High-quality underwear often comes with a hefty price tag, so it’s frustrating when a new bra or pair of panties quickly loses its shape or gets damaged. Sometimes, the issue lies with the manufacturer, but other times, it’s because we don’t care for our lingerie properly. To help, we’ve put together some tips on how to choose durable underwear in stores and how to maintain it to keep it looking its best.
Stay away from white bras.
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A white bra is arguably one of the least practical items in a woman’s wardrobe. For starters, it tends to get dirty quickly, easily picking up stains and losing its bright, pristine look. This means it requires frequent washing, which can cause it to wear out faster. Additionally, white bras are highly visible under both dark and light clothing, which can be inconvenient.
If you prefer subtlety over bold colors or patterns, opting for a nude bra is a smarter choice, as it blends seamlessly under tops of any color.
Carefully examine the gusset on the panties.
To prevent panties from irritating sensitive skin, manufacturers include an extra layer of fabric called the gusset. This part is typically made of cotton, which absorbs moisture effectively, allows the skin to breathe, and helps protect against infections. On well-made underwear, the gusset is neatly sewn, with no bunching, bubbling, or folds in the fabric.
Some manufacturers leave one edge of the gusset unattached, creating a small pocket. While some women think this design improves ventilation, it’s actually a cost-cutting measure with no real benefits. In fact, this “pocket” can easily get caught on something, potentially causing the panties to tear.
An underwire bra is not the best choice.
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Many women prefer underwire bras because they provide excellent support and enhance the shape of the bust. However, some manufacturers cut costs by using the same underwire size for cups of vastly different volumes. This can lead to a poor fit, with the underwire digging uncomfortably into the skin, and the bra wearing out much more quickly.
If you’re a fan of underwire bras, it’s worth investing in a high-quality, well-made one. When trying it on, ensure the underwire fits correctly: one end should sit comfortably near your armpit, while the other should rest in the cleavage area. This ensures both comfort and proper support.
Pay attention to seams and other details.
All stitches should be smooth and even to ensure your underwear lasts as long as possible. If the stitching is uneven or you notice loose threads, it’s a clear sign of poor quality, and the item likely won’t hold up for long.
Additionally, while many brands use a standard zigzag stitch to finish edges, a more advanced version—the triple zigzag stitch—is far more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Carefully examine the lace.
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Lace bras have a feminine and elegant appeal, but if they’re made from low-quality materials, wearing them can be uncomfortable. Cheap lace often feels rough to the touch, irritates sensitive skin, and can even scratch or chafe the bust.
High-quality lace, on the other hand, is crafted from natural fibers and has a denser, softer texture. It’s free from snags, lint, or uneven weaving. On well-made bras, the lace patterns on both cups will be symmetrical, mirroring each other perfectly.
Check the stretch of the wings.
To check the quality of lingerie, gently stretch the wings and straps of the bra. If the fabric stretches too easily and lacks resistance, it’s a sign that the bra won’t provide adequate support for the breasts and is likely to stretch out or lose its shape quickly.
Additionally, take a close look at the clasps to ensure they are securely attached and sturdy enough to keep the bra firmly in place.
It’s best to buy a sports bra with clasps.
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It seems that clasps on a sports bra are an unnecessary element, but they can come in handy during a workout. Firstly, some women find it uncomfortable to pull tight sports models over their heads. Secondly, if you sweat intensely, the product may become too loose and start slipping off the chest. In this case, clasps can help to adjust the fit.
And finally, over time, if the bra stretches a little, you can simply clasp it up tighter rather than throwing it away.
Don’t use laundry detergent when washing underwear.
Most experts don’t recommend washing underwear in a washer, as it wears out much faster. And ordinary powder detergent is not suitable for these products either. Residues on the fabric can lead to irritation in the intimate area or cause an allergic reaction.
Ideally, underwear should be washed by hand in cool water with special gels or hypoallergenic soap. But if for bras this method is perfectly suitable, it doesn’t work for panties where pathogens can remain after washing (and even a washing machine won’t help). Therefore, some researchers recommend treating the gusset with an antibacterial agent before washing.
Carefully spread the underwear on the dryer.
Even if bras are not damaged during washing, drying them can be a real challenge. First of all, you should carefully remove excess moisture from the product with a towel, wrapping the bra in a cloth.
To prevent the fabric from fading and becoming infected with pathogenic bacteria, it’s better to hang bras on a drying rack in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight, leaving enough space between the items. Some models can be safely placed on the towel dryer — no harm will come of it. The main thing is to check that the device is not too hot.
Don’t store your bra on a hanger.
To prevent the bras from losing their shape in a wardrobe or chest of drawers, it is a good idea to lay them out neatly in rows, one after the other. At the same time, the clasps should be fastened so that they don’t accidentally damage other items.
Some women prefer to store bras on hangers, but this is not the best option, as the straps or other elastic parts can stretch. And if they are folded in half, bras can quickly become deformed.
Deodorant can ruin underwear.
Over time, even quality underwear develops not really beautiful stains that are difficult to remove. The fact is that the fabric changes color, not only because of sweat mixed with deodorant ingredients. Deodorant can leave traces itself. Therefore, it’s better to apply deodorants and antiperspirants to the skin before you put on underwear and wait until the product dries completely.
Do you know how to choose underwear according to your body type? Check out this article.
Please note: This article was updated in February 2025 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.
credits by: Brightside.me
