Wondering how often you should be replacing your underwear? We take a deep dive into the true lifecycle of your panties and bras and decide once and for all when it’s time to reinvest in your undie drawer.
By Alice Hartwell for ONE BODY INTIMATES
It can be tricky to know when certain items of clothing have come to the end of their natural lifecycle-this is never more true than with our underwear. Though you may be loathed to throw out those favourite pair of undies or retire a dependable bra, knowing when to refresh your underwear drawer is necessary not only aesthetically, but for your health.
On the other hand, we should also refrain from being too liberal when disposing of our undies, in the interest of sustainability. So how can we strike the right balance when it comes to buying new underwear?
How often should I buy new underwear? Some things to consider…
As with people, all underwear is made differently! Undie experts suggest that most garments have a lifecycle of anywhere between 6 months-2 years, depending on how much you wear and care for them. This is a general rule of thumb and you should also take into account:
Loss of stretch
A major sign that you should be replacing your pants is if they lose their give and stretch over time. Not only can this lead to daily discomfort, but these poor-fitting undies often show up and bunch under clothing. If you find that your favourite pants have lost their comfy stretch, you should consider investing in some new pairs.
Poor fit
Once your go-to pants have lost their stretch, sadly they never fit quite the same. Panties that may have once hugged your curves for seamless comfort might now feel baggy and sag in all the wrong places. No one wants to deal with the underwear you have to tactically rearrange all day- it’s probably time for a replacement.
Frequency of wear
Wearing a particular pair of underwear more frequently than others is likely to speed up the end of their lifecycle. It also heightens the amount of bacteria accumulated, which increases your risk of infections. If you’ve had those favourite pair of panties just a little too long, it might be time to say a hard goodbye.
The risks of not replacing underwear
While the health risks from not replacing old underwear are minimal, they are there nonetheless. For people with vaginas, bacteria can gather in the lining of your panties over time, despite regular washing. These microorganisms have been linked to health issues like urinary tract infections, yeast infections and general discomfort and irritation in the vaginal area.
Tips for extending the lifecycle of your undies
If you’re as environmentally conscious as we are here at One Body Intimates, you might put off throwing out your underwear to align with your sustainable shopping habits. While there must always come a time to throw out (or recycle) old undies and shop for new ones, there are a few ways you can extend the lifecycle of your current collection.
Invest in high-quality garments
It goes without saying that stocking your underwear drawer with high-quality items and fabrics is your key to long-lasting pants and bras. Here at One Body Intimates, we’ve curated a selection of premium, sustainable brands to help your underwear (and your money!) go further.
Wash with care
The better you take care of your underwear, the longer it will last. Make sure to wash your garments gently to avoid rips and tears. Where possible, hand wash your panties in cold water with a gentle detergent leaving them to air dry. Avoid machine washing, but if you go for this method make sure to use a lingerie bag to protect your panties.
Upcycle
Pants don’t stop being functional just because you can’t wear them anymore. If you have some garments that are a little worse for wear, transform them into dusters to use when tidying up the house.
In need of an underwear restock? One Body Intimates has a selection of quality, eco-conscious brands to suit your every need. Shop with us here.