How often to shop for new underwear is a question we’ve all wondered from time to time. It continues to remain a wonder, as there is still no concrete expiration date. There are so many variables that contribute to the lifespan of underwear, that one answer does not fit all.
Charles Gerba, American microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona claimed in a 2010 interview that the average pair of underwear is said to contain about one-tenth of feces. Through his research into germs living in household washing machines, he claims that certain bacterias can be transmitted by laundry. It’s certainly something to consider when holding onto that old pair of undies.
The research is unsettling, but practicing good hygiene will prevent underwear from seriously affecting your health. Aside from washing regularly, the best solution to ensure your delicates are kept sanitary is to replace them every so often.
In this blog post, we discuss how often to buy new underwear, when it’s acceptable to throw them out, and how to maintain hygiene.
How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?
Most experts recommend replacing your underwear every six to nine months, or every six to twelve. However, there are so many variables which affect the life cycle, that this time frame is not the case every time. Here are some points to consider.
Taking Care of Your Underwear
It is not enough to purchase good quality underwear; it is your responsibility to take care of it and keep it looking and functioning at its best. How often you wash your underwear has a significant impact on the garment’s durability, as well as the way that you wash it.
Worn underwear should be cleaned using a hot wash cycle with soap or detergent to kill harmful bacteria which grows inside your delicates. Your lingerie bottoms should not be worn longer than a day and should be washed as soon as possible to prevent all the organisms from sitting and multiplying within the fabric.
Fabric and Texture
For reasons of comfort as well as durability, the material of underwear should always be considered before purchase. They should be ultra-breathable, and the most suitable fabrics include cotton for freshness, with a small percentage of spandex for elasticity.
EBY Cotton Brief Panties and Cotton Thong Panties are an addition to the signature seamless collection. Made with 47% cotton, 25% nylon, and 27% elastane, they stretch with ease, while recovering back to the original shape once removed.
Rotating Cycle
The rotation cycle of underwear is dependent on many factors. Whatever your lifestyle, a convenient way to keep on top of your underwear game is to own more pairs. The rotating cycle is dependent on how many pairs you are going through on a regular basis. In short, the more undies you have in rotation, the less you are going to wear each pair.
To remain healthy, the same pair should not be worn for longer than a day. Unclean underwear is a risk that can lead to unwanted health conditions, such as a yeast infection or urinary tract infections. Consider this when wearing that trusty pair of briefs on repeat.
Sign Up for Subscriptions
Can you recall when you last bought underwear? Maybe you recognize your newest edition in your underwear drawer, but can you really say for sure when you bought them? It’s hard to keep track.
EBY underwear subscription act as a reminder for you to renew your underwear. The program offers members a subscription box that delivers 3 pairs of panties every 3 months to help keep on top of your cleanliness. Join the EBY movement with a discount of 15% off.
When Should You Buy New Underwear?
Most people aren’t familiar with the six to nine months lifecycle, but there are some more obvious clues that tell you when it’s time to replace your underwear. Underwear is not crafted to last forever, and it’s one of the most recycled garments in our wardrobes. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll see the signs of decay.
Holes and fraying are telltale signs that it’s time to toss your underwear. You’ll also notice the color fading from repeated washes, the material beginning to sag, and the elastic stops working, meaning the waistband becomes looser and looser. You want your undies to fit securely to absorb moisture, stay in place and quite frankly look like they’re not falling to bits.
Another time to consider buying new underwear is after developing an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are commonly caused by laundry detergents, but if you haven’t changed yours recently and the underwear is causing discomfort, rashes, or other signs of a reaction, then they’ve got to go. Any reaction-causing underwear should be avoided at all costs.
EBY’s seamless panties have a 100% fit guarantee, with a cotton lining to make sure you’re able to breathe in all the right places. The non-slip nylon grip means every style stays firmly in place without riding up, slipping down, or causing the skin to chafe.
Washing Your Underwear
Choosing the right underwear is only step one. Handling it correctly and giving it a proper wash is where you’ll face the biggest challenges. It’s best practice to wear a fresh pair of undies every day and to wash them after every wear.
Underwear should be laundered using a washing machine on a hot water cycle with bleach, soap, or detergent containing peroxide. The mixture of the hot water wash and the chemicals will kill all the organisms living inside your delicates and keep them safe and clean for repeated use.
Keep in mind that the longer you wait between laundry loads, the longer you will have lingering bacteria in your undergarments.
The washing machine’s hottest setting may not be suitable for all lingerie though. You should always pay attention to the care label for the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your undies looking their best, especially with more delicate, fragile items.
Running your washing machine on an empty cycle with bleach on occasion is a good way to ensure there is no buildup of bacteria within the machine.
Post-wash, air-drying is your best bet to keep underwear fresh and germ-free. Hang your underwear on a washing line or other surface, ideally in the sunshine. The natural heat and UV rays will help to kill any looming bacteria.
Which Underwear Should You Buy?
Underwear choice is personal and you should only shop for garments which you feel comfortable and confident in. If purchasing underwear to last is your priority, there are some essential factors to consider when exploring the lingerie market.
Investing in Good Fabric
It might not seem like it, but underwear is an investment. It’s easy to take your everyday briefs for granted, but taking the time to find the best fabric when it comes to underwear is greatly beneficial. There are lots of materials out there that can cause a skin reaction, and the last thing you want is an uncomfortable private area.
Spending on good material doesn’t have to cost the earth either, as simple and accessible materials like cotton are a universal favorite for breathability, durability, and softness.
Buy in Bulk
Underwear often comes in packs for convenience, particularly with those you’re going to wear each day of the week. Buying in bulk is a good way to keep a healthy rotation going, as the more pairs you have, the fewer times you’ll wear them, thus expanding the life of each pair.
It’s also pocket-friendly, as bulk buying often comes at a discounted rate, and you’ll not need to go shopping so often. The EBY Neutral Cheeky Pack is an essential for your drawer.
Fit
The fit can be the difference between your favorite pair, and the pair you only slip on during laundry day. It is essential to invest in underwear that fits perfectly in all the right places. For the best fit, look for stretchable, tight-fitting underwear that won’t ride up, slip down or chafe.
Comfort should be the primary goal every time, but perfectly fitting underwear is also aesthetically pleasing, hugging the shape of your body and making you look great too.
Conclusion
So, how often should you buy new underwear? As discussed, there’s no definitive answer when it comes to underwear. An old pair of undies can be worn time and time again, so long as it is washed regularly and correctly to rid bacteria.
As a general rule, the six to nine months concept works for most women’s and men’s underwear. If keeping track of purchasing habits isn’t your thing, consider the EBY subscription service for quarterly reminders to restore your undergarments. Members receive exclusive discounts when shopping for EBY seamless panties. Every product is made with everybody in mind, from seamless nylon to seamless cotton, there’s a perfect fit for you.
It really depends on you and how you perceive your intimate hygiene. From a health perspective, re-wearing the same pair of underwear for years on end is not the cleanest choice. Don’t be afraid to throw away and replace your old underwear with new comfortable pieces. By doing so, you’re investing in yourself!
