Let’s face it: for many of us ladies, going without a bra is just not an option. When one of yours wears out, you need to replace it. The only question is whether you’ll choose a cheap bra or a higher-end one.
Can you really justify paying a little more for a quality bra? We think so, if you frame the purchase the right way. Buying quality bras actually makes perfect sense when you break down your costs by year, and we’ve got the math to prove it.
What Does a Year’s Worth of Cheap Bras Cost?
For simplicity’s sake, let’s assume a cheap straight-size bra from a big box store costs around $25. If you’re plus-size, you can bump that up to $30.
Most of these bras will last 3 to 4 months when worn regularly. You might keep wearing them for a month or two past this point, but you’ll feel the difference: the slipping band, the warped cups, the wire poking out of the side. You’ll know your bra is on its last legs even if you’re willing to put up with the discomfort.
Let’s do the math, then. 12 months in a year / 4 months per bra comes out to 3 bras a year. If we assume the bras will only last 3 months, we hit 4 bras a year.
Now let’s run a few more calculations with price information factored in:
- 3 x $25 = $75 on the low end for straight sizes
- 3 x $30 = $90 on the low end for plus sizes
- 4 x $25 = $100 on the higher end for straight sizes
- 4 x $30 = $120 on the higher end for plus sizes
Now for the Quality Bras
A high-quality bra could cost anywhere from $80 for simple styles to almost $200 (usually closer to $160) for fancier versions with decorative elements, extra support, or a unique structure. Plus-size options tend to cost a little more than straight-size ones, but that’s not always the case.
Higher-end bras are made with better materials that don’t lose their elasticity overnight, and they’re made with techniques like reinforced stitching to make those materials even stronger. They can withstand more washes and repeat wear, and they’re carefully designed to distribute the weight of your breasts evenly across the band and straps.
The bottom line? They’re just built different.
Comparing Costs
You can expect most quality bras to last at least one year with regular wear. If you take good care of them (for example, letting them air-dry instead of putting them in the dryer), they could last twice as long.
Now let’s run the math to see what one year’s worth of quality bras will cost you:
- 1 x $80 = $80 for a simple quality bra
- 0.5 x $80 = $40 for a simple quality bra you take care of
- 1 x $160 = $160 for a fancy high-end bra that makes you look and feel great
- 0.5 x $160 = $80 for a fancy high-end bra you take care of
As you can see, choosing quality bras can be a great investment if you’re willing to give them a little extra TLC. For plus-size women, a quality bra could cost up to 66% less than cheaper counterparts over the same 1-year time frame.
Even if you don’t take any special precautions with your quality bras, simpler styles will cost about the same amount as cheap bras over the course of a year – and they’ll feel much nicer to wear. Doesn’t that sound like money well spent?
Shop for High Quality Bras Anytime with Simply Swimwear & Lingerie
Ready to switch to better bras? We’d love to help you get started. All of the bras we carry are from premium brands like Prima Donna, Marie Jo, and Simone Perele, and many cost less than $100. Shop our collection online today or book an appointment to browse in-store. You’ll never go back to wearing cheap bras again.