Always carry a spare — that’s the sentiment shared by nearly half of Americans, who are carrying backup underwear with them just in case something unexpected happens.
The poll of 2,000 U.S. adults, equally split by gender, revealed that 70% of those who carry spares have had their backup underwear come to their rescue.
Scenarios respondents said they would have a need for backup underwear include if likely to have an accident (39%), know they’ll need to change their clothes at some point during the day (37%) or are accident-prone and likely to spill something on themselves (18%).
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Some respondents even shared in what situations they believe spare underwear would have come in handy for themselves: after a heavy workout, on a super hot day, during their period or when their lunch has turned sour in their stomach.
The study, commissioned by Hanes and conducted by Talker Research, found that having backup underwear also seemed to be more commonplace for younger generations: 60% of Gen Z and 57% of millennials surveyed said they have “in case of emergency” underwear.
“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 have to go a day without comfortable, well-fitting undergarments. Wearing fresh, on-trend pieces that feel good against your skin goes beyond necessity and can truly elevate your day.”
The study also found just how long people are holding onto their old underwear, along with the rest of their wardrobe.
On average, people are holding onto old underwear for three years. A tenth of people are even keeping their underwear around for at least six years.
And an interesting correlation was found between carrying backup underwear and how long people perceive their underwear lasts. The study found, of those likely to carry a spare set of drawers, 82% are convinced underwear should last a mere two years before replacement.
And for the people who don’t like to carry backups, they are keeping underwear a year longer — 83% are keeping their underwear around for three years.
Meanwhile, women are keeping their bras around for four years, on average. But 8% wear bras that are well-past their prime — at least 10 years old.
The study also revealed how often people should be replacing clothing from their wardrobe.
On average, people keep button-ups and blouses three-and-a-half years. T-shirts, pants, jeans, shorts and skirts are all kept about three years. Survey respondents believe socks, underwear and bras should be swapped out at least every two years.
The tell-tale signs to get new underwear are when they have holes (71%), develop stains (42%) or have stretched-out waistbands (39%). Twenty-nine percent continue to wear worn-out underwear, even if it has holes.
A similar story can be said for when it’s time to toss out old bras — women surveyed said new bras are needed when what they currently have no longer fits (57%), has holes in them (41%) or has stretched-out bra straps (41%). And 43% continue to wear ill-fitting bras.
And on average, it takes two holes for people to start considering replacing their undergarments.
Four in five (82%) have put on underwear only to realize afterward that it’s probably time to toss it out. That’s especially true for 81% of women and their ill-fitting bras.
In fact, the average person only has four “good” pairs of underwear, and women polled said they only have three “good” bras in their wardrobe. Forty-four percent admitted they hold onto bras that don’t fit perfectly longer than they should.=
On a three-year lifespan, that means those four pairs of underwear can only last 274 wears before they get too hole-y. And for bras that last four years, that’s 487 wears each.
“It’s smart to replace old, ill-fitting underwear, bras and socks that are past the point of no return,” continued Dawn Hedgepeth. “Worn-out fabrics and bands can compromise comfort and fit. Fresh, modern pieces offer the perfect blend of style and support, helping you move through your day with confidence. Once you find that pair of underwear or socks or a bra that fits perfectly, there can be a noticeably comfortable difference in how you feel.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans, equally split by gender; the survey was commissioned by Hanes and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August 27 to September 3, 2024.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
