You’ve been wearing it for years, it has no holes or damaged underwire, and yet… your bra is probably no longer playing its role. In fact, over time, its fibers stretch, the elastics relax… and it may no longer support the chest correctly. The problem ? This wear often sets in in a sneaky way. So, how do you know if your lingerie has outlived its usefulness? Here are the key signs to spot, according to two lingerie specialists.
Your chest seems less supported
This is often the first change we notice. The chest appears less supported, less curved, and you tend to readjust your bra throughout the day.
“If your breasts seem less supported than before or if you spend time readjusting your bra throughout the day, this is often a sign that its structure has weakened. confirms Janine Dutton, founder of a lingerie brand, in the columns of the Huff Post.
The problem ? As this degradation is gradual, it often goes unnoticed…
You constantly tighten the straps
Are your straps just slipping? Are you adjusting them more and more often? Attention. This may mean that the structure of the bra is starting to fatigue.
“Many women think that the straps provide most of the support, when in reality it is the band that has loosened,” warns Janine Dutton.
You have reached the last adjustment notch
When purchasing, a bra is often worn on the loosest hook. The problem ? Over time, the elastic relaxes and we gradually tighten the ties… until nothing works!
In this context, “if mEven the tightest setting no longer provides sufficient support, so it’s time to get rid of it. recalls Laura Burke, certified bra fitting expert at Fitted.
The band goes up the back
The back band is the centerpiece of the bra: it provides almost all the support. However, when it rises towards the shoulder blades instead of remaining straight and well positioned, it is often a sign that the elastic has lost its effectiveness.
“When the elastic no longer returns to its initial shape, the band no longer holds correctly and the structure of the bra weakens,” alert Janine Dutton.
Cups wrinkle or gape
Do wrinkles appear in the cups? A space is created between the fabric and the chest? The center of the bra no longer rests correctly against the sternum? So it’s time to change it. This can reflect wear of the bra, but also sometimes changes to your breasts.
Underwires become annoying
An underwire that moves, presses (and gets in the way) or starts to come out of the fabric is never a good sign.
With wear, certain parts of the bra can indeed become deformed and cause friction or irritation. In this case, it is better not to wait for the discomfort to set in.
The fabric has changed appearance
Color is often a good indicator of the age of a bra.
“Over time, the fabric loses some of its original shine”observes Laura Burke. “If your white bra has turned a nondescript ivory color, it’s probably showing its age.”
This faded color is also often accompanied by a loss of elasticity. The lace can also become damaged and reveal small tears.
What to do when a bra is at the end of its life?
When a bra no longer supports your chest properly, it’s time… to get rid of it.
“When support, fit and comfort have significantly deteriorated, replacement is often the best option”confirms Janine Dutton. “Unfortunately, once the elastic fibers are permanently relaxed, there is no reliable way to restore them to their original properties,” she continues.
This “cleaning” on the lingerie side is also an opportunity to check your chest size. Because weight, hormonal variations, pregnancy or even menopause are all factors that can cause it to change.
“Sometimes what appears to be a worn out bra is just a sign that your size has changed.”recalls Janine Dutton.
Bra or… nothing?
Dr Elizabeth Paganelli, gynecologist, would like to point out that wearing a bra remains completely optional.
“No study demonstrates over the long term, from puberty to old age, the benefit of wearing a bra on breast health, or the risk of not wearing one”she says.
Summer can therefore be an opportunity to let your chest breathe, if you want to.“You can absolutely choose to wear or not wear a bra, whatever the size of your chest. The only parameter to take into account is that of being comfortable with your decision, and in your body”concludes the gynecologist.