How Many Pairs of Underwear Should You Own?

If you’re wondering how many pairs of underwear you should own, you’re in luck! The answer you are about to hear might surprise you. Your complete undergarment guide is here.

The ideal number of underwear you should own is between 25 - 30 pairs, which is typically a three week supply as a general rule of thumb. There are several different factors that can contribute to making this number higher such as lifestyle, travel frequency, how active you are, and any special events or wardrobe items you may have. You should always have plenty of pairs of clean underwear on hand so you never have to wear the same pair two days in a row, and without having to do laundry every week. Having less pairs of underwear and over washing can quickly lead to wear and tear. Keeping multiple pairs on hand will not only save you time, but will also save you money - and hey, maybe you just have a love for lingerie!

Your collection of underwear should vary so you own more than one type. Let us break down the best options for you. A thong is great for concealing VPL (Visible Panty Lines), while a high rise panty can be a great option for those high rise jeans. It’s also a good idea to have some basic bikinis on hand as well as hipsters for ultimate comfort. Additionally, you will want to have a variety of different fabrications in your top drawer that will best suit your daily activities, such as a moisture wicking fabric for working out, and the appropriate fabric for a special event worn under that perfect dress. We break all this down in even more detail in our Essential Underwear for Women blog. 

Men tend to need less of a variety of styles and silhouettes within their underwear collection. Compared to women, men have fewer types of underwear to choose from. Therefore, a general rule of thumb for men is to have about 14 - 20 pairs of underwear on hand. Of course this can vary depending on if you work out daily, as well as travel frequency. The three most popular underwear styles for men include boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs.

Following specific brand recommended care instructions for your underwear will help increase longevity in the fit and feel of the fabrication. However it is also important to know when to revamp your underwear drawer, tossing out the old and introducing the new. Your underwear should last you anywhere between 6-12 months depending on wear frequency. The most important overall health factor here is to ensure that your underwear still has the ability to absorb moisture rather than trap it. This is when wear rotation cycles come into play, helping you keep your favorite pairs of underwear lasting as long as they can. Our recommended tip for storing your underwear is by silhouette, folded neatly in a drawer. This will help you stay organized and avoid that frustrating rummage through your drawer looking for that specific style for the day.