How Often Should You Replace Your Briefs?

Short answer: There is no fixed rule, but a good marker is to replace briefs when the elastic goes slack, the fabric gets thin, or the shape is gone. For many people that works out to roughly once a year for the pairs they wear most. Quality and a gentle wash can extend their life considerably.

The signs that it is time

Look for slack elastic at the waist and legs, fabric worn thin or full of holes, discolouration that will not wash out, and a fit that no longer sits close. A brief that rides up or bags out is not doing its job. If the drawer needs refreshing, take a look at the range of bamboo briefs.

How to make your briefs last longer

Wash at 30-40 degrees, use a laundry bag, and skip the tumble dryer. It is the dryer above all that wears out the elastic. Follow the advice in our washing guide for bamboo clothing.

Quality pays off

Briefs in good bamboo viscose keep their softness and shape longer than thin budget underwear, so you have to replace them less often. We run through the maths in the article about bamboo and economy. Feel free to top up the drawer along the way from bamboo underwear for women, so you can replace things at a relaxed pace.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a pair of briefs last?

It depends on quality, wear and washing, but the pairs you use most typically need replacing after about a year.

Is it unhygienic to wear old briefs?

Briefs that are washed after every wear are hygienic. Replacing them is mostly about worn fabric and slack elastic giving poorer comfort and function.

How do I make my briefs last longer?

Wash at a low temperature, use a laundry bag, and skip the tumble dryer. Rotate between several pairs so each individual pair wears less.