Decluttering the underwear drawer, what should stay
Short answer: When you declutter the underwear drawer, the panties that stay are the ones that fit well, feel soft and still hold their shape. Panties with slack elastic, holes or an edge that rubs can be sorted out. Keep enough to last until the next wash without compromise.
Take everything out and look at it
Empty the whole drawer and lay the panties in front of you. That gives you an overview of what you actually have and what you use. Many people find they have a few favourites and a pile they never wear. It is a good start to a declutter that does not take long.
Sort by fit and comfort
Try on each pair, or feel whether it fits well. Keep the ones that are comfortable and that you put on without thinking. The ones that rub, pull or roll down can be sorted out. Take a look at bamboo panties if you need a replacement for the ones that no longer work.
Signs that a pair is worn out
If the elastic is slack, the fabric has become thin or see-through, or the edges no longer sit flat, the panties are worn out. Holes and large bobbles are also signs. It happens slowly, so compare with a pair you have had for a short time if you are unsure how worn they really are.
How many panties you need
That depends on how often you wash and how many pairs you use in a day. A good rule of thumb is to have enough to last until the next wash, plus a few extra in case something goes wrong. If you have too few, you wash all the time, and if you have too many, some are never worn.
Keep a mix of cuts
You do not need only one type. A few regular ones for everyday, some high-waisted for dresses and some seamless for tight clothes cover many situations. For the night you can have a few extra soft ones, for example together with bamboo sleepwear for women, so sleepwear and underwear go together.
What to do with the ones you sort out
Whole pairs in good condition can be passed on for reuse. Worn pairs can instead be used as cleaning cloths if the fabric is suitable, or handed in as textile waste at the local recycling centre. Check how your municipality handles textiles, so they do not end up in general waste.
Organise the drawer so you can find them
Fold the panties, or roll them, and place them in rows so you can see them all. Divide the drawer into sections with small boxes if you have many. Light and dark pairs can lie separately, and if you have a fixed place for the best pairs, it is easier to choose on a busy morning.
Keep the order over time
When you buy a new pair, take an old one out if it is worn. That way the drawer does not grow out of control. Go through the drawer now and then, for example when the season changes. A soft bamboo T-shirt for women can find a place in the same system if you want one shared drawer for basics.
Frequently asked questions
When should you throw out panties?
When the elastic is slack, the fabric is worn or thin, the edges rub, or there are holes. Use your own sense of the fit, because there is no fixed limit.
How many panties should I have?
Enough to last until the next wash without getting stuck, plus a few extra. It depends on how often you wash and change.
What do I do with old panties?
Worn panties can be handed in as textile waste or used as cloths. Check the rules in your municipality so you sort them correctly.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
