Why do bras lose support?

Bras lose support primarily because their elastic fibers fatigue over time, compromising the band's ability to provide the lift and stability your garment was engineered to deliver.

The band generates roughly 80-90% of a bra's support by anchoring around your ribcage, but repeated stretch and recovery cycles gradually weaken elastane fibers, leading to permanent elongation that reduces the band's power to hold everything in place. Heat exposure from dryers accelerates this breakdown significantly, while harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners coat and degrade the stretch fibers that keep your bra working at peak performance.

Poor care habits, which includes skipping rest days between wears, washing in hot water, or starting new bras on the tightest hook, can compound the problem by overloading the elastic system before it has time to recover.

Even with perfect care, natural body changes from hormonal cycles, weight fluctuations, or life stages can alter how the bra fits and distributes support, making a once-perfect fit feel less effective over time.

Understanding these factors empowers you to extend your bra's supportive life through smart care practices like air-drying, gentle washing, and proper rotation.