By: Alex Kinejara.
You know the drill. After a long day, you take off all of your clothing, toss it into the laundry basket, and pull on your comfiest sweats. Then, when laundry day comes around, you separate the light from the dark clothes, wash the two loads, and shove everything into the dryer.
Odds are you’re including your underwear in this cycle.
However, if you’ve ever wondered how to wash underwear the right way, your underwear should be washed differently for the best results.
Ideally, when washing underwear, you should wash your undies separately, either by hand or in a lingerie bag, with a gentle detergent. And they should never go into your dryer. Why should you bother learning how to properly clean underwear? Because it is one of the factors that affect how often to replace underwear.
Keep reading this guide for all the details on how to wash underwear like a pro.
Step #1: Wash Your Underwear Separately
The biggest mistake most people make is not separating their underwear from the rest of the laundry before washing them.1 It doesn’t matter if it’s eco-friendly underwear, bamboo underwear, cotton underwear, or silk underwear. This simple step is important because it:
- Protects delicate fabrics from damage
- Prevents the transfer of bacteria from your underwear to your other clothing
- Allows you to wash your underwear at the right temperature
Taking a few extra minutes to separate your undergarments from the rest of the pile will help prolong the life of your favorites which we think is definitely worth the effort.
Hand Wash vs. Washing Machine
Ideally, you’d hand wash all of your underwear to protect the delicate fabrics and prevent them from being damaged by your other laundry.2 Specific types of underwear also benefit from being hand-washed, like panties with pockets (You might be asking, “What is the pocket in panties for?”). However, if this isn’t in the cards, we understand if you resort to machine wash. The time savings and convenience of the washing machine are tough to beat.
Furthermore, you might not have enough underwear to justify washing them in their very own load of laundry. If you’re worried about how to wash underwear in washing machine settings safely, there’s a simple and effective answer: the lingerie bag.
Lingerie Bags
Lingerie bags are inexpensive mesh bags that can be used to separate your undergarments from the rest of your laundry. This is a solid solution when you have a few pairs to wash but not enough to run a cycle for the underwear alone.
Step #2: Kill Bacteria With a Gentle Detergent
You might be wondering how to wash underwear to kill bacteria since you know it’s important to prevent the spread of microorganisms to your other clothing. Luckily, a mild detergent will do the trick without harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics. Some tips for applying detergent include:
- Go light – Don’t use too much detergent—it can leave behind a soapy residue.
Detergent manufacturers also sell mild detergent specifically for delicates.
- Avoid rubbing – If you’re hand washing your underwear, don’t rub the soap into the fabric. This can cause the material to deteriorate more rapidly. Instead, gently plunge the underwear in and out of the water.
- Don’t squeeze – Never hand-ring the excess water out of your underwear. You’ll end up with panties that don’t fit correctly because they’re stretched out of shape.
Why Is It Important To Kill Bacteria?
Bacteria can survive a laundry cycle if you don’t properly clean your underwear. Excess bacteria can:
- Spread to your other clothing
- Linger in your washing machine
- In rare cases, cause infection when you wear underwear with old bacteria still on them
The best way to avoid infection and bacterial spread is to wash your underwear separately with a gentle soap using the right water temperature. Some experts even recommend cleaning your washing machine regularly with a water and vinegar solution to ensure that bacteria is removed.
Step #3: Use the Appropriate Water Temperature
Whether you’re washing underwear by hand or in the washing machine, the best way to clean underwear is to use warm water.2 If you’ve ever asked what temperature to wash underwear at, around 60 degrees is ideal as it will help ward off bacteria but won’t cause your more sensitive garments to shrink. Silk and lace can be damaged by water that’s too hot.
Step #4: Hang Dry For Best Results
Lastly, you should avoid tossing your underwear into the dryer at all costs. If you’ve ever wondered “can you put underwear in the dryer?” the answer is: ideally, no. Even on a low heat setting, the dryer can get too hot. The tumbling motion can also cause damage to the thin fabrics and elastic of your panties.
Instead, hang dry your garments either on a rack or outdoors. If you hang dry them outside, avoid putting your underwear in direct sunlight as it can damage materials like silk and satin.
Other Reminders When Washing Underwear
Don't use fabric softeners because they leave harmful residue, especially for delicate underwear.
When removing stubborn stains, apply and rub baking soda to the affected areas until the stains disappear and wash as usual.
Find Your Perfect Pair With Boody Eco Wear
Which team are you on in the boxers vs. briefs debate? No matter which side you’re on, learning how to wash panties and underwear properly doesn’t have to be a chore. All it takes are a few simple steps to get clean, comfy, un-stretched pairs lining your drawer. The right care will help you keep your underwear longer, which is better for your wallet and the environment.
At Boody, we believe in stylish, comfortable, and sustainable clothing. That’s why we make our underwear collection from bamboo-derived viscose. We think you’ll fall in love at first fit, so try our underwear today. You won’t regret it.
About the Author:
Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community.
Sources:
- Women’s Health. Guide to Cleaning Your Undergarments. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a19915646/guide-to-cleaning-your-undergarments/
- Real Simple. How to Do Laundry. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-do-laundry
- Laundry Heap. How to Wash Your Underwear. https://www.laundryheap.co.uk/blog/how-to-wash-your-underwear/
- Underwear Expert. Six Do’s and Don’t’s for Washing Your Underwear, https://www.underwearexpert.com/blog/2014/01/six-dos-and-donts-for-washing-your-underwear/
- Rachel Ambrose, Hunker. How to Remove Underwear Stains, https://www.hunker.com/13422951/how-to-remove-underwear-stains
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Why Do Women's Underwear Have Pockets?
