When to Buy New Bras? Or...How Worn is Too Worn?

I've heard many people ask: When do you know to buy new bras?

For me, it's any time a new color comes out and then buy ALL the colors because I usually have six or seven bras in my collection, all in regular rotation.

Recently, though, I realized it had been awhile since I had bought any new bras.  Now "awhile" is a very subjective term.  For me, it's been five months.  I haven't bought new bras since September 2019.  I attempted to go buy a couple two weeks ago but the local store was out of the Fall/Winter colors that I wanted, didn't have any more from Spring/Summer 2019 (not surprised but I was hoping), and Spring/Summer 2020 is making it's way in but hadn't all arrived yet.  So, it'll be six months since I've bought new bras.  Yes, I can shop online but I'd rather shop small and help keep that store in business.  Too many small business fall prey to big box and/or online, I want to do my part to invest in them and our community.

But...back to "How do you know?"

Your bra will let you know.  Everything shows signs of wear eventually.  Again, a subjective condition.  My definition of "signs of wear" is probably minimal to the average person.  But here are a few things that I look for when I'm assessing for signs of wear.

The eyes have expansion, even when you haven't worn the bra in a few days.  As time goes by, one of the eyes will eventually separate from the material but, at this time, all stitches appear to be intact.

On the hook side, you may see pilling of the material.  Or the hooks don't have their normal bend.  To be fair, the hooks might also get bent out of shape when you wash them in the washer.  Yes, you're supposed to hand wash them but I don't take time for that.  The washing machine wreaks less havoc if it's front load and/or does't have an agitator.

Strings are another sign of wear.  The stitches are getting frayed and will eventually allow the different pieces of material to separate.

Another key indicator is when the bottom of the wings stay rolled.  It's not uncommon for them to roll when you're wearing them.  Especially if you have any level of fluffiness on your torso.  At 220lbs, 40GG, I definitely have fluffiness and these two bras that I bought at the end of summer are showing their continued loyalty.

Elomi Morgan in Toasted Almond (right)
Elomi Morgan in Ebony (below)

So, if you're wondering when to buy new bras, check your bras and see how much wear they have.  If it's at a level that is intolerable to you, it's time to buy new ones.  If you're good with their condition, keep on rolling.