Do we really need to replace our underwear every six months? | Emma Beddington

"To clarify swiftly, that's change as in throw away and replace. Doctors generally recommend replacing underwear every six to nine months, the article explains. Because, quite simply, washing doesn't remove everything. This, it turns out, is not new information: most advice on the internet suggests six to 12 months as the appropriate lifespan for pants. Alternatively, in 2021, a consultant gynaecologist suggested another approach to the Independent: I would say a maximum of 50 washes for a pair of cotton M&S underwear would be fine."

"I didn't realise this was bad, but reading further into the subject, the science does, upsettingly, seem to suggest it might be: some bacteria, viruses and fungal pathogens are not completely eliminated by washing at under 60C. More upsettingly still, the paper where I learned that included the tersely devastating sentence: The avg pair of adult underwear contains an avg of 0.1g of feces. Argh!"

"I headed straight to M&S on reading that, but the underwear department only confirmed how long it had been. I was unable to identify the pants I used to buy back in the day, and instead faced a baffling onslaught of fabrics and proprietary names: Flexifit Modal Thongs, Boston Microfibre No VPL High Rise Shorts, ContourWear No VPL Brazilian Knickers and SmoothEase Invisible Comfort Shorts. I was reduced to wandering around, sadly whispering:"

Recommendations advise replacing underwear every six to twelve months, with some doctors suggesting six to nine months or a maximum of fifty washes for cotton pairs. Washing at temperatures under 60°C may not eliminate all bacteria, viruses, and fungal pathogens. Studies report that the average adult pair of underwear contains about 0.1 g of feces. Many people keep underwear well past recommended lifespans. Retail offerings now include numerous branded fabrics and styles, making it difficult to find older models. These changes and scientific findings prompt reconsideration of underwear replacement habits.

Read at www.theguardian.com