Underwear for the week, how much do you need in the wardrobe
Short answer: Underwear lasts a week if you have about seven sets to rotate between, so nothing wears out needlessly. If you have a washing machine you can manage with fewer, and if you live far from the laundry you should have more. What you need depends on how often you wash.
How much underwear you need for a week
Count on one set per day and one extra, so you always have something clean even when the laundry runs late. That makes about eight sets of underwear if you wash every week, and fewer if you wash more often. Then work it out from how often you wash yourself, because that varies between households and situations.
Start with what you already have
Go through the drawer and sort by what you actually wear. Keep what fits well and let go of what is worn out or no longer fits. Only when you know what is missing is it wise to add, and then you can look at, for example, bamboo underwear for women as an alternative to what you have today.
Bras and briefs that share the wear
If you have several bras, rotate between them instead of wearing the same one every day. Then the elastic gets a rest and the shape lasts longer. Two or three everyday bras usually cover a week, and one of them can be a bamboo bra without underwire if you prefer that. You need more briefs, since they are changed more often.
Underwear for different days
It helps to have a few plain sets for everyday, a few comfortable ones for evenings at home and something a little nicer for special occasions. Think about what your days look like. If you sit still a lot you may need something different from when you walk or stand all day, and it is worth shaping the wardrobe around that.
How to wash underwear so it lasts
Follow the care label and wash at a low temperature. Use a wash bag for bras and delicate pieces, and avoid fabric softener and bleach, which can wear the elastic. Air dry when you can, because a tumble dryer can make the fabric draw in and the fit change over time.
When to replace it
Replace when the elastic has lost its strength, when seams give way or when the fabric has gone thin. A piece that slips, chafes or has lost its shape is no use any more. How long underwear lasts depends on how often it is worn and washed, so there is no exact time to go by.
Travelling with underwear
On a week away from home, fewer pieces often do if you can wash on the way. Choose pieces that dry easily and can be hand washed, and pack them so they are not squashed. Remember to count one set extra for unexpected days and in case something does not dry in time.
Layers on top of the underwear
Underwear is only the first layer. On top comes a simple top, and there are bamboo tops for women as an example of clothes that sit close to the body. Think of the whole picture when you plan, so that underwear, top and other clothes work together through the week.
Frequently asked questions
How much underwear do I need for a week?
About one set per day and one extra, so around eight, if you wash every week. If you wash more often you can manage with fewer.
How long does underwear last?
It depends on how often it is worn and washed. Replace it when the elastic has lost its strength, seams give way or the fabric has gone thin.
Should I rotate between several bras?
Yes, it is a good idea. If you rotate between two or three, the elastic gets a rest and the shape lasts longer than if you wear the same one every day.
