How Often Should You Buy New Underwear? We Asked Experts
How Often Should You Actually Buy New Underwear?
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To put it simply: the better you care for your underwear, the longer it will last. All experts encourage wearing underwear only once and washing immediately after. Because hot temperatures and regular detergents break down fabric fibres faster, Schwab recommends handwashing over using the machine and hang-drying all your delicates to prevent damage.
If you're travelling or in a pinch, Fritts suggests putting underwear in a laundry bag, running a delicate cycle in the washer, and then air-drying on a rack. By laying underwear flat to dry, it will better retain its shape and elasticity. And if you have access to a backyard or terrace, hanging garments to dry in the sun is also great, as the UV rays help further sanitize them.