I have a bra habit that I didn’t realize was so bad until I got called out by a salesperson. I fold the cups into each other when they’re put away in a drawer, shoved in a suitcase, or apparently standing in line to buy a new one.

“Oh no! Don’t ever do this,” she said as the bra was taken rescued from my hands. She explained that misshaping the cups this way is a quick and easy way to break down the fibers of the bra.

Seems obvious, but what else have I been doing wrong? It stands to reason that we wouldn’t all score a 100% on a bra care exam. So here’s a quick study guide to help you take better care of your bras. You’ll extend the life of the bra and they’ll offer better support. Who knew bras were looking for such a reciprocal relationship?

Boost their rotation.

If you’ve only got one or two daily-wear bras, they’re going to burn up quickly. Keep three or four in rotation, giving bras a few down days between wears to give the elastic time to recover.

Wash carefully.

Handwashing is ideal, but who has time for that? Use the gentlest setting on your washer -- gentle or delicate -- for cleaning your bras. Specialty mesh bags also help protect the bra. Special detergent will make a difference, too. Specialty delicates wash will take better care of the fibers, something like our pure and gentle Soak Wash.

Don’t weigh them down.

When machine washing, follow your grandma’s rules to wash like items together. Bras with other bras and panties only! Washing with heavy items like jeans, sweatshirts, and towels can damage your bras.

Definitely don’t dry them.

Oh man, bra ownership cardinal rule number one … don’t put your bras in the dryer! The heat breaks down the elastic and fibers, irreparably damaging the material. Always air dry them, preferably by laying them flat.

Close the clasps.

Before throwing in the washer, close all of the clasps. This prevents snagging and tears.

Store them flat.

This may be the only time you use flat and your bras in the same sentence, but it’s important! Don’t make the fatal twist & fold mistake that I did. When packing in suitcases or away in drawers, keep them flat and as close to their natural shape as possible. Mine usually hang from a hook in the closet or off the back of the closet door… so hopefully I’m not messing that up, too!