Oprah recently revealed that only 2 in every 10 women are wearing the correct size bra. Wearing a bra that doesn't fit can not only detract from your appearance but the can also lead to heath problems such as backache and poor posture. Uncovering the rules of intimate apparel, answering the questions you feel you should probably already know the answers to, here are some tips on how best to be caring for your bras:


Photo by Daquella manera, HippolyteBayard.

How long should I keep my bra?
This depends on how you care for your bra and how often you wear it. The generally agreed time period amongst experts is around 6-12 months. This is because beyond this period of time, the elasticity can deteriorate and it's likely that your bra will no longer be offering you the support that you need.

• If you hand wash your bras, you can expect an extended life when compared with bras that have been machine washed.
  
  
• If you wear one bra several times a week while keeping another for special occasions only, it is more likely that you will get more life out of that special occasion bra.

How often can I wear my bra?
As a rule, you should try not to wear a bra for more then 2-3 days at a time. Sports bras should be washed after every wash. As a bra is intimate apparel, it is important to keep it clean, particularly if you feel sweaty or dirty such as may be the case during the warmer months. It's also important to ensure you are giving your breasts the best possible support by rotating and caring for your bras regularly. The more often you wear a bra, the more likely you are to need to replace it sooner as the support becomes worn out.

How should I wash my bra?
Hand washing your bra will extend the life of the bra. If you machine wash your bra, run a delicate/gentle cycle using cool water. Also be sure to fasten the bra clasps and use a lingerie bag to protect your bra during the wash. You can pick up a wash bag in the lingerie or hosiery section of most department stores.

Why does it look like I have four boobs/back fat?!
You're wearing the wrong sized bra. If the bra is too small, it can have the same sort of effect on your upper body that a pair of too-small skinny jeans can have on your mid-section (hello muffin top!). The same goes for the lumpy look that occurs when your bra cup is too tight across your breast, causing you to look like you have four lady lumps, rather than two. These problems can be easily solved by ensuring you are wearing the correct sized bra. For best results, get a professional bra fitting.

Why is wearing the right bra size important?
Wearing the correct bra size can improve your posture, offer greater support, improve your shape and provide a higher level of comfort. Lumpy and saggy boobs are just some of the problems that plague us ladies in way of our appearance when we wear the incorrect sized bra. The good news is that it's an easy problem to correct, next time you find yourself in the vicinity of a lingerie or department store, speak to one of the staff about being fitted for a bra. They will be more than happy to help you out and the benefits outweigh any embarrassment you may feel about stripping your t-shirt off for a few minutes.


Which bra sins are you guilty of? What's your number one tip for looking after your bras?