How long does a pair of underwear last

Short answer: One to two years with regular wear. It is the elastic rather than the fabric that decides, and heat destroys it.

What fails first

The waistband loses its spring before the fabric wears through. If you can stretch the band without it pulling back, the elastane has broken down, and the garment no longer holds its shape however good the fabric looks.

What shortens the life

Hot washing, hot tumbling and fabric softener are the three big ones. All three attack the elastane. Wash at thirty degrees and dry without heat and you double the life. See bamboo underwear briefs for men.

Rotation extends it

With twelve pairs in rotation rather than seven, each pair is washed less often and lasts longer. More pairs therefore cost less per year. See bamboo underwear for men and bamboo briefs for women.

Frequently asked questions

How many washes does that correspond to

With twelve pairs in rotation and weekly washing, a pair sees around fifty washes a year.

Can the elastic be replaced

An alterations shop can sew in a new waistband, but it rarely makes sense against the price.

When should a pair go

When the waistband no longer pulls back, or when the fabric has gone thin at the crotch.