Five signs it's time to recycle your bra collection.
- emily31355
- Feb 16, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 6, 2025
The importance of refreshing your bra collection
We all have our favourite piece of lingerie from our bra collection. Whether it makes us feel utterly fabulous, it provides an incredible amount of support, or we just love the colour and fit, the thought of recycling that bra fills us with dread. Unfortunately, bras are not made for forever wear, and there will come a time when we have to say goodbye to our bra collection and replace it with new, supportive bras. But when is the right time to pass your bras to charity and replace them?
Experts suggest that our bras are past their sell-by date after 6-9 months. But this all depends on how often we wear them, wash them and how our body changes over time. Even with the gentlest of care, your bra will eventually lose its shape, and the elastic fibres and straps will begin to deteriorate.
Bras are made from a stretchy material, as they need to be able to move with our bodies and support our breasts. When the elastic loses its shape, our bra will begin to lose shape and will no longer support us the way it should - leading to back ache, boob ache and a lack of comfort throughout the day!
How do you know when it's time to clear out your old bras?
If you are looking at your bras, deciding which ones will make the cut and which will be donated to a local bra collection charity, take a look at our tips for checking when it's time to give your bra the boot!
The back is stretched
The back of your bra will naturally stretch over time as it follows your movement, posture and body changes. If your bra back is a little loose, use the hook system to tighten your bra slightly. If you find that even on the tightest hook, your bra back is still too loose, this is a sure sign this bra is ready to go.
The cups no longer fit
Do you have a noticeable gap between the cups and your breasts? If the answer is yes, it could be because your cups have stretched or your breasts have changed in shape and size. Your breasts will no longer be supported, and your bra will be visible through your clothes, which can alter your appearance.
The straps are loose
There is nothing worse than having to readjust your straps throughout the day constantly. Whether they are sliding down your shoulders or just not sitting in the right position. The straps are an important part of your bra collection as they help to hold your chest in place and support your back. If they are no longer working for you, it's time for the bra to be donated!
The underwire causes pain
No one likes the pain associated with an underwire digging into your chest - we have all felt it! If your underwire is poking into your chest or if you can actually see the underwire starting to come out of the bra, whilst you can do a temporary bra fix, ultimately, this bra has reached its wear-by-date!
The fabric is breaking down
Your bra collection fabric will eventually break down over time due to washing and repeated wearing. If you have noticed the fabric breaking down, your bra is no longer performing the way you want it to and will need to go.
Cloning your favourite bra collection piece with Sue de Souza
We all know that parting with our favourite bra collection can be a challenge, particularly if you haven't been able to find that same bra since or you know that a new bra just won't be the same. Luckily, there is a solution to your panic in the form of Sue de Souza Bras!
With our bra cloning service, you will get an exact replica of your old bra, including the same style, size and colour! Unless you fancy a change, in which case we can use a new fabric or finish to give your boobs a fresh new look! We start by having a consultation with you and copying your old bra, creating a brand-new pattern to work with. At this time, we can add a few new finishing touches, but rest assured; your bra fit will be the same as your favourite one. Your new bra will take a little time to wear in, but we guarantee you will love it as much as the original.
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Book your cloning consultation with Sue today
We know the pain of having to part with your bra collection, which is why we try to make this process as easy for you as possible, thanks to our range of bra services:
Bespoke bras
Bra cloning
Bra repairs
If you are looking to get a little life back into your existing bra - because you aren't quite ready to part with it - why not give us a call to discuss our bra repair service? For those beautiful bespoke bras for special occasions, our bespoke bra creation service is perfect for you.
We look forward to helping you get the most from your bras so you can continue to be supported throughout 2023!
Where can you donate your pre-loved bras?
Did you know that your pre-loved bras could make a massive difference for some charities in the UK? Bras for Africa, ZABRA and Against Breast Cancer are just a few who will happily collect your bras and use them in the creation of new support for women who are not able to afford their own. Other charities will reuse parts of your bra for crafting, such as the underwire or delicate fabrics. At Sue de Souza Bras, we are passionate about recycling and upcycling bras and fabrics wherever possible. When you decide that your bra is no longer supporting you, don’t throw it away; donate it to a wonderful cause.
For more information, check out some of our favourite charities below:
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