Cheap or expensive underwear
Short answer: The difference lies in the yarn, the seams and the elastic. A pricier set that lasts three times as long costs less per day than three cheap ones, even though it looks pricier on the shelf at first.
The elastic decides the lifespan
The cheapest saving is always in the elastic. It goes slack first and makes the item unusable. See bamboo panties and check for yourself whether the elastic feels firm or already slack when trying something new.
The seams decide the comfort
Flat seams cost more to produce and you feel them against your skin every day. See bamboo underwear for men and that is where you are paying for comfort, rather than for a name on the label.
Work out the price per day
A set costing two hundred kroner, worn for three years, costs under twenty øre a day. See bamboo underwear for women and that is the relevant measure, not just the price on the receipt.
Try a single piece first
Buy a single piece of a pricier model and wear it for a month before buying more. See bamboo underpants for men and judge afterwards whether it is worth investing in the rest of the set.
Yarn density is not always visible
Two pieces of underwear can look the same in a photo yet have very different yarn density. Try stretching the fabric gently between your fingers in the store. Loose yarn gives more and wears out faster.
Washing is part of the equation
Even the priciest underwear lasts less time if washed wrong. The price per day calculation assumes you follow the care label, otherwise the lifespan drops regardless of what you originally paid for the piece.
The size has to be right from the start
A pricier set in the wrong size is just as wasted as a cheap one. Always try the size before calculating lifespan, since fit decides whether you actually wear the piece often enough for it to pay off.
Color fading is also a sign
If the color fades quickly, it is often a sign the yarn overall is lower quality too. A piece that still looks fresh after many washes usually also has elastic that lasts longer.
Compare brands over time
Note which brands actually last for you, and buy them again instead of switching every time. Your own experience is more reliable than reviews, since washing and use vary from household to household.
Frequently asked questions
Is expensive underwear worth the money?
Often yes, if it lasts three times as long. Work it out in price per day rather than price per piece, and it becomes clear whether the higher price actually pays off in the long run.
What is the difference you notice first?
The seams and the elastic. Both are felt from the very first day and decide the lifespan, long before the fabric itself shows any signs of wear or changes appearance after a period of use.
How do you test a new brand?
Buy a single piece, wear it for a month and see if the shape and elastic hold up. Only after that is it worth investing in more pieces of the same model and brand.
See our range of Boody underwear.
