Should You Wash New Underwear Before You Wear It?

If you love that “new clothes” feel—or you’re in desperate need—you’ve probably popped on underwear fresh from the store in the past. But there’s a reason why you might want to give your underwear a thorough wash before you wear, even if it’s brand new.

See what might be lurking in your underwear (ew!) and how to wash new underwear to help minimize the health risks.

Why You Should Wash New Underwear Before You Wear It

Underwear is the one piece of clothing that gets really, intimately close to you, so you want to be sure that it’s fresh and clean every time. While your new underwear may be new to you, it may not be as free of potential irritants or infectious microbes as you’d expect. Here’s a few things you might want to consider before you slip on an unwashed new pair of underwear.

Someone else may have tried them on

Many lingerie stores allow try-ons, but they request that people try on the panties and other undergarments over their own underwear or use a hygiene liner. But let’s be real—do you trust that everyone does that?

In studies, underwear and socks were generally the most contaminated items of clothing, harboring the most bacteria and fungi. (No surprise there!)

That means that your new underwear could have bacteria, fungi, dirt, and other unmentionable ick trapped in the fibers—and you’re going to want to give it a good wash to set those free.

Returns are another opportunity for “new” underwear to potentially be contaminated, though stores like Victoria’s Secret may use ozone treatments to sanitize returns.

There could be some potentially irritating chemicals in the fabric

Even if the underwear you purchased is sealed in plastic or came from a site’s online store, it could still harbor chemicals that could irritate your skin—especially if you’re prone to skin sensitivities. (And yes, the skin down there is definitely sensitive!)

When clothing is made, it’s often treated with chemicals, such as Urea-formaldehyde, that can help it survive the shipping process without becoming wrinkled or mildewy. But those chemicals can cause skin rashes, so washing before wearing would be a good idea.

You could end up dyeing your skin in the process

New clothing can often transfer excess fabric dye to your skin. Giving it a wash before you wear it can help reduce the amount of dye left in your underwear—and reduce the chance that you suddenly turn blue somewhere you probably don’t want to be.

How to Wash New Underwear

You don’t have to do a heavy-duty wash to clear out any contaminants in your new underwear. Take a look at the care instructions tag and follow their suggestions, or simply follow these tips:

Separate your underwear from the rest of your laundry

It’s all too easy for your underwear to hit a snag on a zipper, button, or hook—especially if your underwear has delicate lace or mesh detailing on it. Consider washing it completely separately from the rest of your laundry, or pop it into a mesh laundry bag to help protect it from the other items in your wash load.

Use a mild detergent

No need for heavy-duty detergents or bleach. Fragrance- and dye-free detergents are best if you have sensitive skin, as they will have fewer chemicals that could irritate you.

Opt for the gentle cycle when you wash, or hand wash it

Delicate fabrics need a little bit of babying to help them last longer. Using the gentle cycle or hand washing your underwear helps increase their life span.

Keep your cool

Use cool-water settings to help extend the life of your underwear, as it’s gentler on delicate fabrics. (And bonus: It’s better for the environment, too.)

Consider drying them outside

Sunlight can help kill off errant bacteria—so let your underwear air dry outdoors if possible. Air drying is also gentler to your clothes, so air drying along with using a gentle washing cycle can help your underwear look like new for longer.