There are some pieces in our wardrobe that tend to stick around longer than we’d expect. And our underwear is one of them. While there are many different opinions on when you should swap out your older panties for some new knickers, we’re here to give you the simple, straight answer: as long as you’re wearing clean underwear that’s comfortable, intact (meaning no rips or loose seams), and a few years old, you should be golden.
The 6-12 month rule is a myth
There’s an old tale running through the garment grapevine that you should replace your panties every six to twelve months. But this is more of a myth than fact. Besides, you’ve seen the proof yourself: underwear can last several years after hundreds of cycles through the wash.
How many pairs of underwear should I have?
There’s really no right or wrong amount. If your top drawer is filled with panties you enjoy wearing on repeat, then your collection’s doing what it’s supposed to. If you have a bigger wardrobe and do laundry less often, just make sure you have enough pairs of panties to keep up.
We recommend keeping a variety for every panty style so you have options for coverage, comfort, material, and occasion.
What’s the best way to wash my underwear?
Underwear can trap moisture and be a breeding ground for bacteria like candida, the infamous bacteria that causes yeast infections. But with consistent, proper washing, there’s nothing to worry about. If you’re washing your underwear after every wear, there’s no need to toss them out.
For your everyday panties, wash them in the machine on a warm cycle (or the warmest setting the care instructions call for) with a detergent that contains peroxide. For your more delicate skivvies, wash them on a delicate cycle, or by hand.