Wearing underwear is part of your everyday routine. You hop out of the shower and pull on your panties, bra, socks, and outfit; usually without overthinking the finer details. You might notice a stray thread on your favorite sweater, or a little fluff on your black pants. But what about the finer details of your undergarments? Chances are, you don’t pay much attention to them. You wear them every day - so no surprises, right? Maybe not. Have you ever wondered what the little pocket piece inside your panties is for? It’s a small detail many people overlook, which is why questions like “why do women’s panties have a pocket?” come up so often. That small piece of fabric is called a gusset and it’s there to keep your intimate area comfortable and protected.1 Let’s explore what a gusset does and why it’s an important feature in underwear. Why Gussets Exist in Women’s Undergarments (and What That Little “Pocket” Really Does) Now that we’ve drawn your attention there, you may be thinking about that small square of fabric at the bottom of your panties.2 It’s easy to wonder what the pocket in women’s underwear is used for when you first notice it, but this tiny panel plays a big role in comfort and hygiene. Without a proper gusset - especially in underwear made from synthetic materials - your underwear could be far less comfortable. In fact, the state of the gusset often indicates when it’s time to replace underwear. You don’t only find gussets in panties. This extra piece of fabric is also common in: Tights Pantyhose Leggings Workout pants and shorts In all of these garments, the gusset helps keep your genitals protected and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Protection & Hygiene: The Real Function Behind the Pocket-like Gusset So… what is the pocket in panties for? The main answer is protection. Many undergarments are made with fabrics that feel soft but aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking. That’s why the gusset is generally made from a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, often similar to the bamboo-viscose blend used in many comfy underwear designs. This is ultimately the reason why panties have a pocket built into the design. Your body naturally produces moisture in the form of vaginal discharge, - this is normal and healthy.3 However, when you wear underwear that traps moisture and doesn’t allow airflow, you may be increasing the risk of: Yeast infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Bacterial vaginosis A well-designed gusset helps keep the genital area dry, ventilated, and hygienic. That said, choosing underwear with the right fabric isn’t enough - how you wash your underwear, especially around the gusset area, also matters for maintaining hygiene. You can read more about proper care in our guide on how to wash underwear. Comfort & Fit: How the Gusset Works Like a Soft Pocket Layer Aside from hygiene, comfort is another major reason why panties have a pocket. Sensitive skin around the vulva can easily be irritated by rough fabrics or seams. If your underwear is made from materials like satin, silk, polyester, lace, nylon, lycra, or spandex, those fabrics can bunch up or chafe - especially without a gusset to provide a soft, protective layer. Without it, the answer to why there is a pocket in panties becomes clear… it acts as a soft barrier against irritating fabrics. Imagine going commando in a pair of jeans: the friction from seams rubbing against skin can be painful. A gusset gives you a soft cushion between your skin and potentially irritating fabric making underwear wearable all day long. For breathable comfort and secure fit, you might also consider underwear crafted from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo viscose and designed to allow airflow around your genitals. Browse some of our options in the women’s underwear collection, or explore specialised designs like period & leak-proof underwear or maternity-friendly underwear. Do All Women’s Undies Have That Pocket-Style Gusset? Here’s What to Know Most do. Because the gusset offers both comfort and protection, it’s rarely left out. You’ll see it across everything from everyday panties to period & leak-proof underwear, where the gusset adds a soft, breathable layer for comfort. As for how the gusset is constructed: often it’s sewn on three sides, creating a pocket-like section that is open on the fourth side. This design choice is less about function and more about efficiency - it’s faster and more cost-effective to sew only three sides. Buying New Underwear? Here’s Why the Pocket-Like Gusset Should Be on Your Checklist Leaving the gusset open isn’t the only cost-cutting shortcut some underwear makers use. Cheap fabrics, poor stitching, rough seams, and uncomfortable adornments also signal lower-quality underwear - which can compromise comfort and hygiene. For best results, choose underwear that: Uses natural, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo viscose Fits well around your waist, hips, and legs (not too tight or too loose) Lets your skin and genitals breathe and stay dry Do Men’s Underwear Include a Gusset, Similar to the Pocket in Women’s Panties? Yes! Men’s underwear typically includes a gusset,4 often located around or along the inseams. So the reason as to “why does underwear have a pocket?” Is that the gusset reduces the number of seams that rub against the skin, which decreases chafing and improves overall comfort. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, the presence of a gusset helps the underwear conform better to the body. You can read more about design differences in our boxers vs briefs guide. The Bottom Line: What That Little ‘Pocket’ in Women’s Underwear Actually Does When someone asks "what is the little pocket in women’s underwear for?" now you know. The gusset provides comfort, moisture-management, and protection for sensitive skin. For optimal comfort and hygiene, choose underwear made from high-quality, breathable, moisture-wickling materials like bamboo or organic cotton. If you’re interested, many of our styles deliver just that. About the Author: Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community. Sources: Health. 6 Underwear Rules Every Woman Should Live By. https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by Business of Fashion. Gusset. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/gusset MedlinePlus. Vaginal Itching and Discharge: Adult and Adolescent. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm Textile School. Anatomy of Men’s Underwear. https://www.textileschool.com/308/anatomy-of-mens-underwear-briefs/#:~:text=In%20men's%20underwear%2C%20the%20gusset,thus%20formed%20%E2%80%93%20fitting%20and%20comfortable
