Even a well-loved bra does not last forever. Elastic wears out, underwires shift, and fabrics lose their shape long before the lace looks tired. Catching the signs early keeps you comfortable — and protects the pieces that still fit well.

1. The band has lost its stretch

If you are fastening on the tightest hook and the band still rides up or feels loose, the elastic is tired. A new bra should fit best on the loosest hook so you have room to tighten as it ages.

2. Underwires poke or sit away from the body

Warped or protruding wires are uncomfortable and can damage fabric. Once a wire has broken or permanently bent, the bra’s structure is compromised — replace it.

3. Cups look stretched or wrinkled

Cups that have lost their shape no longer offer even support. Visible wrinkling, sagging fabric, or cups that never sit smooth again are clear signs of wear.

4. Straps no longer adjust properly

If straps slide down no matter how you tighten them, or the adjusters no longer grip, support has dropped. Constantly hiking straps up through the day is a quiet hint to retire that pair.

5. It no longer feels supportive

Discomfort, back ache by evening, or a feeling that everything has “dropped” usually means the bra has reached the end of its life — even if it still looks fine from the outside.