When it comes to underwear, it can be difficult to find the perfect pair—you know, those lingerie panties that fit and look like a dream. In fact, once you realize that style and comfort are completely compatible, you won’t ever want to let your precious undies go. The very idea of throwing away your favorite pair of dainty lace briefs can be heartbreaking.
So, how long should you keep underwear? Do you need to replace it regularly? When it comes to the bottoms we can’t live without, the length of time is actually a personal choice.
Keep reading to learn exactly what goes into the decision to toss or keep, the signs you should throw out your underwear, and other details on how to maintain these undergarments.
When it comes to underwear practices, the truth is that people have vastly different methods. While some swear by replacing their underwear every six months, others keep the same pair for multiple years.1
So how do you know what’s right for you? Ultimately, go with your comfort level as a measure of what to do. Most experts agree that there is no specific timeline for your underwear as long as you wash them as instructed.2 That being said, it can be important to check for fit regularly to make sure your old underwear still sits right and gives you enough breathing room.
Still not sure? Switching out your undies after a year can function as a good rule of thumb, but consider the following examples which illustrate just how diverse underwear habits can be:
As you can see, it depends on your taste, your habits, and of course, the undies themselves.
Underwear might keep nicely over time, but it’s important to remember things change—both your underwear and you. You may have to upgrade your undies collection and say goodbye to that strappy thong if you notice one of the following telltale signs.
Even more than regular pieces of clothing, your underwear is subject to aging over time due to the delicate nature of its materials. Some underwear could be made of organic cotton or lace, fading and pilling can leave previously elegant briefs with something wanting. But more importantly, it’s definitely time to switch out your old undies for new underwear if you notice they’re:
If you’ve ever bought a pair of bottoms that were the perfect fit only to discover that everything felt off a few months later, you’re not alone. When you’re wearing a pair of panties only occasionally, you might very well find that the fit has shifted over time. This can become a problem if your underwear is too tight, which can lead to irritation or chafing.5
Signs that your undies aren’t giving you breathing room include:
When it comes to checking the fit of your underwear collection, it can be helpful to plan ahead and test your undies out regularly before you’re down to your last pair of your best underwear. When you’ve forgotten to do laundry or if you’ve been on the road lately and don’t have any clean underwear, the last thing you want is to have to resort to that itty bitty thong last worn three years ago and now lacking stretch.
Try to following to stick to a fitting routine:
Whether you’re a lingerie or women's underwear connoisseur treating yourself to an eyecatching, trendy set or an excited newcomer to the world of high-end intimates hoping to find that perfectly classic, elegant pair of briefs, you’ll understand the importance of taking care of your investment. Follow these steps to ensure the longevity of your precious undies.
Sometimes, taking care of underwear can seem like a Catch-22. Don’t wear your lace thongs enough and the elastic breaks. Wear your go-to briefs too much and the fabric fades.
How do you find that perfect balance between wearing and washing to keep your underwear looking new?
Rather than going for the same five pairs of underwear out of habit, try cycling through all the underwear in your drawer. To do so in a systematic way, you’ll want to make sure you’re organized. Consider the following tips and tricks for arranging your drawer:
Sometimes, you know exactly what pair of underwear you want—perhaps that lux emerald thong that makes you feel ready for anything. From G string vs. thong to lace underwear, there is a variety of different undergarments available to you. But other times, you might spend minimal effort on your underwear choice, just going with whatever you see first.
Rather than leaving your selection of undies up to fate, you can organize your undergarments by occasion to ensure an even number of wears across your drawer. Consider these examples of how to split up your collection:
The beauty of this is that you won’t end up wearing your sparkling white tulle briefs on your morning run, protecting the delicate fabric from sweat and stains. Likewise, having different underwear styles allows you to set aside opportunities to put on those fancier bottoms when you need them.
Looking for the perfect pair of undies? Why not start with the classic Oh So Sweet Triangle Black Briefs—sexy and timeless at the same time. They’re sure to become a staple in your collection. Or add a pop of color with the Full On Glam thong in stunning emerald or a dazzling red.
Whatever your style, our high-end intimates strike that delicate balance between boldness and elegance. Our expertly crafted lingerie draws inspiration from both the glamor of French fashion houses and the wildness of Bali beaches, seamlessly mixing the old and the new. Shop Gooseberry to experience the thrill yourself.
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