Annie Walton Doyle
People have been left shocked after finding out how long you should keep underwear.
In the grand scheme of life’s pressing concerns, the lifespan of your underwear isn’t particularly important.
Still, a TikToker has gone viral after informing others about the clothing item’s ‘expiration date,’ which many people had no idea was even a thing.
After watching the TikToker’s video, one person wrote: “I have mine until they don’t fit or rip.”
Similarly, another added: “I’m in college and I have some from 7th grade.”
“My oldest pair is 16 years old,” admitted a third.
A fourth said: “If there are no holes, we’re good!”
“I can’t even remember the last time I bought some!” commented another.
Although many presume underwear lasts indefinitely, or at least while in a good, functional condition, the reality is more complicated.
Rooted in hygiene and health, there’s a rarely mentioned guideline regarding your undergarments.
According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, even clean underwear can contain around 10,000 living bacteria – so imagine how much worse it could be with your old, tattered undies.
Many people presume that as long as their underwear isn’t falling apart, it’s okay. But it’s important to note that fabric integrity and cleanliness aren’t the same.
Over time, even with regular washing, bacteria can accumulate in your underwear’s fabric – it alone won’t cause an infection but alongside other factors, can increase the risk of urinary tract and yeast infections, or other skin irritations, per Stripe and Stare.
Understandably, in an age where sustainability is a growing concern, you may be hesitant to trash what you deem is perfectly fine underwear – but there are solutions.
The Environmentor suggests donating, upcycling, composting, or sustainably recycling.
So, how do you determine when your underwear has reached its ‘expiration date’?
Like many, TikToker @taraspeaks was shocked when she discovered underwear should be replaced every ‘six to 12 months.’
Her viral video, which has accumulated hundreds of reactions, was captioned: “Comment your oldest pair.”
Intimate health specialist Dr. Shirin Lakhani of Elite Aesthetic tells The Independent that underwear can collect ‘a lot of dead skin… as well as bacteria.’
Given this, she suggests replacing undies at least once a year, with more frequent replacements for those consistently worn for activities like the gym.
Health Digest adds: “If you often develop bacterial vaginosis or other bacteria-caused infections, it is best to buy fresh underwear even more frequently.”
However, not all experts agree.
Dr. Chavone Momon-Nelson, an OB-GYN at UPMC in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, tells Today: “There is no rule that says after six months, cut them and get new underwear.”
In agreement, Dr. Christine Greves, who practices at the Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Orlando, adds: “As long as your underwear is clean – and I typically advise cotton underwear – and it’s washed with a detergent that should not be irritating to you, your underwear should be okay.”
To make your underwear last as long as possible, Seamless Lingerie suggests having a good rotation of undies and taking proper care when washing.
@taraspeaks comment ur oldest pair #WinterFit #WithoutTellingMe #fyp ♬ Pennies from Heaven – Louis Prima
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