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Did you know that washing your underwear correctly can double its lifespan? Since 1937, Swegmark has created garments in premium quality built to last. But even the finest quality needs the right care. Here we have gathered our best care tips, category by category, so your favourites stay comfortable, beautiful, and shape-stable for as long as possible.
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How to care for your bras
Your bra is one of the garments you wear closest to your body, and one of those that deserves the most care. With the right maintenance, it retains its shape, support, and comfort for much longer.
Storage
Never stuff your bra into a drawer. The cups can lose their shape and the garment loses its fit. Store it flat with the cups nested inside each other, or hanging, so the shape is preserved.
How often does a bra need washing?
A bra does not need to be washed after every use. Generally, washing after 3 to 4 uses is sufficient. How often you actually need to wash depends on how active you are and how much you sweat. Washing too frequently wears out the material unnecessarily, but washing too infrequently does as well, since sweat and body oils break down the fibres over time. Find the balance that suits your everyday life.
How to wash your bra
Always use a laundry bag. Always fasten the bra at the back before placing it in the laundry bag. This prevents the hooks from catching on themselves or on other garments. Bras with underwire or padding are best washed by hand. If your washing machine has a hand wash programme, that works well too. Always follow the care label in the garment.
Drying
Hang your bra to dry so it hangs freely, preferably over a hanger or drying rack. Avoid drying it flat, as this can affect its shape.
What to avoid
Never use bleach or bleaching chemicals. Avoid commercial fabric softeners — they break down textile fibres and place an unnecessary burden on the environment. Never use a tumble dryer. Always wash with similar colours.
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Wash and care for your sports-bra
A sports bra is subjected to considerably more strain than a regular bra. Sweat, movement, and moisture put the material to work hard during every workout, and care plays a decisive role in how long it retains its shape.
How often does a sports bra need washing?
Wash your sports bra after every use, or at most after every other. How often depends partly on the type and intensity of exercise. Sweat and bacteria break down the material faster than regular use, so it is important not to wait too long.
How to wash your sports bra
Always use a laundry bag. Always fasten at the back. Follow the care label in the garment. Never use a tumble dryer. Avoid bleach and bleaching chemicals. Avoid commercial fabric softeners — they break down the fibres and burden the environment.
How long does a sports bra last?
A sports bra has a limited lifespan. If you have only one sports bra and exercise 2 to 3 times a week, its expected lifespan is approximately 6 to 12 months. Over time, elasticity diminishes, and when it does, the support changes. You will often notice that the bra no longer sits as securely as it once did, or that the straps no longer provide the same resistance. That is a clear sign it is time for a new one.
A good tip: keep more than one sports bra in rotation. It gives each garment time to recover between uses and extends the lifespan of all of them.
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Swimwear care — protect colour and shape
Swimwear is exposed to chlorine, salt, sun, and sunscreen. This makes it particularly sensitive, and care becomes essential for the garment to retain its colour, shape, and fit.
Immediately after use
Rinse your swimwear in lukewarm water immediately after swimming. This removes chlorine, salt, and sand before they have a chance to affect the material.
Washing
All swimwear should be hand washed. Always follow the care label. Use a laundry bag. If your bikini has a back fastening, fasten it before washing.
What to avoid when washing and drying swimwear
Never use fabric softener. Never use a tumble dryer. Never dry the garment in direct sunlight when wet, whether after swimming or after washing. This can fade the colours and break down the material more quickly.
Sunscreen tip
Apply your sunscreen well in advance before putting on your swimwear. Sunscreen can easily stain, particularly lighter garments. Allowing the cream to absorb fully into the skin first reduces the risk of staining.
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Caring for your panties
Panties are easy to care for, but a few basic rules will help them last longer and retain their quality.
Wash after every use, at a maximum of 40 degrees. Wash with similar colours. Always follow the care label. Avoid fabric softener. Never use a tumble dryer.
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Tank-tops care and washing tips
Tank tops do not need to be washed after every use. Generally, washing after 3 to 4 uses is sufficient. How often you actually need to wash depends on how active you are and how much you sweat. Washing too frequently wears out the material unnecessarily, but washing too infrequently does as well, since sweat and body oils break down the fibres over time. Find the balance that suits your everyday life.
Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees. Wash with similar colours. Always follow the care label. Avoid fabric softener. Never use a tumble dryer.
Why we advise against fabric softener
You may have noticed that we consistently advise against fabric softener. The reason is straightforward: commercial fabric softeners coat the textile fibres and break them down over time. This means garments lose their softness, elasticity, and shape more quickly. Fabric softeners also burden the environment with unnecessary chemicals. Our materials are chosen to feel soft and comfortable without additives.
Frequently asked questions about washing and care
How often should I wash my bra?
A bra generally needs washing after 3 to 4 uses. This depends on how active you are and how much you sweat. Sports bras should be washed after every or every other use.
Why should I not use a tumble dryer?
The tumble dryer exposes garments to high heat and mechanical stress, which breaks down elasticity, shape, and material. This applies to all underwear and swimwear.
Why should I fasten my bra before washing?
The hooks can catch on the garment itself or on other clothes, causing wear and potentially distorting the bra's shape. Fastening it at the back protects it, even inside a laundry bag.
How do I know when my sports bra is worn out?
If you notice that it no longer sits as securely, that the straps no longer provide the same resistance, or that the material has become stretched, it is time to replace it. A sports bra used 2 to 3 times a week lasts on average 6 to 12 months.
Can I machine wash swimwear?
We always recommend hand washing for swimwear. Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue make the material sensitive, and hand washing is the gentle option that extends the garment's lifespan.
Wired Bikini Bras
Quick Guide
All garments: Always follow the care label. Avoid fabric softener. Avoid the tumble dryer. Wash with similar colours.
Bras:
Laundry bag, fasten at the back, wash after 3 to 4 uses. Underwired and padded bras are best washed by hand. Hang to dry.
Bra care and washing tips Your bra deserves a little extra care. Read more here.
Sports bras:
Laundry bag, fasten at the back, wash after every or every other use. Keep several in rotation if possible.
How to wash and care for your sports bra Keep your sports bra in top shape for longer. Read more here.
Swimwear:
Always hand wash. Rinse immediately after swimming. Do not dry in direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen before dressing.
Swimwear care — protect colour and shape Sun, salt and chlorine take their toll. Read more here.
Panties:
Wash after every use at a maximum of 40 degrees.
Caring for your panties A few simple rules make all the difference. Read more here.
Tank-tops:
Tank tops don't need washing after every use — 3 to 4 wears is usually enough. Wash at max 40°C, with similar colours, and always follow the care label. Skip the fabric softener and never use a tumble dryer.
Tank top care and washing tips Easy care that extends the life of your favourites. Read more here.
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