Look, we’ve all been there. You’ve had a kind of tattered pair of boxers since high school that you only keep because they were your lucky pair during math tests and they still fit as pajamas. And then one day you accidentally wear them under your jeans, and you go home with your first date and… you’re welcome. There is a first impression that you will never get back.
so actually when Is When’s the right time to ditch your underwear? How often should you completely refresh your skivvies drawer? Of course, in short there is no best-before date, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to those questions. The wear and lifespan of each pair will vary depending on many factors such as the fabric, how they are washed and how often they are washed.
In any case, we called Turner Allen – a personal stylist who has helped dozens of men around the world reinvent their wardrobes – to ask how he advises his clients on this matter. What’s the bottom line for anyone concerned about not looking their best with pants underneath? “I recommend people get an audit every 12 months,” he says. “Notice if there are any holes or stains, or if a pair feels tired, press refresh.”
How many pairs of underwear should you own?
Generally speaking, the more often a garment is used and washed, the shorter its lifespan. So if you only have a rotation of 7 pairs of boxers, they are going through the spin cycle every week and may not last as long as if you had 36 pairs of boxers.
There’s no magical correct number here, but based on his interpretation of his customer’s laundry habits, Allen estimates that a well-stocked drawer holds 14 pairs. “That’s enough to get you through a few weeks without washing clothes,” he says, adding that he personally has a few dozen clothes at the moment.
But at the end of the day underwear is just clothing, so like any other item, the less exposure to intensive washing and drying cycles, the longer they’ll last. Allen recommends treating your favorite underwear like your favorite T-shirt. He says, “I would suggest that some customers—especially those who prefer cotton—wash in cold water and hang to dry.” “That can extend life.”
How to Know When to Refresh Your Underwear Drawer
Since there is no such thing as “distressed” boxer briefs, and there should never be one, you’ll want to make sure your underwear selection stays fresh. Some signs that it’s time to ditch the ginch include holes, stains or looseness in the seat, waistband or thigh. Allen says stretching and loosening is especially common with cotton-dominant boxers and briefs and around elastics.
“Some people like 100% cotton, but I think they may lose their shape,” he says. When he’s tasked with stocking a client’s top drawer, Allen says he looks to brands like Classic Fella for a cotton and modal blend that gives a “sleek, barely-there hand feel,” or CDLP for something made of lyocell, a silk-like material that’s cool to the touch.
Develop the habit of “new underwear”
The most reliable way to keep your underwear stock in good condition and ensure that you can feel confident even with your pants down, is to get into the habit of replenishing it before you need it.
Turner says some people will get into the habit of buying new underwear at the same time every year, or regularly receive new pairs as gifts. There are also subscription services from brands like Stance and MeUndies that will send you the essentials — no purchase necessary after signing up.
