Article courtesy of Susan Sitarz, owner A Private Affair of Sherman Oaks

When customers ask us, as they often do, how to care for their new bras, usually our first and most emphatic response is “DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER!” Not even on the setting that says, “Air Dry”! Here’s some tender loving care for your bras.

Tumbling a bra can damage the fibers. Also your “under wire” may very likely become your “poking out” wire.

The kind of soap you use is also important. “Woolite”, although it has had reputation of being the foremost brand of “gentle cleanser”, was formulated long before some of the newer synthetic fibers for bras were invented, and it contains compounds that may not be fully compatible with the newer, more expensive fabrics.

Our suggestion is that you consider Forever New granules or Ovacion liquid. These products preserve the elasticity of the elastic and wash completely out of all of the fibers. A $14.00, 32oz. container of Forever New can last almost a year.

And our recommendation is always, if at all possible, hand wash your bras. It’s easier and less time-consuming than you might think.

In washing a new item it’s best to wash it separately the first time just in case a bit of dye might come out. Otherwise wash like colors together.

• Fill your sink with cool water. Add your soap; swish it around.
• Add your lingerie, swish, and let sit for a minute or five – you decide, as you pull the plug let the water drain out.
• Turn on fresh water and thoroughly rinse each item, one by one as you take them out of the sink. Give them a good squeeze, but do not twist like a wash cloth.
• Hang to dry. Straight and flat is good. Be sure to reshape the cup.  The lingerie will usually dry overnight if hung indoors.

And for those who want an even simpler solution, we do have a friend who simply wears her bra into the shower and with a little “baby shampoo” washes everything all at once.  She says, “It works for me”!

Be inventive, but always treat your lingerie gently. You will add months (we won’t go so far as to say years) to its wear-ability.

And…..if you must…..wash your bras (occasionally) in the washing machine these are our recommendations:

Always put them inside a lingerie bag.  Clasp the bra clasps. The bag will help prevent the lingerie from being stretched around the washing machine agitator, and closing the clasps will prevent them from hooking onto items in the bag.

Forever New Lace Valet, along with Forever New or Ovacion, are the perfect combination for protecting your beautiful lingerie.

A Private Affair of Sherman Oaks is a unique little bra shop tucked away in the heart of Sherman Oaks, CA. Susan Sitarz is the owner and Anne Hershon came in as a customer and never left. Between them they have over 20 years’ experience fitting all types of women in all types of bras. They have learned the fine art of combining comfort and lift with the goal of having every woman leave the shop looking 10 pounds thinner and 10 years younger. A good time is had by all!