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White underwears drying on laundry strings

How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?

In Partnership with 2(X)IST

How often should you buy new underwear? That is the question and the answer is less straightforward than it might first appear. After all, a number of men probably think that their underwear should literally wear out its welcome, staying in the rotation until it features gaping holes and dangling threads. However, those same men are potentially ignoring things like harmful bacteria, which accumulate over time and can lead to urinary tract infections, amongst other things.

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If you don’t feel like reading 1000+ words on your undies, allow us to spare you some of the suspense. According to most experts, you should replace your old underwear with new underwear once every 6-12 months. While that might seem like a somewhat broad window of time, we know dudes who’ve worn the same undies and briefs for over a decade so it’s actually pretty specific.

When you do replace your underwear, stick with a quality brand like 2(X)IST. Their Pima Cotton underwear is quite simply top of the line, offering all-day comfort, mobility, and breathability. The Cotton Stretch collection is similarly superior and more economic by comparison, with a lower price point and an extra pair in every 3-pack (for a total of 4).

To make underwear replacement as effortless as possible, 2(X)IST is rolling out a subscription program. That’s a great idea because most men don’t exactly mark their calendars when it’s time to buy new underwear.

Meanwhile, some of you might be asking yourself: did they say something about harmful bacteria living in my underwear? We did indeed. Here’s everything you need to know about your undies.

Underwear & Bacteria: The Ugly Truth

Here’s the ugly truth. Your underwear gets up close and personal with your skin and private areas and takes in a lot of living bacteria as a result. Furthermore, your laundry water isn’t nearly as clean as you think it is. Even after you do a wash, your underwear can reportedly contain up to 10,000 living bacteria, including E.coli.

While most living bacteria aren’t innately harmful to your personal health, some of them can become so over time. By holding on to those undies for over a year, you’re allowing everything from E.coli to dust mites to accumulate. Eventually, this could lead to dilemmas such as urinary tract infections, rashes, or allergies.

How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?

Nearly all outlets and experts agree that you should replace your old underwear with new underwear once every 6-12 months. If you’re the kind of guy who has an entire drawer full of boxers and briefs and therefore maintains a fairly broad rotation, you can probably hold on to each pair for a full year.

On the other hand, if you’re the kind of guy who’s been rotating between the same four pairs of undies for the last six months, it’s time to swap them out. And remember: this goes for everyone, including men who wash their underwear on a regular basis.

There are also other factors to consider, many of which will vary from person to person. For example, maybe you have specific underwear that you rock to the gym or on hikes and jogs. Naturally, those undies are going to break down faster and gather more bacteria. For obvious reasons, they should be replaced sooner than your other pairs.

How Often Should You Wash Your Underwear?

Generally speaking, you should wear your undies for no longer than a full day and launder them before wearing them again. If you wear the same pair for two days in a row, will it kill you? No, it will not. You might start to itch a little, though.

When you wash your underwear, employ the hot water setting so as to destroy as much living bacteria as possible. You should also clean the machine itself by doing a hot water wash without any clothing once every month. This too will help kill off common bacteria. When you do put in the next load, don’t forget to use a trusted detergent.

How Do You Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Underwear?

A number of men don’t remember when they bought their underwear, which can make proper replacement something of a chore. In this scenario, you can rely on physical cues to determine when your underwear has run its course. For instance, when the material starts to sag or the colour begins to fade or the elastic waistband gives out, it’s time for those undies to go.

To reiterate, the bacteria living inside your underwear won’t kill you. Underwear replacement is more about comfort and performance than it is about personal health, even if you are at risk for certain types of infections or rashes over time. At the end of the day, you don’t want to feel itchy or irritated in your most sensitive area and this alone is enough reason to practice a proper wash and replacement regimen.

How Many Pairs of Underwear should a Man Have?

No two men are exactly the same and nor are their lifestyle habits. Some men go to the gym on a regular basis while others don’t. Some men travel for work while others never get out of their robe. Nevertheless, most experts agree that every grown male should have at least 20 pairs of underwear in his wardrobe.

What is the Best Fabric for Underwear?

Ultimately, you want a material that’s long-lasting, breathable, and tight-fitting. If only maximum comfort and performance will suffice, look no further than 100% Pima Cotton. Made from the fluffiest part of the plant, this particular type is both softer and more durable than standard cotton.

As a base material in underwear, boxer briefs, t-shirts, and other apparel, Pima Cotton delivers smooth texture and premium support, all while feeling somewhat cool against the skin. Put simply, this is the perfect material for all-day wearability. Your groin will definitely thank you.

On the slightly more affordable side of the spectrum are fabric blends like Cotton Stretch. By combining 95% cotton with 5% spandex, it brings forth soft texture, tight fit, and the perfect touch of elasticity. Brands like 2(X)IST also use their Cotton Stretch line to play with various patterns and colours, cranking up the visual dial.

Make it Easy for Yourself

We get it: you’re a guy, and guys don’t pay attention to things like when to replace their underwear. Make the process easy by buying in bulk or signing up for a subscription service. To do so is to put your body and mind at ease, knowing that your drawer is always stocked with fresh and clean undies. You’ll usually save a few bucks in the process as well.

For the best of the best, check out 2(X)IST, which offers top-shelf materials, generous discounts, complimentary gifts, and underwear bonus packs. They’re also in the midst of rolling out a subscription service. Staying clean and comfortable doesn’t get any easier than this.

Check it out

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General FAQ

How often should you throw away your underwear?

As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your underwear once every 6-12 months.

How long should men's underwear last?

It's been said that the average pair of men's underwear lasts about seven years. However, it's recommended that men replace their underwear once every 6-12 months.

How many days in a row can you wear the same underwear?

You shouldn't wear the same underwear for more than a day, or two days at most.