How many times clothes can be worn before washing

Short answer: Underwear and socks are washed after every wear. T-shirts after one or two wears, sweatwear and trousers after three to five, depending on how much you sweat and what you have been doing.

Underwear and socks

Underwear and socks are washed after every wear. They sit right against the skin and take up the most moisture and sweat during the day. Even if they look clean, it is not a good idea to put them on again. Keep enough pairs to change every day. See bamboo underwear for men.

T-shirts

A t-shirt can be worn once or twice if you have not sweated in it. If you have, wash it after one wear. Odour and moisture settle especially under the arms, and the longer they stay, the harder they are to wash out. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

Sweatwear and trousers

Sweatwear and trousers can usually be worn three to five times. They touch the skin less and do not get damp as quickly. A t-shirt or undershirt beneath extends the time further, because the inner layer takes most of the moisture. See sweatwear.

Shirts and undershirts

An undershirt beneath a shirt extends the time between washes, because it takes the moisture before it reaches the shirt. The undershirt is then washed after every wear, while the shirt can go an extra day. It also spares the shirt from frequent washing. See bamboo undershirts for men.

Nightwear

Nightwear can be worn for two to three nights before washing if you shower before bed. If you sweat a lot at night, wash it more often. Hang it up during the day rather than leaving it crumpled under the duvet. Read how to wash nightwear.

Air instead of washing

Hang clothing up for a night instead of washing it. That removes most of the odour from clothes you have not sweated in. An open window or a hanger in the bathroom after a hot shower also helps. It is gentle on the fabric and saves water and time.

Why fewer washes help

Every wash wears the fabric and elastic a little. Washing clothes that are not dirty wears them for no reason. By airing tops and trousers instead of washing them after every wear, you can make clothing last longer and keep its colour and shape.

When you have sweated

If you have exercised or sweated a lot, wash the clothing, however many times it has been worn. Sweat left to sit can cause odours that are hard to remove later. Hang it to dry if you cannot wash it right away, so it does not lie damp.

Washing

Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. That is enough for ordinary everyday clothing and is gentle on the fibres. Turn clothing inside out and let it air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. See the washing guide.