How Many Wears Before You Need to Wash

POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

We all wash our clothes to keep ourselves and favorites items smelling fresh, but there is such a thing as too much washing and too little. There are downsides to both extremes: laundering your clothes more than you need to can shorten their lifespan and wear them out quickly, but washing too rarely can be unhygienic and cause bacteria growth. Here's a general guide to follow:

  • Bras: After three to four wears.
  • Underwear: After every wear.
  • Socks and stockings: After every wear.
  • Sportswear and swimwear: After every wear.
  • Jeans: Five to six wears. Although there are some that advocate washing as little as possible.
  • Tops: One to two wears.
  • Dresses: One to two wears.
  • Leggings: One to two wears.
  • Pants, skirts, and shorts: Three to four wears.
  • Jackets and blazers: Five to six wears.
  • Coats: Once every two months of wear.
  • PJs: Three to four wears.

Of course, this guide doesn't apply to the days when excessive sweating or accidental spills happen, and to those who have different hygiene preferences.