Sports Product Design Professor, Susan Sokolowski, was featured in a new article from Outside Online discussing the ideal time to replace a sports bra. Sokolowski explains in How Often Should You Replace Your Sports Bra? that the ideal time to replace the item is when the support breaks down and the bra no longer offers the needed compression or support needed for the activity. The treatment of the garment's materials, especially spandex, can shorten the life span of the bra precipitously. 

"Spandex as a fiber does not withstand heat well, it contributes to the fiber breaking down and cracking. A cold-water wash with a mild detergent and line dry will get you more mileage," explained Sokolowski. "Putting a sports bra in a hot water wash and/or in the dryer is not a good idea. Ideal fit is personal. Some people like to wear a tight-fitting bra, while others prefer a 1:1 fit. I'd say there is a spectrum to ideal fit. An ideal fit can also be based on the activity you are doing. If you are doing a HIIT class, you may want something more compressive, while doing yoga, you may want something more flexible and less supportive."

Read the rest of the article on Outside Online: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/how-often-should-you-replace-sports-bra/