Poll: How Often Do You Actually Replace Your Underwear?

No judgment, just vibes (and maybe some light peer pressure to upgrade your drawer)

Let’s get uncomfortably honest for a moment: when was the last time you replaced your underwear? Like actually tossed it in the trash and said, “Thank you for your service, but it’s time to go?” If you had to pause and count presidential administrations to remember, you’re not alone. Replacing underwear is one of those oddly personal things that no one really talks about—but we should, because some of y’all are walking around with holes, stretched-out elastic and a level of faded cotton that’s frankly offensive.

Today’s post is part public service announcement, part group therapy session and part nosy poll—because I want to know: how often are you really refreshing your top drawer?

Let’s Talk Shelf (Drawer?) Life

Unlike avocados and yogurt, underwear doesn’t exactly come with an expiration date. Most experts say you should replace your underwear every 6 to 12 months. Realistically? With proper care (aka not using the dryer), I believe you could stretch it past this suggested time limit.

Here’s my rule of thumb:

• They don’t fit like they used to? Purge.

• There are more stains than floral print? Purge.

• Any holes? Purge.

• Weird smells? PURGE.

• Elastic that doesn’t bounce back? Purge.

The “Laundry Math” Delusion

Many people justify not replacing their underwear by simply buying more. Suddenly you own 56 pairs and still can’t find a clean one you actually like. The truth? Having more underwear doesn’t solve the core issue of worn out pairs taking up space. If you’re doing mental gymnastics to avoid wearing That One Pair™, you probably need to do a major purge.

Emotional Attachment Is Real

It’s also wild how emotionally attached we can get to a certain pair. Maybe they’re the comfiest, maybe they were part of a matching set, maybe you wore them during a very specific life event. But here’s the thing: your underwear drawer isn’t a scrapbook. Sentimentality is cute until you’re wearing a waistband that’s lost all will to live. At a certain point, you need to let go.

At the end of the day, you do you. Do what works for your budget, your body, your lifestyle. But also keep in mind: buying new underwear is a form of self-care. It’s not flashy or Instagrammable, but slipping on a fresh, well-fitting pair can genuinely change your whole freaking day. I firmly believe a great pair of underwear is the unsung hero of feeling good in your body. You don’t need a special occasion or a matching bra to justify it either. You deserve to feel comfortable, supported and slightly smug under your clothes just because.

Leave a comment letting me know what you think!