 3rd hook (the tighest) does not feel tight anymore.


Wouldn't be easier if you had a microship or RFID embedded in your bra to tell you you need a new one? It would then beep (like when your cell phone is about to die) when you are due for a bra tune up! Ok may be not such a good idea....

In the meantime, here's the life expectancy of some common household items by Smart Money.

SPECIAL OFFER TO OUR COUP DE FOUDRE LINGERIE BLOG READERS:


For a limited time only, Get a free Chantelle lingerie wash detergent with the purchase of any 2 chantelle bras during the month of May at the store. (while supplies last)