Nearly half of Americans carry spare underwear for emergencies

Always carry a spare – that’s a sentiment shared by nearly half of Americans, who carry spare underwear with them just in case something unexpected happens.

The survey of 2,000 US adults, split evenly by gender, found that 70% of those who wear spare parts have found spare underwear helpful.

Scenarios respondents said they would need spare underwear include the possibility of having an accident (39%), knowing they will need to change their clothes at some point during the day (37%), or are accident prone and likely. to spill something on themselves (18%).

Some respondents even indicated in which situations they believe spare underwear would have come in handy: after a hard workout, on a super hot day, during menstruation, or when their lunch has gone sour in the stomach.

The study, commissioned by Hanes and conducted by Talker Research, found that keeping spare underwear also seemed to be more common place among younger generations: 60% of Gen Z and 57% of millennials surveyed said they had interior “in case of emergency”.

“It’s never a bad idea to have a backup plan,” said Dawn Hedgepeth, CMO at HanesBrands Innerwear. “We proudly support stocking up so you never go a day without comfortable, well-fitting undergarments. Wearing fresh, trendy pieces that feel good against your skin goes beyond a necessity and can really elevate your day.”

The study also revealed how long people keep their old underwear, along with the rest of their wardrobe.

On average, people keep old underwear for three years. A tenth of people even keep their underwear on for at least six years.

And an interesting correlation was found between keeping spare underwear and how long people perceive their underwear to last. The study found that of those likely to keep a spare set of drawers, 82% believe underwear should only last two years before needing to be replaced.

And for people who don’t like to keep backups, they keep their underwear a year longer – 83% keep their underwear for three years.

Meanwhile, women keep their bras for an average of four years. But 8% wear bras that are past their prime – at least 10 years old.

The study also revealed how often people need to replace clothes from their wardrobe.

On average, people wear buttons and T-shirts for three and a half years. T-shirts, pants, jeans, shorts and skirts all last about three years. Survey respondents believe that socks, underwear and bras should be changed at least every two years.

Telltale signs to get new underwear are when they have holes (71%), show stains (42%) or have an elongated waistband (39%). Twenty-nine percent continue to wear used underwear, even if it has holes in it.

A similar story can be told about when it’s time to throw out old bras – women surveyed said new bras are needed when the ones they currently have don’t fit (57%), have holes in them (41%) or are stretched. bra straps (41%). And 43% continue to wear ill-fitting bras.

And on average, it takes two holes for people to start thinking about replacing their underwear.

Four in five (82%) have worn underwear only to later realize it might be time to throw it out. This is especially true for 81% of women and their ill-fitting bras.

In fact, the average person has only four pairs of “good” underwear, and the women surveyed said they only have three “good” bras in their wardrobe. Forty-four percent admitted to wearing ill-fitting bras more than they should.

With a three-year lifespan, that means these four pairs of underwear can only last 274 wears before getting too many holes. And for bras that last four years, that’s 487 wears each.

“It’s smart to replace old, ill-fitting underwear, bras and stockings that have no return,” continued Dawn Hedgepeth. “Worn fabrics and straps can compromise comfort and fit. Fresh and modern pieces offer the perfect blend of style and support, helping you get through the day with confidence. Once you find that pair of underwear or stockings or a bra that fits perfectly, it can make a noticeably comfortable difference in the way you feel.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans, split evenly by gender; The survey was commissioned by Hanes and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August 27 and September 3, 2024.