How long does underwear last? How to wash and replace your boxer briefs

You wear good boxer briefs almost daily. Yet most men rarely think about how to wash their underwear — or when it's actually time for a new set.

At SET, we frequently receive this question. In this blog, we explain how to best maintain your underwear and how to tell when a model is worn out.

How long does underwear last on average?

There's no single answer to that. How long a pair of boxer briefs lasts depends on the material, how often you wear them, and how you wash them.

As a guideline: with daily use, underwear needs replacing after about one to two years. If you wear a model less often, it will, of course, last longer.

How do you know it's time for new ones?

Often you feel it before you see it. Pay attention to these signs:

• The waistband is looser. Stretched elastic sags, and the briefs no longer stay in place.
• The fabric has become thinner or more transparent. Especially in areas with the most friction.
• The seams are pulling crooked. The briefs twist with your leg as you wear them.
• The color has become dull. Black turning grayish is a clear sign of wear.
• It just doesn't feel comfortable anymore. The simplest sign, and usually the most reliable.

How to wash underwear properly

The elastic and fibers determine how long a pair of briefs retains its fit. With a few adjustments to your washing routine, you can significantly extend their lifespan.

Wash at 30 to 40 degrees. Higher temperatures damage elastic and elastane. For daily use, 30 degrees is sufficient in most cases.

Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a layer on the fibers. For microfiber, this compromises its quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties.

Wash dark colors separately. This keeps black truly black and prevents lighter models from discoloring.

Do not overload the washing machine. With an overloaded drum, the laundry doesn't get as clean, and the fabric pulls harder at the seams.

Use a lower spin speed. A high spin speed is the quickest way to stretch out elastic.

Drying: preferably not in the dryer

Microfiber dries quickly on its own. Hanging them on a line or drying rack is almost always the better choice.

The heat of a dryer is elastic's biggest enemy. If you do want to use a dryer, choose the lowest setting and remove your underwear while slightly damp.

Do not hang your briefs to dry in direct sunlight — that accelerates discoloration.

How many boxer briefs do you actually need?

Practically speaking, having a two-week supply is convenient. You don't have to wash every week, and each model gets a rest between wears, allowing the elastic to recover.

That's why multipacks are a logical choice: you replenish your basic collection all at once and keep your stock level.

Ready for a new set?

Notice your favorite briefs losing their shape? Then it's time to restock.

Discover the collection of boxer briefs, briefs, and thongs from SET and find your model. Unsure about the size? Then first check our size chart.