When it comes to properly storing bras, women have two main options – hanging them or folding them in drawers. Both methods have their pros and cons in terms of bra longevity, ease of access, and organization. Ultimately, the right storage method comes down to personal preference. Here’s an in-depth look at the differences between hanging versus folding bras to help you decide which works best for your needs.
The Benefits of Hanging Bras
Hanging bras is popular because it keeps them in plain sight and prevents them from getting folded or crushed. Here are some of the top reasons to use hangers or a bra rack:
- Keeps cups in shape – Bras that are hung maintain their natural cup shape instead of getting smashed or misshapen in a drawer.
- Prevents warping – The weight of the bra is supported on a hanger so the band and underwire don’t get warped or twisted.
- Avoid creasing – Hanging prevents folds, indentations, and creases that can happen when bras are stacked in a drawer.
- Quick access – It’s faster and easier to see and grab a bra when they are hanging in your closet or on a door rack.
- Organized – Hanging bras makes it simple to see what options you have. You can separate by color, style, or strap style.
- Space efficient – Hangers or wall racks maximize closet space vertically rather than taking up drawer space.
- Less folding – No need to meticulously fold each cup and band when hanging bras.
Best Places to Hang Bras
Here are some popular places in your home to hang bras:
- Closet rod – Use non-slip hangers and staggering heights for easy access.
- Wall-mounted racks – Install racks inside your closet or on the back of a door.
- Over the door racks – Hook racks conveniently fit on the back of closet, bathroom or bedroom doors.
- Lingerie chests – Free standing storage units with rods and shelves for hanging bras.
- Shower rod – Utilize the shower curtain rod for a handy drying and storage spot.
Tips for Hanging Bras
Follow these tips to properly hang your bras and help them last:
- Use wide, non-slip hangers to evenly distribute the weight without thin strap indentations.
- Hook bras by the gore (middle front section) between cups rather than by the straps.
- Avoid overcrowding – give each bra space and don’t let cups overlap to prevent stretching and misshaping.
- Alternate direction the straps are facing to prevent poking into neighboring bras.
- hang by the loosest hook setting so bands don’t get overstretched.
- Only hang clean bras – dirty bras can transfer oils and dirt onto other bras.
The Benefits of Folding Bras in Drawers
For those short on hanging space or who prefer keeping their bras tucked away, folding them inside drawers has some advantages. Here’s why storing bras folded can work:
- More discreet – Keeps bras out of sight in dresser drawers rather than visibly hanging.
- Space efficient – Takes up less linear space than hanging on rods or racks.
- Stackable – Multiple bras can be folded into the same drawer space.
- Less dust – Enclosed in a drawer prevents dust buildup that happens with hanging.
- Portable – Easier to take bras on trips when folded in a drawer rather than hanging.
Tips for Folding Bras in Drawers
Use these techniques to properly fold and store bras in drawers:
- Use designated bra storage compartments or dividers to separate them from other garments.
- Fold cups sideways with cup edges together to avoid creasing the cups.
- Stack folded bras evenly and layer gently – don’t overstack.
- Don’t tightly roll or tuck bands – keep folds loose.
- Store similarly sized bras together to keep their shape.
- Keep drawer clean and dry to avoid mildew or bacteria.
- Re-fold bras with the opposite cup on top periodically to maintain shape.
Alternatives to Folding Bras
If you want to keep bras contained in a drawer without strictly folding, some other options include:
- Rolling – Gently roll bras and stack with cups upright.
- Tubing – For sports bras, slide onto a tube sock or scarf to keep the band from getting misshapen.
- Cup organizer – Use an insert with dedicated cup slots to individually stand each bra.
Hanging vs. Folding: The Bra Storage Debate
When deciding between hanging bras or folding them in drawers, there are a few main factors to consider:
Bra Longevity
How your bras are stored can directly impact how long they last before needing to be replaced. Bras that are hung tend to maintain their shape and last longer since they aren’t crushed, folded, or warped. The band and cups keep their structural integrity over time. However, as long as folded bras are gently stacked in a drawer, they can still have a reasonable lifespan compared to being carelessly tossed in.
Ease of Access
Hanging bras is generally considered more convenient since you can see all your options at a glance. You don’t have to rifle through stacks of bras or remember which drawer they are stored in. However, some people prefer keeping their undergarments tucked out of sight in drawers rather than on display. It comes down to your personal organizational preferences.
Cleaning and Care
Laundering bras is simpler when they are hung – you can just grab them off the rack to machine wash. Bras folded in drawers are a bit more hassle to dig out. However, hanging does expose bras to more airborne dust and requires more vigilance to regularly clean hangers and storage racks. There are pros and cons to both methods when it comes to cleaning.
