How often should you buy new underwear? Answering this question is more complicated than you think. This is because there are plenty of men who buy new underwear once in years.
In fact, some men go ahead and leave it up to the underwear to tell them. If the underwear seems worn out, smells damp, and has no elasticity. That’s when they decide to throw out their old underwear.
For others, buying new underwear once a year is a necessary norm. You don’t want to wait for your underwear to become loose and faded.
So what do you do?
Let’s get to the bottom of this matter. There’s a lot of stuff you need to keep in mind when thinking about buying new underwear. But first, let’s talk about throwing the old ones. And why?
How Long Does Underwear Stay Clean?
You’d be surprised to know that machine washing underwear is not 100% effective! This means there are bacteria and germs still clinging to your underwear after. Using laundry detergent does not sanitize underwear for quality.
That’s why buying new underwear more often should be the norm.
Another important reason to consider buying underwear regularly is this fact. On average, the nastiest of germs including the tiniest specks of poop stick to your underwear.
Your underwear also harbors other kinds of germs like E. coli, salmonella, and hepatitis.
However, all this is normal and it won’t cause any skin infections. But this only means that buying new underwear regularly is a hygienic and healthy thing to do.
There is something you can do to fight these bacteria and germs better. That brings us to the next important segment of the article.
Another factor that determines this is the duration of wear. Do you wear the same underwear two days in a row? This not only has side effects but it also damages the fabric of the underwear.
It leads to odors, sweating, stains, skin and yeast infections, and other irritation. Lastly, you’ll find that your underwear looks older and saggier faster than before.
How to Clean Underwear Properly?
Most people just throw the underwear in the washing machine with some detergent. But this is not going to get rid of bacteria and fecal matter that the underwear carries.
You need bleach and super hot water to do the cleaning. Relying on a standard washing detergent is not going to get rid of the germs. For underwear, you need to wash them separately and meticulously.
The water temperature should be between 140 to 150 degrees. This kills most types of bacteria, fecal residue, and germs easily.
After you wash your underwear in the machine, you need to clean the washing machine. The germs that are washed away from the underwear cling to the washing machine.
This is the ‘no cold water’ conundrum all over again. If you don’t use hot water and bleach to clean the washing machine. The germs will transfer to your other clothes no matter the size and material.
How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?
Buying new underwear depends on a lot of factors. But common sense and hygiene imply you buy new underwear once every year.
Having said that, if you live in a hot and humid climate for the most part of the year. You need to buy new underwear once every 6 months or so.
This is because when you sweat, the underwear fabric loses its elasticity.
You wash the underwear more often to get rid of the sweat smell. And this, too, causes the underwear to sag and shrink faster. The biggest culprit for a rash or jock itch is dirty and old underwear.
Health experts suggest you wear new and fresh-smelling underwear with excellent breathable properties. It helps absorb moisture in your crotch region. And avoids the chance of any infection.
10 Underwear Mistakes MOST Guys MAKE Every Day
Which Underwear Material Lasts Longer?
Given today’s growing marketplace, men have plenty of options to choose from. Before, you could only wear the same underwear material again and again. But now, you can choose between cotton, polyester, nylon, and even bamboo material!
But which is better in terms of durability and feel?
The right choice of underwear is not what you think it is. It’s a combination of polyester modal and sometimes, cotton. It combines the breathability of the cotton. And the comfort of the modal. Along with the moisture-wicking properties of polyester.
It lasts longer, it stays dry even in hot weather, and it won’t cause any discomfort or tightness. So if you want a quick-fix for the best underwear material. Then, you must look for a hybrid between these 3 materials.
That said, do not ever wear plain all-cotton underwear. The only reason why they’re popular is that they’re the most inexpensive to buy. But it’s better to toss away your cotton underwear. And switch to cotton briefs for the softness and breathability.
The same applies to nylon as it doesn’t favor hot and humid climates. And it starts to feel tight and uncomfortable after a few washes.
Final Thoughts – How Often Should You Buy New Underwear?!?
Ultimately, you want something comfortable and long-lasting. If the underwear is too tight-fitting but the only reason you’re wearing it is that it doesn’t get as dirty. Then you’re hurting yourself.
Extremely tight-fitting underwear blocks air circulation and causes more sweating. This leads to bacterial infections, jock itch, and rashes.
Your groin will thank you for clean, comfortable, and new underwear. This article gives you a clear view of why and how often should you buy new underwear (for men). It’s simple and straightforward to understand.
And the reward for investing in a pair of supportive underwear is no ‘underwear pains’ that you have to go through.
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