How to Care for Your Sports Bras to Make Them Last
By andar Australia I Premium Leggings & Everyday Activewear | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to wash sports bras by hand or in a mesh bag, how to dry them without damage, and simple care tips to extend their lifespan and keep their support.
Quick Answer
Wash your sports bras in cold water on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag, then lay them flat to dry—never use the dryer or fabric softener. This preserves the elastic and padding, so your bras keep their support and shape longer.
Why Care Matters for Support and Shape
Sports bras are engineered with elastic fibers and specialized padding that provide support during movement. Over time, heat, friction, and harsh detergents break down these materials, causing the bra to lose its snug fit and lift.
For styles like the Relair High-Neck Longline Bra, the longline silhouette and removable pads rely on the fabric's integrity to maintain that body-shaping look. Similarly, the Softension Cross Back Bra's strappy details and cool-touch feel depend on careful handling to prevent stretching or pilling.
The good news: a few simple habits can dramatically extend the lifespan of your sports bras, saving you money and keeping you comfortable.
Trade-Off: Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing
Hand washing is the gentlest method and is ideal for delicate bras or those with intricate straps. However, it can be time-consuming, and if you have many bras, machine washing with the right precautions is a practical alternative.
If you choose machine washing, always use a mesh laundry bag, select a cold, gentle cycle, and skip the spin cycle if possible. This minimizes friction and stress on the elastic.
Whichever method you choose, never wring out your sports bra—this twists the fibers and can permanently deform the cups.
Step-by-Step Sports Bra Care Routine
- Fasten and Protect: Hook the back closure before washing to prevent snagging on other items. Place the bra inside a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction and protect delicate straps. Always use a mesh bag for machine washing—even on a gentle cycle.
- Wash Cold and Gentle: Use cold water (below 30°C) and a mild detergent free of bleach or fabric softener. Select the gentle or hand-wash cycle, and if your machine allows, skip the spin cycle to reduce stress on the elastic. Fabric softener coats the elastic fibers and reduces their stretch—avoid it entirely.
- Remove Pads and Air Dry: Take out any removable pads and reshape them. Lay the bra flat on a clean towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never use a tumble dryer, as heat breaks down elastic and can warp the cups. Hanging a wet bra by its straps can stretch them—always dry flat.
- Rotate and Store Properly: Let each bra rest at least 24 hours between wears to allow the elastic to recover. Store bras flat or stacked, not folded in half, to maintain their shape and support. Rotation is key—owning a few bras and alternating them extends each one's life.
Products That Benefit from Proper Care
- Relair High-Neck Longline Bra: The Relair High-Neck Longline Bra features a high-neck, longline design and comes with removable bra pads. Removable pads need to be taken out before washing to prevent them from bunching or losing their shape, and the longline fabric benefits from flat drying to maintain its contour.
Relair High-Neck Longline Bra - Softension Cross Back Bra: The Softension Cross Back Bra has a cozy feel with a surprising cool-touch and gentle conforming support. The cool-touch finish and stretchy fabric can be damaged by high heat, so washing cold and air-drying help preserve that unique feel and fit.
Softension Cross Back Bra
