Open your drawer and you’ll probably find a pair or two that should have been binned a long time ago. The waistband has gone loose, the fabric looks tired, or it just doesn’t feel right anymore. But it’s clean, so back on it goes.

So when is it actually time to replace it?

Honestly, there’s no fixed date. Some Underwears pairs last for years and others give up in a few months. It depends on how often you wear them, how you wash them and what the fabric is like to begin with. The simplest approach is to look at the pair and ask whether it still does its job.

Here are seven signs it’s time to let go.

1. The Waistband Keeps Slipping

If you’re tugging your underwear back up every hour, the elastic has probably given up.

It happens after a lot of wearing and washing. Once the waistband loses its stretch, the pair won’t sit properly, even if the rest of it looks fine.

A pair that still fits comfortably can stay. But if it slides down all day, you’re better off replacing it than putting up with it.

2. There Are Holes or Thin Patches

A tiny hole seems harmless. Give it a few more washes, though, and it usually gets bigger, especially in spots where the fabric rubs against your skin or trousers.

Check the inner thighs and the seams. If the fabric has gone see-through, started to tear or no longer covers you properly, that pair is done.

And you really don’t have to wait until it’s falling apart in your hands.

3. It Doesn’t Fit Like It Used To

Sometimes a pair becomes uncomfortable even though nothing looks wrong with it.

Maybe it digs in at the waist, chafes your thighs or bunches up under your trousers. Or maybe it’s gone so loose that it never stays put.

Age can change the shape of underwear, but the real issue might be the size or the cut. If a brand-new pair does the same thing, don’t buy that style again. Try a different cut or size instead.

4. It Keeps Riding Up

You put it on in the morning, and by lunchtime you’ve adjusted it five times.

Underwear that rides up makes sitting, walking and working a bit miserable. Sometimes the fabric has stretched out. Other times the leg openings or the overall cut just don’t suit your body.

If an old pair has started doing it after months of use, it’s likely worn out. If even new pairs do it, the style is the problem, not the age.

5. It Still Smells After Washing

Underwear should go in the wash after every wear. If a pair still smells bad afterwards, look at your laundry routine before blaming the pair.

Are you using enough detergent? Following the care label? Letting everything dry fully? Putting away damp clothes is a common reason for that musty smell.

If the smell hangs around even with proper washing and drying, and the fabric is worn too, replace it. And if you’re getting ongoing itching or irritation, don’t assume the underwear is the only cause. See a doctor if it doesn’t go away.

6. The Seams Are Coming Apart

Take a look at the stitching around the legs and crotch. Loose threads or seams that have started to open mean the pair won’t last much longer.

One stray thread doesn’t mean the whole pair has to go. But if the seams keep splitting or the fabric next to them is tearing, replace it.

When you buy new ones, check that the stitching looks neat and the fabric feels good against your skin.

7. You Never Choose It on Laundry Day

Here’s a quick test. When the clean laundry comes out, which pairs do you grab first?

And which ones always end up at the bottom of the drawer? There’s usually a reason. They feel rough, sit awkwardly or have lost their shape.

If you don’t like wearing them, there’s no point keeping them just because they haven’t got holes yet. Keep the ones you’re comfortable in and clear out the rest.

How Long Does Underwear Last?

It depends on how often you wear it and how you look after it. A pair you wear several times a week will show wear much sooner than one you pull out now and then.

Washing and drying matter too. High heat is hard on elastic, and rough handling wears down some fabrics faster than others.

So instead of replacing everything after a set number of months, just check your underwear every so often. If it fits well, feels comfortable and isn’t damaged, being old isn’t a good enough reason to throw it out.

How to Make Your Underwear Last Longer

You don’t need a complicated routine. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Wash it after every wear.
• Follow the instructions on the care label.
• Skip high heat if the label says to avoid it.
• Let it dry completely before it goes in the drawer.
• Stop wearing pairs with badly damaged fabric or broken seams.
• Own enough pairs so you aren’t washing the same few every other day.

Good care won’t make underwear last forever, but you’ll get more wear out of each pair.

How Many Pairs Should You Keep?

If you do laundry once a week, seven to ten pairs is a sensible starting point. You might want more if you work out a lot, travel often or don’t wash clothes every week.

There’s no need to build a huge collection. Keep enough to get through your routine comfortably, plus a few spares for busy days.

If you’re after replacements, you can browse men’s underwear at Savys and compare the styles on offer. If you prefer cotton, look for a suitable cotton option and read the product details before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I throw away underwear if it has no holes?

Not necessarily. If it’s clean, comfortable and still fits properly, it’s probably fine to keep wearing. Do check the waistband, seams and fabric though, because those can wear out well before any holes show up.

How often should I wash my underwear?

After every wear. Follow the care label and make sure it’s fully dry before you put it away.

Can I wear underwear with a loose waistband?

You can, but if it keeps slipping or you’re constantly adjusting it, replacing it will be more comfortable.

Does expensive underwear last longer?

Not always. Price alone won’t tell you how long a pair will last. The fabric, stitching, fit and how you wash it all play a part.

How many pairs of underwear should a man own?

For many people who do laundry weekly, seven to ten pairs works well. The right number depends on your routine and how often you wash.

When should I replace underwear if it still looks clean?

Clean isn’t the only thing that matters. Replace it if the fabric is badly worn, the seams are breaking, the elastic has stopped working or it just isn’t comfortable anymore.

A Final Thought

You don’t have to replace your whole drawer every few months. Just keep an eye on the pairs you wear most.

If the waistband is loose, the fabric is thinning or you’re always adjusting the fit, it’s time for a new pair. And if a pair still fits well and feels good, keep it, even if you’ve had it for ages.

Spend a few minutes going through your drawer. You’ll quickly see what needs replacing and what can stay.