Space Usage
Hanging demands more linear space, but makes efficient use of vertical room. Folding maximizes drawer usage, but takes up more overall cubic footage. The space you have available may dictate which storage method makes the most sense.
Wrinkling and Shape
There’s no getting around the fact that folding causes more creases, wrinkling, and misshaping. The cup edges and bands of hanging bras keep their structure better. However, carefully rolling and stacking folded bras can help minimize damage.
Convenience
For quick everyday access, hanging bras is more convenient. You can instantly see all your options and grab what you need. But for travel or discretion, folded bras stashed in a dresser can be handy. Some people also prefer to keep all their undergarments out of sight.
Best Practices for Bra Care
No matter how you store your bras, implementing good bra care habits will keep them in optimal shape:
- Wash regularly using a bra bag on the delicate cycle and air dry.
- Wear bras for no more than one full day before washing.
- Give bras a break from being worn each 3-4 wears.
- Don’t sleep in your bra or wear for over 12 hours.
- Replace bras every 6-12 months depending on wear.
- Avoid putting bras in the dryer which damages elastic and fabric.
- Use a non-chlorine bleach alternative to safely clean whites.
Choosing Your Bra Storage Method
When deciding the best way to organize your bras, consider these key factors:
- Available space – Hanging requires more lineal room, folding needs more cubic footage.
- Existing storage setup – Choose hanging or folding based on your current closet or dresser capacity.
- Number of bras – A larger bra wardrobe benefits more from hanging organization.
- Frequency of use – Consider hanging for bras you wear more often for quick access.
- Types of bras – Delicates like lace and push-up bras store and last longer when hung up.
- Travel needs – Folding bras works better for keeping in suitcases and taking on trips.
Hanging and Folding Combination Method
A popular compromise is using a combination of hanging and folding to get the benefits of both. Here are some techniques for a mixed storage approach:
- Hang newer and more frequently worn bras while folding older styles.
- Hang delicate bras like silk, lace and mesh bras and fold sturdier t-shirt and sports bras.
- Hang bras at home for daily use and fold extras for travel and gym bags.
- Hang clean bras immediately after washing while putting worn ones folded in the laundry.
Try integrating both folding and hanging methods to see what works best for your lifestyle and preferences. Adjust your approach until you find your ideal balance.
Specialty Bra Storage and Organization Products
Take your bra organization up a notch with storage designed just for bras and intimate apparel. Here are some popular products for keeping bras tidy:
Hanging Storage
- Non-slip velvet hangers
- Hanging wall racks and towers
- Over the door hooks
- Lingerie chests with rods
- Bra and panty dividers for closet rods
Drawer Storage
- Bra drawer organizers and compartments
- Adjustable drawer dividers
- Shelf dividers for stacked storage
- Soft bra rolls or tubes
Laundry and Travel
- Mesh laundry bags for washing delicates
- Travel bra cases and folders
- Compression cubes for drawer packing
The right organizers tailored for bras can make storing and accessing them much more efficient. Investing in some specialty products can take the headache out of keeping bras neatly put away.
FAQs
Is it bad to hang bras by the straps?
Yes, hanging bras by the straps can damage the bra. The straps are not meant to hold the full weight of the bra, which can cause the straps to stretch out, distort the cups, or even snap. Always hang bras by the center gore for the best support.
How should sports bras be stored?
Sports bras fold well in drawers since they typically contain less structure than regular bras. Fold them with cups stacked together to avoid flattening and store in breathable compartments or dividers. You can also slide sports bras onto sock tubes or soft rolls.
Should bras be stored in plastic containers?
It’s best to avoid plastic bins or sealed containers to store bras. Bras need airflow to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew. Breathable options like fabric dividers or cotton bra bags are ideal.
How can I store strapless and racerback bras?
Use bra hangers with a lower crossbar to hang strapless bras by the band rather than the cups. For racerbacks, hang them by the back clasp on a hanger with a horizontal bar across the bottom.
Should I hang or fold bras with underwire?
Bras with underwire maintain their shape best when hung up since the cups don’t get bent and the wires don’t get warped. Use padded hangers to evenly distribute the weight for bras with underwire.
What are bra drawer organizers made of?
Bra drawer organizers come in a variety of materials like lightweight fabrics, breathable cotton, flexible plastics, or smooth woods. Look for non-abrasive surfaces that won’t snag delicate lace or mesh fabrics.
Conclusion
While hanging bras helps maintain their shape and folding bras maximizes drawer space, there’s no definitive right or wrong way to store them. The best approach depends on your personal preferences, storage constraints, bra wardrobe size, and everyday use. Finding the method – or combination of methods – that keeps your bras organized, protected, and easily accessible will ensure you get the most wearings out of each bra. Implementing good bra care habits like hand washing and air drying is also key for longevity. With some trial and error, you’ll find a bra storage routine that suits your needs and space.
