How Many Pairs of Underwear Does a Man Need?
In short: For men who change their underwear daily and do laundry once a week, around 9 to 10 pairs of underwear is a practical supply. If you do laundry more often, you can manage with fewer. Sports, physical work or frequent sweating may make extra pairs useful. The right number therefore depends on your daily routine and laundry schedule rather than a fixed rule.
How many pairs of underwear should a man own?
A simple rule of thumb is one fresh pair for each day until your next laundry day, plus two or three spare pairs. That way, you still have enough clean underwear if your laundry gets delayed.
| How often do you do laundry? | Recommended supply |
|---|---|
| Every 2–3 days | 4–6 pairs |
| Twice a week | 5–7 pairs |
| Once a week | 9–10 pairs |
| Every two weeks | 16–17 pairs |
These numbers are practical guidelines based on changing underwear daily, not scientifically established minimum quantities.
How many pairs of underwear do German men own on average?
According to the representative TW-VerbraucherFokus Bodywear Men 2019 study, German men owned an average of 21.4 pairs of underwear. More than 1,000 men across Germany were surveyed. At the time, they bought an average of seven new pairs per year.
However, this does not mean every man needs more than 20 pairs. The number that makes sense depends mainly on how often they are worn, washed and changed.
Your lifestyle makes the difference
Not every man needs the same supply. Some get by with just a few favourites, while others need more changes of underwear for everyday life.
- Daily life and office work: If you change your underwear once a day and do laundry regularly, you usually do not need a particularly large supply.
- Sports and physical work: If you change again after training or a demanding shift, plan for additional pairs.
- Minimalist lifestyle: If you prefer owning fewer things and do laundry frequently, a smaller selection can work well.
Ultimately, the goal is to always have enough clean underwear without filling your wardrobe unnecessarily.
Do you need more underwear in summer than in winter?
In summer, higher temperatures and increased sweating can mean you need to change into fresh underwear more often. If you normally own 9–10 pairs, consider adding 2–3 more for warmer months, especially if you play sports or do physical work.
In winter, your usual supply is generally enough. For colder days, it can also be useful to keep 1–2 sets of cotton thermal underwear on hand, depending on how often you wear and wash them.
How many pairs of underwear should you pack for a holiday?
On holiday, plan for at least one clean pair per day, plus one or two spares. For longer trips, doing laundry along the way may be more practical than packing one pair for every day of the trip.
| Trip length | Recommended number |
|---|---|
| Weekend trip (3 days) | 4–5 pairs |
| One week (7 days) | 8–9 pairs |
| Two weeks (14 days) | 15–16 pairs |
| Two weeks with access to laundry | 8–10 pairs |
If you are travelling to a warm country, hiking a lot or playing sports, pack a few extra pairs. If you wash underwear while travelling, allow enough time for it to dry completely.
Quality over quantity: what matters when choosing underwear?
A drawer full of underwear is not much use if you keep reaching for the same comfortable boxer shorts. Alongside the number of pairs, fabric, fit and workmanship matter most.
Quality underwear should feel comfortable against your skin, fit without squeezing or digging in, and stand up well to regular washing. Cotton offers a soft, breathable feel, while a small amount of elastane adds flexibility to close-fitting styles.
The Cotton Majesty 8-pack of loose boxer shorts is made from 100% cotton and offers plenty of freedom of movement thanks to its specially designed comfort fit. It is a practical way to build up an everyday supply.
If you prefer a flexible, closer fit, our fitted men’s boxer shorts made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane are an alternative.
More important than owning as many pairs as possible is having a selection you genuinely enjoy wearing.
Frequently asked questions about underwear supplies
What percentage of German men change their underwear daily?
According to a 2023 GfK survey commissioned by Galaxus, 73.9% of men said they changed their underwear every day. Around one in four therefore changed less frequently. The representative survey interviewed a total of 1,500 people aged 16 to 74 in Germany.
Is owning 20 pairs of underwear too much?
Not necessarily. If you exercise regularly, do laundry infrequently or prefer different styles for different occasions, you may find 20 pairs useful. But if most of them stay unworn in the drawer, a smaller selection may be enough.
Is buying underwear in multipacks worthwhile?
Yes, especially once you know your size and preferred fit. Multipacks make it easy to top up your existing supply. If you are trying a new style for the first time, first check that it really feels comfortable.
Can you change high-quality cotton underwear less often?
No. Even high-quality cotton underwear should generally be changed daily for hygiene reasons. Changing again after heavy sweating can also be helpful.
Read more in our guide How often should you really change your underwear?.
