It’s Time to Replace Your Undies + 3 Affordable Places to Shop for More
Let’s get real: when’s the last time you purged your underwear drawer? Personally, I can’t remember when I did. But how often should you throw out your underwear anyway?
Recently my friend told me, “you know you’re supposed to replace your underwear every 6 months, right?” I walked away with a shrug... only to come back minutes later to take advantage of Target’s 7 for $25 sale and completely overhaul my underwear drawer.
I mean, I had seen the posts on Instagram and TikTok about throwing out your underwear. Most videos claimed it should be anywhere between 6 months, 9 months, or a year (for some fear of bacteria buildup even with regular washing). Even then, I paid it no mind, but after hearing it from someone I trusted... I knew it might be time — and naturally, I bought 10 pairs right then and there.
And the next day, as I was plotting how, when, and where I’d buy more, I decided to actually look up the science behind it all. And it turns out, like everything on the internet, there are a million differing answers.
Underwear doesn’t have an expiration date…
Some gynecologists say you can wear your panties FOREVER. Because there’s not actually an expiration date on underwear if you’re washing it on the hottest setting suggested on the tag with peroxide-based products especially.
Of course, your washing machine won’t kill everything. Still, the amount it leaves behind is so minuscule that that group of researchers and doctors alike don’t think it’s necessary to purge your drawer so often.
…Except Underwear Should Be Thrown Out Every 6 Months
Then, some gynecologists said you should try to phase out 4 to 5 pairs every 6 months to a year (for a more gradual and fiscally responsible approach).
Their reasoning is the exact OPPOSITE of the prior group. These doctors say that your underwear collects bacteria, etc., all day long. Then, it’s only left to fester and grow a layer of bacteria, yeast, and/or mold (???) while it’s in the hamper — and even regular washing won’t get rid of it all. So, after 6 months, they say the minuscule amount left behind after each wash builds up and can be to blame for some problems you’ve been experiencing... down there.
This group of experts also suggested using gentle detergents, hand washing intimates, and leaving them to dry in the sun to kill more bacteria.
You should DEFINITELY toss your underwear if…
Every resource agreed that you should probably toss your underwear when they:
lose elasticity
threads start popping out
there are excessive holes/stains.
(Yes, even for your old faithful period panties — you can buy more, I promise.)
Sure enough, undergarments start getting a little worn after — you guessed it — 6 MONTHS.
So, after weighing the pros and cons... I decided to go through and toss out at least my old, ratty undergarments. And I realized it was a good thing I had bought so many new ones after all. Not only do I feel much cuter when I get ready, but I also feel confident that if, for some reason, I have to go to the hospital, I'll be wearing a good pair of underwear. (My mom/Grammy couldn’t have been the only ones that told me this, right?)
But I get it — replacing your undies can be expensive, so finding a deal is always important. That’s why so many people used to flock to Victoria Secret’s 7 for $27 sale! And we all know that ever since they jacked up the prices, it’s just not worth it anymore.
3 Affordable Places to Buy Cute Underwear
Thankfully, there’s still plenty of places to get cute, affordable traditional and plus-sized undies to restock your intimates’ drawer this spring on a budget.
1. Target
Okay, Target’s sale is what kick-started my restock. I mean, 7 undies for $25 — that’s just $3.57 a pair! Now, the sizing is limited here, covering the traditional XS-XL range, but I was surprised that it fit even though it wasn’t technically my size.
As I continued browsing, I happened upon the clearance section, and the plus-size styles started as low as $2.10 a pair!! It can’t be beat.
2. Torrid
I’m going to keep it real — I would not pay full price for Torrid underwear, as they average about $16-$18 a pair. While I applaud that they give us bigger girls options with sizes up to 30, it just seems a bit exploitative that they’re so expensive. (Here’s looking at you too, Lane Bryant.)
There is one good thing about Torrid: the clearance section. Granted, it can still be a little pricey. But with awesome deals on clearance items, like BOGO 75% off and the occasional buy 1, get 2 free (yes, I wrote that right), you can definitely snag a few pairs for the low.
3. Shein
In the grand scheme of things, Shein’s prices for undies are great. Now, would I pay shipping costs if I was only buying underwear? Probably not. But throwing a few pairs in your cart with other items can totally be worth it.
Most of their selections start at $4 a pair, but with the random sales days, I’m sure you could get them even cheaper. And, as a pre-requisite for me, their site is size-inclusive, making it perfect for everyone!
This hardly scratches the surface when it comes to buying your intimates. Of course, there are stores, like Savage X Fenty, Aerie, and more, that offer irresistible styles at friendly price points. But I like to reserve those pieces for special occasions. However, for your everyday undergarments, I think my recommendations are a great place to start.