Pretty bras are a luxury. They're not the kind of thing that you just run out and pick up every few months like you would a t-shirt or a pair of socks. And if you do, I'm venturing to guess that, unless you're Victoria Beckham, they're from Target or Walmart or somewhere else super un-sexy. So when you finally buy a bra — hell, be it once a year — you want it to last. You want it stay fresh and lacy and un-crapped up (and white if that's the color!). But how do you do that?
Funny you should ask …
Wash them in the sink. I know, you know. But do it. Seriously, it isn't as annoying as it seems. Buy a bottle of Woolite and stow it under your bathroom sink instead of in the laundry room. Once a week, throw your bras in the sink and give them a good soak. (No, you should not put them in a lingerie sack and throw them in the washing machine.) Lay flat to dry, please.
Buy two. Not necessarily easy when you're buying a fancy bra, but if you're going for something less pricey, I say stock up (and that doesn't just go for bras). If you know you're going to wear something basically every day, be prepared for a time when you're going to have to part with it. That parting won't be such sweet sorrow if you know you've got another waiting in the wings.
Store them properly. If you're like me, you probably just shove your bras (and underwear and socks) into a drawer, not bothering to fold them. Don't do that. Designate a special place for your bras — a place that's not crowded and won't cause underwires to bend. Or better yet, get a clothes rack made for bras. And don't ever invert bra cups into one another!
Keep your white bras white. Here's something annoying: White bras looking dirty after a few weeks of owning them. Hey, it would happen with anything white that you wore daily. There's a way to keep them clean, though: Vinegar. Toss your bras into your sink and fill with cold water. Add some white distilled vinegar and let soak for 20 minutes. Rinse well (very well) afterwards.
Heavy rotation. Look, we all have our favorite bras. "Some" of us may even wear them every damn day. But really, that's not the best way to extend the life of your bra. Make sure you have a few in your rotation — even though you know which one you're going to wear most.
How do you care for your bras?
Image via The Lingerie Addict/Flickr