It’s the foundation of every outfit and the first thing you put on each morning, yet underwear can often be the most overlooked part of our wardrobe. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How often should I buy new underwear?”, consider this your gentle reminder: your panty drawer deserves more attention.
Felina believes that what’s underneath matters. Not just for how it looks, but for how it feels and supports you throughout the day. Fresh, supportive, breathable underwear isn’t just a small luxury—it’s a daily essential that can change how you move through the world.
Our intimates experts talk timelines, fit, hygiene, and what it really means to keep your underwear drawer feeling fresh, clean, and ready for anything.
What Factors Affect How Frequently You Should Replace Your Underwear?
The Condition of Your Existing Underwear
There’s no universal expiration date, but most underwear, no matter how well-made, has a natural lifespan. If your go-to pairs are starting to sag, twist, or lose their stretch, that’s your cue to refresh.
Quality fabrics can go the distance, but everyday wear, frequent washing, and constant movement can wear down even the most breathable blends. If your undies are losing shape or elasticity, it’s time to rotate them out.
Personal Comfort and Hygiene Needs
Underwear comes in direct contact with some of the most sensitive areas of your body. That’s why clean, well-fitting pairs made from breathable fabric are so essential—not just for comfort, but for hygiene and skin health, too.
If you’re someone who works out regularly, experiences frequent sweating, or simply prioritizes feeling fresh, you may need to replace your underwear more often. It’s not just about how they look—it’s about how they make you feel.
3 Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Underwear
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Visible Wear And Tear
If you’re seeing pilling, thinning fabric, frayed seams, or loose elastic, your old underwear has likely passed its prime. Holes and tears—no matter how small—are also red flags. If you wouldn’t want to be caught wearing them, that’s probably a good sign that it’s time to let them go.
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Discoloration And Persistent Odors
Even with regular washing, discoloration and lingering odors can happen over time, especially with synthetic fabrics or pairs worn during workouts. If it no longer feels like clean underwear, even after washing, it’s time to start fresh.
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Changes In Fit And Comfort
The perfect undergarment should feel like a second skin. If your undies ride up, roll down, dig in, or no longer support your natural shape, it’s time for a new pair. Your body evolves—your underwear should, too.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper Washing Techniques:
To make your underwear last, treat it gently. Wash on cold, delicate cycles and use a mesh lingerie bag when possible. Steer clear of fabric softeners—they break down elasticity and can irritate sensitive skin.
And yes, we always recommend air drying. Heat from the dryer damages stretch and softness, especially for lace and microfiber styles.
Rotation Strategies to Extend Longevity
Invest in a core underwear collection and rotate frequently. Wearing the same pairs on repeat breaks them down faster. By building a deeper drawer of quality underwear, each piece has a chance to recover between wears.
A tip from our experts: Keep a few pairs just for lounging or sleeping to extend the life of your day-to-day staples.
The Benefits of Investing in Quality Underwear
Enhanced Comfort And Fit:
There’s a noticeable difference between mass-market multipacks and well-constructed, thoughtfully designed underwear. Felina’s panties are made with fabrics that breathe, stretch, and support—so you can feel held, not restricted.
When your underwear fits beautifully, you stand taller, move easier, and start your day feeling just a little more you.
Longevity And Cost-Effectiveness
It may seem counterintuitive, but investing in high-quality underwear can save you money in the long run. You’ll buy fewer pairs, less often, and you won’t find yourself reaching for the same tired styles again and again.
Our silhouettes are designed to last—with reinforced seams, stretch recovery, and ultra-soft fabrics that stay comfortable wear after wear.
A Fresh Start, From The Inside Out
As a general guideline, we recommend replacing underwear every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often each pair is worn and washed. For your most-worn pairs, a 6-month refresh helps keep things soft, sanitary, and supportive.
That said, it’s less about the calendar and more about the condition. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Lightwear (occasionally worn): Replace every 12–18 months
- Daily basics: Replace every 6–9 months
- Workout or period underwear: Replace every 4–6 months
Aim to have 10-15 quality pairs in rotation. This gives you enough variety to extend the life of each pair and always have a fresh pair on hand.
So, how often should you buy new underwear? When the fit no longer flatters, when the fabric starts to fade, or when your drawer could simply use a reset.
Refreshing your underwear drawer isn’t just a functional habit—it’s a form of self-love. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of care matter. You deserve undies that feel soft, look beautiful, and make you feel like your best self, every single day.
It’s What’s Underneath That Counts.
Explore our collection of ultra-soft, breathable, everyday panties designed for all of life’s real moments.
Explore Felina Panties