Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothes

What’s your laundry schedule like? Do you wash your clothes as often as Monica and Chandler (Friends)? Or are you more of a ‘laundry virgin’ like Rachel, putting it off until absolutely necessary? Either way, chances are you’re not getting it quite right.
Most of us are washing our wardrobes far more often than necessary. This habit not only wastes time and resources but also causes unnecessary wear on our garments. Different clothing types have different needs, and knowing this is crucial to keep your clothes lasting longer while also reducing your environmental footprint.

T-shirts and tank tops are part of our everyday lives. How often do you wash them? Well, they should typically be washed after every wear. These garments are close-fitting, sitting directly against your skin, and therefore collect sweat, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If the fabric is cotton, you can use stronger detergents and higher heat.

Now, when it comes to dresses, you can typically wash them after one to three wears, depending on their condition. If your dress has no visible stains, noticeable odour, or has not come into contact with significant dirt, you can wear it a couple of times, especially in the case of heavier fabrics like denim dresses or structured midi dresses. On the other hand, light summer dresses may need a wash after one or two wears.

Most people make the mistake of overwashing their pants and trousers. Your regular pants, like casual chinos and everyday or work trousers, can comfortably go two to three wears between washes. You really have to look at the condition of your pants. Are they dirty? Are there any visible stains? Do the pants smell? If so, you should wash them; otherwise, you can use them a couple of times before washing.

Now, the case of denim pants is entirely different. They don’t get dirty immediately. If you work indoors in air-conditioned offices and wear denim jeans, you only have to wash them after six to seven wears. Levi’s recommends that its customers wash their jeans after every 10 wears. After each wear, turn the pants inside out and allow them to air in sunlight before returning them to the wardrobe. This will naturally kill odour-causing bacteria without using any water.

When it comes to outer-layer outfits like blazers, coats or jackets, only minimal washing is required. You can typically wear them four to five times before washing. As these articles of clothing rarely come into direct contact with your body, they do not accumulate sweat like inner layers. Unless you’ve spilled something or visibly soiled your jacket, you can wear it several times before washing. Less is more in this case. The same goes for wool sweaters and knitwear. Use cold water with a specialised wool detergent, handle gently by hand, and then lay flat to dry.

How often do you wash your innerwear? Innerwear should ideally be washed after every wear. However, the case is different for bras. Bras are among the most over-laundered garments in any wardrobe. They can comfortably go two to three wears before washing, unless you’ve sweated a lot or engaged in physical activity. Hand-washing is best for bras; use cooler water, a milder detergent, and air-dry them. This will prevent elastic breakdown and extend the bra’s functional lifespan significantly.

Athletic clothing and workout gear are a clear exception to the ‘less is more’ washing rule. You have to wash your gym clothes after every use. Leggings, sports bras, tank tops, and other pieces should be laundered after every single wear. This is because these garments come into direct contact with sweat. Turn them inside out before washing to protect the exterior finish and reduce pilling. Wash them in a mixture of water and white vinegar to neutralise odours, use a gentle detergent, and always air-dry completely. Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets with these garments.