Great underwear should not fall apart after a few washes. With the right care routine, your favourite pairs can stay soft, stretchy and good-looking for up to two years.

A few small changes—like lowering the wash temperature and skipping the dryer—make a big difference to fabric fibres and elastic. Treat your underwear like an essential, not a disposable, and it will return the favour every day.

Hack 1: Wash Cool, Not Hot

Hot water breaks down elastic, fades colours and makes cotton feel rough over time. Washing at around 30°C on a gentle cycle cleans effectively while protecting the fabric.

• Use cool or lukewarm water for everyday cotton underwear
• Reserve higher temperatures only for special hygiene needs
• Turn underwear inside out to protect colour and waistbands

Hack 2: Choose the Right Detergent

Harsh detergents, bleach and fabric softeners weaken fibres and eat away at elastic. A small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent is enough to get underwear fresh and clean.

• Skip bleach unless absolutely necessary—it can cause thinning and holes
• Avoid fabric softener, which coats fibres and reduces stretch
• Measure detergent instead of pouring “by eye”

Hack 3: Air-Dry Whenever Possible

Dryers are the fastest way to destroy elastic and shrink fabrics. Air-drying keeps waistbands and leg openings in shape for much longer.

• Gently press out water with a towel—do not wring or twist
• Lay flat or hang in a shaded, well-ventilated area
• If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting

Hack 4: Separate and Protect

Washing underwear with heavy items like jeans and zippers causes friction, pilling and stretched seams. A little separation keeps delicate pieces safe.

• Use mesh laundry bags for underwear and other small items
• Wash lights, darks and bright colours separately
• Avoid overloading the machine to reduce rubbing

Hack 5: Rotate Your Favourites

Wearing the same few pairs on repeat wears out elastic far faster than necessary. Building a small rotation spreads out the stress on waistbands and seams.

• Keep enough pairs to comfortably rotate through the week
• Retire heavily stretched or damaged underwear early
• Replace basics gradually so your drawer always feels fresh

Bonus: Store Smart

Crushed, tangled underwear loses shape faster. Simple drawer dividers or small boxes keep pieces folded, visible and ready to wear.

• Fold or roll underwear instead of stuffing it in a drawer
• Keep delicates away from items with hooks or sharp hardware
• Store in a cool, dry space to avoid moisture damage

ONYX Underwear — premium fabrics designed to last longer when you care for them right.