Laundry expert warns against creating bacteria 'breeding ground' in sports bras (2024)

Whatever exercise you do, it's important to consider what you're wearing to ensure maximum comfort to aid in better performance.

However, whilst working up a sweat feels good, it’ll leave you with a few extra items for your washing pile. And nobody wants a sports bra that isn't up or the challenge of a workout.

Taking care of your sports bras not only ensures they last longer and feel fresher, thus saving you money, but it also maintains their support and comfort during your workouts meaning you're not distracted by falling straps.

To help avoid this, lingerie expert at NEXT, Georgina Bibby, has shared her tips for keeping your sports bras in top condition. Here's what she wants people to know. The expert says a dirty sports bra can quickly become a "breeding ground" for bacteria.

1. When should I wash my sports bra?

A survey of British women carried out by NEXT found over half of women (52 percent) don’t wash their sports bras after every workout. And shockingly, eight percent of women admitted they don’t wash their sports bras at all.

Bibby says this is a bad idea explaining: “A dirty sports bra is a breeding ground for bacteria caused by perspiration so it’s important to wash your bra after every workout even if you don’t feel that you’ve got particularly sweaty. Sports bras are usually made from absorbent materials so they will soak up any moisture from your body. "

2. Should I hand wash my sports bra or can I put it in the washing machine?

When it comes to how you clean them, it may actually be better to do so by hand rather than throwing them in the washing machine. While it may be a time-saver to do so, hand washing will ensure they keep their elasticity and shape.

The expert explained: “Sports bras are often made from nylon which requires more care than other materials. Soak them in warm water for around 20 minutes and use a gentle washing detergent to clean them thoroughly.

"Be sure to rinse them afterwards. If you do have to put them in the washing machine, place them in a laundry bag to ensure they maintain their shape and don’t get damaged.”

3. Can I use fabric softener to wash my sports bra?

Whilst fabric softeners might make your bras feel softer - and smell great - they can sadly break down the fabric and elastic over time, reducing their supportiveness and stretch. For this reason, according to the expert, it is best avoided. When washing, you should only use a mild washing detergent to remove any odours and stains.

4. Can I put my sports bra in the dryer?

Bibby explains that heat can damage the elasticity of sports bras. Because of this, you should air dry them instead of using a dryer. She explains: "Lay them flat on a towel or drying rack away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and prevent them from stretching out. If you’re hanging your bra out to dry, avoid hanging it by the straps as this can cause it to stretch.

“I’d suggest always referring to the care instructions on the labels of your sports bras for specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines. You may find that different fabrics and styles may require slightly different care routines.”

5. Store your bras properly

You should avoid folding sports bras into tight spaces or cramming them into drawers. Instead, lay them flat or stack them to prevent stretching or deformation of the fabric and straps.

6. Have a few bras in rotation - and don't get too attached

Just like the bras you wear on a daily basis, you should rotate your sports bras to help prolong their lifespan. Three in five women (59 percent) would only chuck their sports bra away if it broke or had a hole in it, however signs of wear and tear might not always be visible to the eye.

The expert explains: “As with any piece of clothing, the more you wear your sports bra the more comfortable it might feel. However, structure is key for this item so if you feel as though it has lost its stretch or your chest doesn’t feel supported it might be time to buy a new bra. If you do particularly high-impact sports like running or HIIT workouts, support is even more important.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.