A variety of bras on display at Titi Kenya Bra shop at HH towers in Nairobi on June 26, 2024.
Let’s be honest—some topics linger in the shadows of small talk, even though they’re very much a part of our daily routines. Washing bras is one of those topics.
It might sound silly—or even too personal—but when I started asking women how often they wash their bras, the answers were far from predictable. I nodded in agreement, laughed in disbelief, and ultimately realised—sometimes, you just have to read and not judge. So, how often should women wash their bras? The responses I received were as varied as the women themselves.
Bras on display at Titi Kenya Bra shop at HH towers in Nairobi on June 26, 2024.
Out of the ten women I asked, five said they wash their bras after every single wear. One explained, “I don’t wear any of my bras more than once for hygiene purposes. There's a sense of freshness you feel when you put on a clean bra every day.” On the other hand, the remaining five admitted that they don’t mind wearing a bra twice—or even three times—before washing, especially if it’s their favourite one. “I have seven bras, one for each day,” one woman said. “But before that, I used to wear one bra for two days. And there are still days when I wear my favorite one for two days straight.”
There was even one who confessed a special attachment to a particular bra: “There’s one—I know it's almost shouting my name. I have several others, but I keep going back to this one. Even after washing it, I ask myself, 'What if I want to wear it again right after?”
According to a Facebook post titled ‘How Often to Clean Everything,’ bras should ideally be washed after every two to three wears. A quick Google search on ‘how often should you wash your bra’ echoes similar advice—every two to three wears, or sooner if you tend to sweat a lot. But what is the truth behind these recommendations?
Dr Alice Waweru, a dermatologist, strongly advises washing your bra regularly to avoid potential health risks. She points out that bras cover areas prone to sweating, such as under the breasts and armpits, which are known as intertriginous zones—areas where skin rubs together. “Not washing your bra regularly can predispose you to yeast infections. This type of infection often presents with smelly, itchy lesions, usually under the breasts or in the armpits,” she explains.
Dr Waweru also warns against the use of powders for deodorising these areas [under the breast]. “Non-medicated powders can lead to allergies or contact dermatitis, which can cause further irritation," she adds. "I would not advise using such powders on bras or on the skin areas where the bra rests.”
Besides infections, changing bras is more about personal image and comfort: more than just a clean look.
Rebekah Kimanzi, a personal image strategist at Fab to Fab Image Consultancy in Nairobi, takes a firm stance on this issue. “I strongly recommend washing your bra after every wear,” she says. “Bras sit right under the underarms, where there’s sweat, and under our bosoms, where moisture often accumulates. These areas can harbour bacteria and cause discomfort or health issues if not properly cleaned.”
Read: How I mourned my breasts
Ms Kimanzi also suggests ensuring you have enough bras to rotate, allowing each to rest between wears. “Ideally, you should have enough bras—at least enough to wear a different one each day,” she advises. “Once you wear a dirty bra, even if you’re dressed in a beautiful designer outfit, you know—inside—you’re wearing a dirty bra. That affects your self-esteem. Even if others can’t smell it, you can smell it yourself.”
As for the washing process, Ms Kimanzi recommends using fabric softeners with a pleasant scent. “A fresh-smelling bra boosts your confidence, and it’s a small but significant detail in maintaining overall hygiene.”
Ultimately, how often you wash your bra depends on personal preference, but experts agree that hygiene should always come first. While some women feel comfortable wearing a bra multiple times between washes, regular cleaning—whether after every wear or at least every two or three wears—is crucial for your health and comfort.
As Dr Waweru points out, bras come into direct contact with sensitive skin and areas prone to sweating. Therefore, washing them frequently is not just about cleanliness—it’s about preventing irritation, infection, and discomfort.
For those who find themselves attached to a specific bra, it might be time to rethink the routine. Remember, the freshness and comfort of a clean bra go beyond just looking good—it’s about feeling good, too.
