What are Wired Bras?
Wired bras, also known as underwire bras, are a type of women's undergarment designed to provide support and shape to the breasts. They are constructed with a thin, flexible wire sewn into the underside of each bra cup, following the natural curve of the breast. This wire helps lift and shape the breasts while also providing additional support.
The wire in wired bras is usually made of metal or plastic and is encased in fabric or a casing to prevent direct contact with the skin, ensuring comfort and minimizing the risk of irritation. The wire helps the bra maintain its structure and offers better separation and definition of the breasts.
Wired bras are available in various styles, including full-cup, demi-cup, balconette, and plunge, each designed to provide different levels of coverage and support. They are a popular choice for those seeking enhanced lift, shaping, and support, especially for individuals with larger bust sizes. However, some people find wired bras uncomfortable due to the potential for the wire to dig into the skin or shift out of place. It's important to find the right fit and style that suits your comfort and needs.
How to Hand Wash a Wired bra?
1. Fill a Basin or Sink:
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too cool water too hot, as high temperatures can damage delicate fabrics and elastic.
2. Use Mild Detergent:
Add a small amount of mild lingerie detergent or a gentle soap to the water. Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric and wires.
3. Submerge the Bras:
Immerse the dirty bras back in the soapy water. Gently agitate the water to help distribute the detergent. If the bras are particularly soiled, you can lightly rub the fabric with your fingers to help remove dirt and oils.
4. Soak in water:
Allow the bras to soak in the soapy water for about 10-15 minutes for proper washing. This helps to loosen dirt and oils from the fabric.
5. Gently Clean:
After soaking, gently rub the fabric between your fingers to clean any remaining dirt or oil. Be careful not to be too rough, especially around the wires and delicate parts of the bra.
6. Rinse thoroughly:
Drain bras from the soapy water and refill the basin or sink with clean, lukewarm water. Submerge the bras in the clean water and swish them around to rinse off the soap thoroughly. You may need to repeat the rinsing process a couple of times to ensure all the soap is gone.
7. Remove Excess Water:
Gently press the bras against the side of the basin or sink to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring out the bras, as this can damage the wires and fabric.
8. Reshape the Bras:
While the bras are still damp, reshape the bra cups and wires to their original form. Gently pat and press them into shape.
9. Dry well:
Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Place the bras on the towel and roll the towel up with the bras inside to absorb excess water. Then, transfer the bras to a drying rack or a clean, flat surface to air dry. Avoid hanging bras by the straps, as this can cause stretching.
10. Store properly:
Once the bras are completely dry, fasten the hooks and store them in a way that helps maintain their shape. Avoid folding them in half, as this can damage the cups and wires.
How to Wash Wired bra in the Washing machine?
Washing wired bras in a washing machine requires extra care to prevent damage to the delicate materials and wires. If you choose to use a washing machine, follow these steps to ensure your bras are properly cleaned and protected.
1. Use Mesh Lingerie Bag:
Use a lingerie bag or a mesh laundry bag specifically designed for delicates. This will help protect the bras from getting tangled with other clothes and minimize friction.
2. Fasten Hooks:
Before placing the bras in the lingerie bag, fasten the hooks of each bra. This will prevent them from snagging on other items during the wash cycle.
3. Select Gentle Cycle:
Choose the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This cycle uses a slower agitation and a shorter spin cycle, which is less harsh on delicate items, fabrics and wires.
4. Use Cold Water:
Use cold water for washing. Hot water can weaken elastic fibres and cause colour fading.
5. Choose Gentle laundry Detergent:
Use a mild lingerie detergent or a gentle soap specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using strong detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
6. Load Size: sports
Do not overload the washing machine. Give the bras enough space to move around warm water gently.
7. Wash Separately:
Wash bras separately from other clothing items to prevent them from getting tangled.
8. Avoid Fabric Softeners:
Fabric softeners can damage the elasticity of the sports bra's fabric, so it's best to avoid using them.
9. Skip the Spin Cycle:
If your washing machine allows, skip the spin cycle or select the lowest possible spin speed. Excessive spinning can distort the wires and stretch the fabric.
10. Reshape After Washing:
Once the wash cycle is complete, immediately remove the bras from the lingerie bag. Gently reshape the cups and wires to their original form.
11. Air Dry:
Lay the bras flat on a clean, dry towel and roll up the towel to absorb excess water. Then, transfer the bras to a drying rack or a clean, flat surface to air dry. Avoid hanging bras by the straps, as this can cause stretching.
12. Storage:
Once the bras are completely dry, fasten the hooks and store them in a way that helps maintain their shape. Avoid folding them in half, as this can damage the cups and wires.
While washing wired bras in a machine is possible, it's important to note that hand washing is generally gentler on the bras and can help prolong their lifespan. Whether you choose to wash by hand or machine, following the above steps will minimize the risk of damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wash wired bras in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash wired bras in a washing machine, but it's important to use a lingerie bag, select a gentle cycle, and avoid high spin speeds to prevent damage to the wires and fabric.
2. Can I use regular detergent for washing bras?
It's best to use a mild lingerie detergent or a gentle soap specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Regular detergents may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric and wires.
3. How often should I wash my wired bras?
You don't need to wash bras after every wear. Washing them every 2-3 wears is usually sufficient, as long as you let them air out between uses.
4. Should I hand wash or machine wash wired bras?
Hand washing is gentler on wired bras and can help prolong their lifespan. However, if you choose to machine wash, use a lingerie bag and a gentle cycle to minimize potential damage.
5. Can I use fabric softener while washing bra?
It's best to avoid fabric softeners when washing bras, as they can weaken the elastic fibres in the fabric.
6. Can I hang wired bras to dry?
Avoid hanging wired bras by the straps, as this can cause stretching. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to absorb excess water, and then transfer them to a drying rack or a flat surface to air dry.
7. Can I put wired bras in the dryer?
It's generally not recommended to put wired bras in the dryer, as the heat and agitation can damage the wires and fabric.
8. In wired bras how do I prevent wires from poking through the fabric?
Proper care of wired bras during washing, such as using a lingerie bag and avoiding high spin speeds, can help prevent wires from poking through. Regularly checking the condition of your bras for signs of wear and tear is also important.
9. How do I reshape wired bras after washing?
Gently reshape the cups and wires of the bras while they're damp, being careful not to distort the wires. This helps them maintain their original form.
10. Can I wash different colours of bras together?
It's recommended to wash bras of similar colours together to prevent colour bleeding. Using a mesh lingerie bag, can also help separate them from other clothes.
11. Can I wash Sports Bras and Wired Bras together?
While washing sports bra and wired bra together is technically possible, it's generally better to wash them separately to ensure the longevity and integrity of both types of bras.