TLC: AKA, Tender Lingerie Care
Everyone needs a little TLC… even our things. At Victoria’s Secret, this acronym means Tender Lingerie Care—because a little extra affection goes a long way, especially when it comes to our intimates.
Bras and underwear are absolute essentials to any wardrobe. In a sense, they’re the foundation of our daily life. Without the right undergarments, we can’t move about our day comfortably and confidently, and even with the right undergarments, they’re only as good as our attention will allow.
To make sure you’re up to date with the best practices, here’s an easy guide that’ll help give your bras the long life they deserve.
Our Motto: One to Wash, One to Wear, One to Spare
The first way you can show your bras love is simply by having more than one—no less than three, to be exact. If you use the same bra all day, every day, it will get fatigued. (Can you blame it? It’s hard to be a 24/7 support system without a break.)
Side-effects may include stretched straps, deteriorated elastic, and shapeless cups. This is especially likely if you’re not following proper care protocol. Our motto is an easy way to remember the basics:
One to Wash
Hand washing is ideal, but we don’t always have the time for that. Just know that the gentler the cycle, the better, and with little to no spin. (Pro-tip: always clasp your bras while they’re taking their ride to prevent snagging!) And don’t forget—when in doubt, you can always check the care symbols on the inside tag of your bra. These will provide proper guidance on how to best wash your specific garment.
When drying: Dryer heat can break down the elastic and cause dimpling in the padding. Instead, we recommend placing them over a drying rack or shower curtain rod to help evenly distribute the weight. A second option is to let your bra lay flat to dry, shaping the way you want it beforehand. A third is to clip it to a clothesline by the band on either side of the cups. While hanging upside-down, the water weight will drain out of the padding, rather than straining the straps.
One to Wear
This one is self-explanatory—it’s that comfortable bra you currently have on. The straps don’t fall off or dig into your shoulders, the cups cover your breasts without spilling or gapping, and the band is comfortably snug around your bust.
One to Spare
Having a bra to “spare” is that matter of rest we talked about earlier. Since bands are made of elastic, they will eventually break down over time, even if you’re setting a prime care example. With this said, your bra needs a least a full day to recover from being stretched, after which it’ll be revived and ready to go.
When to Replace Your Bra
Bras should last at least 6-9 months, but when taken care of well, they’ll live much longer. If you notice fit issues or general “iffy” elements within your current bra collection, though, don’t ignore them. As hard as it might be to say goodbye, if any of the following are true it’s probably time to head to the store:
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Band is stretched out
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Cups are curling or wrinkled
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Straps are loose and falling off
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Underwire is poking out
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Fabric is showing wear
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Color is faded
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Your bra is clad with “hair,” or threads
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Your taste has changed
The Golden Rule
Always remember “one to wash, one to wear, one to spare,” and be on the lookout for signs of age. Basically, treat your bras the way you want to be treated. Be honest about their condition—you’ll be doing them and yourself a favor. People and things thrive when given the tools and attention necessary for success, and bras are no exception!