Maybe you know this: If you have been wearing your underwire bra for a while, the sharp edge of the underwire pushes through the protective fabric covering and pricks your skin. But since underwire bras are made of many different materials and are therefore not so easy to recycle, it is better for the environment and your wallet not to throw the bra away. Repairing bras is not that difficult - and you can enjoy your beautiful lingerie for longer.
The underwire pushes through, the strap tears, the lace gets holes or becomes threadbare - the list of things you can repair on a bra is long! But most of the time they are just small flaws that can be easily fixed. If you are not so good with a sewing machine or needle and thread, ask a friend or take the bra to a seamstress. Take a look at our article on repairing clothes for beginners - you will also find useful tips there.
One of the most common problems with underwired bras is that the underwire itself has sharp edges that push through the delicate fabric. Unfortunately, constant pushing is of little use as the underwire will work its way out again and again. However, there are very simple options to put the hanger back in place:
- Put a drop of hot glue on the sharp edge and let it dry.
- File down the edge.
- Wrap adhesive plaster around the edge.
After you have softened the edge using one of the tricks above, sew up the hole created by pushing the hanger out with a strong thread so that the hanger stays nicely in place.
A common problem with bras is that the straps wear out. This can happen quickly, especially with large cups, even though the rest of the bra is still in perfect condition. If you're good with a sewing machine, you can sew on new straps yourself. If you don't feel confident enough to do this, take your lingerie to a seamstress - they can also repair the straps of your underwire bra. Even if the lace of your bra is torn, a professional is needed. The seamstress will either sew the tear by hand or insert a new piece of lace. Small holes in the fabric, however, are easy to repair yourself - just find a piece of soft fabric that feels comfortable on the skin. If the underwire in your bra is broken, you can easily replace it yourself - you can find new underwires in specialist shops or online. Make sure you order the underwire in the right cup size.
Fine lace and delicate materials are best washed by hand. Better safe than sorry! If you want to avoid having to repair your bra, then good care is a must. So: hand wash at 30 °C. Use lukewarm water, Dylon for wool and delicates and do not wring the bra out under any circumstances so that it retains its shape. Take a look at our guide to washing bras - there you will find even more tips on how to clean your laundry gently.
A tip for the longevity of your beautiful underwear: do not wash your bras too often so as not to put too much strain on the delicate material. In most cases, a thorough airing works wonders to give your bra the freshness it needs.