Can You Wear a Sports Bra More Than Once Between Washes?

Some things work better when you don’t put them through the washer: Cast iron skillets, suede jackets, your fancy smartphone.

Your bra is not one of those things. But you might not need to wash it as much as you think.

If you’re a runner, you are going to sweat in your sports bra, and it might take a dunk in a pool or in the ocean, especially if you’re training for a triathlon. Here are some tips for how frequently you should toss it in the washing machine.

• Give it a sniff. If you wore your sports bra on Monday but on Wednesday it still doesn’t smell like a gym bag, you can probably wear it again before putting it through the spin cycle. Fewer washes mean a longer life. If it’s stinky, though, give it a wash.
• Taking a dip? Chlorine from a pool and saltwater from the ocean—not to mention sunscreens and tanning oils—could affect your bras differently than sweat alone. You should wash your bra each time it goes for a swim to keep it in top shape.

How to Extend the Life of Your Sports Bras

When you find a sports bra that fits well, you want to hang on to it. And let's face it, good sports bras aren’t exactly cheap, so you don’t want to have to replace them early because you didn’t take care of them properly.

To keep you sports bras on the road:

• Keep your bras out of the dryer. The high heat of a clothes dryer can ruin the band, which is the most supportive part of your bra. So, always hang them to dry after washing them properly.
• Own several bras. Rotating your bras will reduce the strain on all of them. You should have a minimum of three bras: One to wear on your workout, one that’s in the wash and one that’s clean and waiting in your drawer for whatever adventure comes next.