health
March 6, 2026
The Naked Truth - How Often Should We Change Our Underwear
Every season we buy, change our entire wardrobe. We follow trends, models, cuts - but when was the last time you opened your underwear drawer and thought about getting rid of some of those worn-out boxers and briefs? Since very few people see our underwear, we tend to think about it less often than the rest of our clothes, and it's not uncommon for people to wear certain items for years or even decades. But is it healthy?
TL;DR
- Underwear collects dead skin cells and bacteria from intimate areas.
- Even washing underwear does not always remove all bacteria like E. coli.
- Bacteria can lead to health problems such as urinary tract infections and irritation.
- Underwear should be changed at least once a year.
- Underwear used frequently for activities like the gym should be replaced more often.
- An alternative guideline is to replace underwear after 50 washes.
- The number of underwear pairs owned affects how often they are used and thus when they should be replaced.
- Underwear is a consumable item and should be replaced if it causes friction, skin irritation, or is torn.
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