Lingerie rarely wears out from being worn. It wears out from being washed badly, and a few habits make a large difference.

Do not wear the same piece two days running

Elastic needs a full day to recover. That one habit extends a bra’s life more than any care product.

Washing

• Lukewarm water, no hotter than 30°C, and a gentle detergent with no bleach.
• A mesh laundry bag if you use the machine, on the delicates programme.
• Close every hook so it cannot catch other fabrics.

Drying

Never tumble dry. Lay the piece flat on a cotton towel in the shade; direct sun fades the colour and weakens the elastic.

Storing

Nest bras cup inside cup rather than folding one into the other — folding breaks the shape. Keep embroidered pieces away from anything with a zip.

When to replace

When the band has stretched and no longer holds on the tightest hook, or the fabric loses its softness. That is the point where it stops being comfortable.