Most underwear drawers are full, and most of what is in them never gets worn. The rest are spares, relics and a multipack bought in a hurry. The right number is smaller than you think and easy to work out.
One pair for each day between washes, one more for each training session in that time, and two spare. For most men that is between 10 and 14.
The sum
| What you need | Pairs |
|---|---|
| One for each day, washing once a week | 7 |
| A change after training, three times a week | 3 |
| Spares | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
Wash twice a week and you can roughly halve the first number. Travel a lot and you may want a few more. The principle holds either way: count the days between washes, then add the extra changes.
When to replace a pair
- The waistband rolls or has lost its stretch.
- The fabric has thinned, or you can see through it.
- The legs ride up when they used to stay put.
- It no longer feels fresh after a wash.
A common rule of thumb is to replace cotton underwear every six to twelve months. Condition is the better test. If a pair fails any of the checks above, it is finished.
Fewer, better
Twelve pairs you would happily wear beat thirty you avoid. Fewer pairs get worn evenly, wear out evenly and are easier to replace in one go. Every morning starts with a good pair, not the one at the bottom of the pile.
Starting again
Our 7-Pack is called the Drawer Reset for this reason: one pair for each day of the week, at £13 each. Add a 3-Pack at £15 each for training days and the sum above is nearly done. If you would rather test one first, a single is £17 and is covered by the 30-Day Sweat Test.
The Boxer Brief
96% bamboo viscose with 4% elastane, cut mid-thigh, with a flat anti-roll waistband and heat-sealed labels instead of tags. Black or white, S to XXL.
Shop The Boxer Brief£17 each · £15 each in the 3-Pack · £13 each in the 7-Pack · Free UK delivery
Keep readingAre bamboo boxers worth it? · Bamboo vs cotton underwear · The best underwear for the gym
