As a men's underwear brand that prioritises self-betterment, we know how important it is to maintain good hygiene, appearance and comfort. One question we’re regularly asked is ‘How often should men be replacing their underwear?’.

The answer. About every 6 to 12 months.

I know. We were shocked too, but there’s a few reasons why (see below).

This high frequency is put down to a number of factors but mostly it’s due to hygiene + wear & tear.

Gradual bacteria build-up can lead to skin allergies and infections, irrespective of how much you wash them. With that in mind, we recommend that men who regularly work out or those prone to skin irritations should err on the side of caution and replace their underwear at a frequency closer to 6 months.

As for wear & tear, underwear made from natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo can age faster than underwear made from synthetic fibres such as polyester. A clear sign it might be time is when the elastic becomes stretched out, if holes start to appear or if your underwear becomes discoloured.

At Bound, we use Tencel (Lyocell), an eco-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance fabric. Lyocell is made from a wood pulp that is soft, breathable and moisture-wicking. It's hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin, durable, and more resistant to shrinkage and wrinkling (impressive huh).

Also, as part of proper underwear maintenance, it is important to follow care instructions as carefully as possible, avoiding the use of fabric softeners and bleach as these can damage the fabric and reduce its effectiveness.

In summary, keep your undie drawer (and your balls) fresh.