Look, we’ve all been there. There’s that one kinda tattered pair of boxers you’ve had since high school, that you only keep still because they were your lucky pair during math tests and they’re still fine as pajamas. And then you accidentally wear them out under your jeans one day, and you wind up going home with a date for the first time and…welp. There’s one first impression you’re never getting back.
So when exactly is the right time to part ways with a pair of underwear? How often should you be wholly refreshing your skivvies drawer? Of course, there’s no best-before date on briefs, so those questions don’t have a one-size-fits-all response. Each pair will wear and age differently depending on a number of factors like fabric, how they’re laundered and how often.
In any case, we called up Turner Allen—a personal stylist who’s helped dozens of men across the globe rebuild their wardrobes from the ground up—to ask how he advises his clients on the matter. The bottom line for anyone worried about not looking their best with their pants down? “I recommend people do an audit every 12 months,” he says. “Take note if there are any holes or stains, or if any pair feels tired, then hit refresh.”
Generally speaking, the more often a garment is used and washed, the shorter its lifespan. So if you only have a rotation of 7 pairs of boxers, they’re going through the spin cycle every week and may not last as long as if you own 36 pairs.
There’s no magic right number here, but based on his interpretation of his client’s laundry habits, Allen estimates a well-stocked drawer holds 14 pairs. “That’s enough to get you through a couple weeks without doing laundry,” he says, adding that he personally currently owns a couple dozen.
But underwear are just clothes at the end of the day, so like any other item, the less exposure to intense washing and drying cycles, the longer they’ll last. Allen advises treating your favorite underwear like your favorite tee shirt. “I’ll suggest that some clients—especially those that prefer cotton—wash in cold water and hang dry only,” he says. “That can extend the life.”
Because there’s no such thing as “distressed” boxer briefs, and should never be, you’ll want to make sure your underwear selection stays fresh. Some signs that it’s turn to give up the ginch include holes, stains, or sagging in the seat, waistband or thigh. Allen says stretching and sagging is particularly common in cotton-dominant boxers and briefs, and around elastics.
“Some guys prefer 100% cotton, but I find they can lose their shape,” he says. When he’s tasked with stocking a client’s top drawer, Allen says he looks to brands like Classic Fella for a cotton and modal blend that give a “smooth, barely-there hand feel,” or CDLP for something made with Lyocell, a silk-like material that’s cool to the touch.
The most reliable way to keep your underwear stores in good shape and ensure you can feel confident even when you are caught with your pants down is to get in the habit of replenishing before it's needed.
Turner says some people will be in the habit of buying new underwear at the same point every year, or receive new pairs regularly as gifts. There are also subscription services from brands like Stance and MeUndies that will send the essentials to you—no shopping required after sign up.
Regardless of how you’re restocking, the point isn’t to replace the full drawer on a schedule, but to pay enough attention to avoid any pair overstaying their welcome. A quick annual audit and the occasional top-up will ensure your underwear never becomes the weakest link in your wardrobe.
