How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?
If you’re one of those who wears their underwear until it literally falls apart, you’re not alone. Many of us tend to hang on to our underwear long past their prime - not because of any special attachment we have to them, but rather because underwear shopping is something we can tend to forget about.
But while your tighty whities and boxers may feel super comfy like old friends, when they have become old and musty, they are likely not doing the job as well as they should be. This is especially the case when it comes to your activewear which is supposed to be able to provide you with optimal comfort and support in any situation, and especially high performance activities. And even worse, tattered old underwear could even impact your health.
So, what’s the issue with old skivvies, and how can you tell if your underwear drawer needs an overhaul? Let’s find out.
What’s So Wrong With Hanging Onto Underwear For a While?
Research tells us that many men can hold on to their underwear for up to seven years or more, when they are long past their prime. Some even admit to waiting and relying on their mom or other half to pick up new undergarments for them. (If that sounds like you - well, it’s probably time to also do something about that, as well.)
First, take a rummage through your drawer and see what’s going on. If the majority of your underwear have gaping holes, dangling threads, and nasty-looking stains… then it’s definitely time to get rid of them. And let’s put it this way, if you still have underwear from your college days, we don’t even have to tell you that it's majorly time for an update. Even that lucky pair, if now old and dilapidated, won’t be so lucky any more (and you certainly won’t be getting lucky while wearing them - that’s for sure!)
Even if you like to hang on to old boxers for vegging about the house - after all, not all underwear is made to be seen - those ancient undergarments could be harboring a whole host of harmful bacteria that even regular washing won’t be able to do anything about.
While gross and unhygienic, this also poses a real health risk, potentially leading to unpleasant issues such as rashes, yeast growth, and even urinary tract infections. Now, there’s definitely nothing sexy about that!
Exactly How Often Should You Hit The Store To Purchase New Underwear?
There’s no exact answer to the question of how often you should replace your underwear. However, most experts would agree that it’s somewhere between 6 and 12 months. Whether closer to the former or the latter depends on a number of factors, including:
How often you wear them
It’s said that the average adult male has about 20 different pairs of pants. If this is you, and you wear them all about the same amount, then you can likely wait a year (or even a little longer) to replace them. However, if you cycle between the same tried and trusted two or three pairs, expect them to be done after closer to 6 months.
What you wear them for
Light vs. heavy usage also makes a huge difference. (And no, we’re not condoning wearing your skivvies for more than a day at a time). What we mean is your everyday undies will usually last longer than the ones you wear for playing sports or working out. You simply need more support for higher performance activities, and those types will be usually the first thing to go.
The frequency and type of washing
To be clear, we definitely recommend washing your underwear after every use. Still, it’s not as simple as just tossing it in with everything else. Pick the wrong temperature, detergent, or washing cycle, and you’ll quickly end up with faded colors, dropping elastic, and a saggy butt. Pay careful attention to the instructions provided to ensure your underwear lasts.
What material they are made from
Knowing the fabric of your underclothes is essential for choosing the correct laundering method for them. It can also give you an indication of how long the underwear will last too before you need to replace them. Some materials are more prone to drooping after some time, which means they will no longer provide you with the support you need. Make sure to select a fabric specially engineered to hold its shape if you want your undies to last.
Their functioning and appearance
Certain obvious signs will help you know when it’s time to trash those pants. This includes an overly loose waistband, material that’s either going thin or bobbling in patches, holes, and impossible-to-remove stains. They also won’t fit as smoothly as they once did - you may start to notice them uncomfortably riding up or falling down.
How Can Turq Help?
Popping ‘purchase new underwear’ into your calendar is unlikely to be a top priority for you. For this reason, you’ll also probably be hard-pressed to remember the last time you ran through the current contents of your top drawer. So, let us help!
With Turq’s subscription service, we will deliver your choice of top-quality performance underwear with smart and sophisticated features, like seamless construction, quick-drying fabric, quick-drying fabric, and silver-infused microfiber designed to offer you optimal support, protection and comfort all day long.
The perfect underwear for any situation no matter where the day’s adventure takes you. And you can take on the world confidently, everyday without the chafe!
All you have to do is pick the style you want, make sure to select the right size, and then sit back, relax and let your new underwear come to you.
You, your underwear drawer, your significant other, etc. will thank you.
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