Here's how often you should actually replace your bra

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Here’s how often you should replace your bra and the best ones to buy

This is your sign to replace your bra

We're all guilty of not throwing out that €10 bra we bought in Penneys far too long ago, but did you know bras actually have an expiry date?

Many women keep wearing the same bras for far longer than they should, often without realising that the support, fit, and structure may have already broken down. Over time, everyday wear, washing habits, and even how bras are stored can impact how well they support the body.

Janine Dutton, owner of Belle Lingerie, explains how often bras should be replaced, the key warning signs to watch for, and how proper care can help them last longer.

How often a bra should be replaced varies depending on how often it is worn, the quality of the bra, and how well it is cared for.

An everyday bra worn several times per week will naturally wear out more quickly than one that is rotated with others. For bras of average quality in the €20–€40 range, worn regularly and cared for properly, as per the care instructions inside the garment label, replacement is typically needed after around six months.

Higher-quality or premium bras tend to last significantly longer due to superior fabrics and manufacturing. When rotated with other bras and washed according to care instructions, premium bras can often last several years before needing replacement.

Over time, with regular wear, the back band and straps naturally lose their elasticity, even if there are no visible signs of wear and tear. Although a bra may appear fine, it does not mean it continues to offer the same level of support it did when it was newly purchased.

Another invisible contributor to the breakdown of a bra is the way in which it is stored. Bras that have been stored in warm or humid conditions for long periods of time can experience fabric and elastic damage, without visible signs.

Our days of buying cheap bras are long gone, and we're now able to actually invest in decent ones. Our go-to place has got to be M&S; a true sign that we're in our thirties.

If you're planning to replace your bra or add to your collection, then look no further than M&S.

Our everyday option is the Body Invisibles™ Wired Demi Cup Bra (A-E). You can buy it here.

We also love the Ida Lace Non-Wired Plunge Bra (A-E). You can buy it here.