How many pairs of knickers are lurking in your drawer? For many Brits, the answer is a surprisingly high number, driven by a mix of habit, hoarding, and hypothetical emergencies. One writer confesses to taking 14 pairs for a five-day trip, while a personal collection never dips below 30. But according to new expert guidance, this excess could be unnecessary and even unhealthy.
The Expert Verdict on Your Underwear Drawer
So, what is the magic number? Emma Woodrow, a lingerie expert at Pour Moi, states that you should only hold onto nine to ten pairs of everyday underwear at any one time. Her advice is pragmatic: "As a general rule of thumb, only keep enough everyday underwear that you’ll comfortably use in one laundry cycle, plus a few buffers."
This recommendation may come as a shock, especially considering the scale of the UK's underwear market. The underwear and nightwear sector was valued at over £3 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it will reach £5.2 billion by 2028. This indicates a nation of potential knicker hoarders, with piles of forgotten garments accumulating in bedrooms across the country.
Why Old Pants Are a Health Hazard
The push for a minimalist underwear collection isn't just about tidiness; it's a matter of intimate health. Research from Pour Moi found that the average person wears pants that are two years and seven months old. However, experts warn that regularly wearing old knickers can pose risks.
Dr Sima Al Asad, a cosmetic gynaecologist, explains that while there's no strict "expiry date," most pairs should be replaced every six to twelve months if worn regularly. The frequency of wear, washing methods, and overall condition are critical factors.
"Over time, underwear fibres break down, reducing breathability and the fabric’s ability to wick away moisture," Dr Sima says. "This means older or worn-out knickers can harbour bacteria and yeast, particularly if the elastic has loosened or the fabric has thinned. For people with vulvas, this may increase the risk of irritation, recurrent thrush, bacterial vaginosis, itching or soreness."
She recommends a simple check: look for thinning fabric, stretched elastic, lingering odours, or stubborn stains. "If underwear no longer feels comfortable or hygienic, it’s best to replace it. Small, consistent habits like these can make a meaningful difference to intimate health," she advises.
Embracing the 'Fresh Start' for Your Wardrobe
With the New Year approaching, it's an ideal time for a clear-out, leveraging what therapists call the 'fresh start effect'. Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner, who specialises in existential therapy, describes this as a psychological mechanism where certain dates make us feel we can begin anew with fresh intentions and goals.
"In terms of our wardrobes, it might be a good time to refresh and organise," she notes, especially if we have new goals related to how we dress or feel.
However, Emma Woodrow cautions that a clear-out shouldn't trigger a massive shopping spree to fill the gaps. "Everyday underwear isn’t necessarily meant to be curated. No matter how much you love a certain style or colour of pants, no one needs to have dozens of pairs," she reminds us. The key is to adopt a 'one in, one out' rule, maintaining a small, fresh, and healthy capsule collection.
