How Many Pairs of Underwear Do You Actually Need?

If you’re like us, you may have asked yourself how many pairs of perfect-fit jeans, worn-in t-shirts, crisp oxfords, or (fill in the blank with your favorite clothes) you really need. How many is too many? What’s the right number? And if you’re REALLY like us, you’ve asked yourself specifically how many underwear you actually need. We’ve done a little math and determined that it depends on a few key factors.

Though we have come to the conclusion that the unsung hero of every outfit is—you guessed it—underwear. So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering “how many underwear” you should have, or how much underwear should a woman own, we’d say a few things. 

First, you’re not alone in asking these questions, and second is that it depends on your lifestyle, laundry habits, and your overall approach to getting dressed. And here’s what we’ve concluded:

Choose the Good Stuff 

In other words, quality over quantity, because life is too short for anything but the “good” underwear. Gone are the days of stuffing drawers with dozens of mismatched pairs or anything worn out. Instead, women are, thank goodness, choosing to invest in high-quality underwear that lasts longer, feels better, and supports a more intentional wardrobe. A well-made pair prioritizes comfort, feels better against your skin, and when it’s laundered with a little TLC, higher quality fabrics have a longer lifespan.

For those of us who are more minimalist in nature, minimalist lingerie becomes a natural extension of the capsule wardrobe ethos. Instead of 30 pairs that don’t spark joy, 15-20 thoughtfully chosen pairs will serve you well. 

Consider Your Lifestyle 

Back to our original question: How many pairs do you really need? Factor in your routines and regular activities:

Everyday: By our calculations, most women prefer to have a baseline of at least 7–10 pairs to cover a week’s worth of outfits without doing daily laundry.

Athletes, Add More: If you work out frequently, add a few more, especially performance-specific (read: sweat-wicking and fast-drying) underwear that feels good while you’re running, stretching, and moving around. 

Frequent Travelers: If you’re often on the go, having extras on hand will make packing a bit easier—especially for those last-minute getaways.

Altogether, most women will find that 15–20 pairs is a pretty comfortable range. This gives you more flexibility to rotate different cuts and styles, stick to a regular laundry routine (for yourself, anyway—this doesn’t even factor in your family’s laundry!) and avoid stressing over clean underwear when life inevitably gets busy.

Minimalist Lingerie for a Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re a capsule wardrobe kind of woman, versatility can be key. Think about styles that complement your clothing: seamless options for fitted pants, soft silk for everyday wear, and one or two embroidered pairs for when you want to feel extra special. Neutral shades like black, nude, and white keep things simple, while a pop of color or lace trim can add variety without overwhelming your drawer.

Minimalist lingerie doesn’t mean boring, but it does mean intentional. By choosing high-quality fabrics and flattering cuts, you’ll create a collection that feels luxurious everyday.

Sustainability and Self-Care

Another benefit of paring down your underwear collection is sustainability. Investing in fewer, better pairs reduces waste and commitments to ethical production, which we are passionate about. And if you ask us, it’s an act of self-care for ourselves and for the world. Opening a drawer filled only with pieces you love is a simple, small daily luxury.

The Bottom Line

So, how many underwear should a woman have? While the exact number varies, most women thrive with a range of 12–20 high quality, comfortable, and well-made pairs that feels like enough to cover your lifestyle, but not so many that your drawer feels cluttered. Whether you’re leaning into minimalist lingerie or building a capsule wardrobe built around your lifestyle.

In conclusion, everyone’s magic number might look a little different, but ultimately, underwear shouldn’t be an afterthought. It can (and should!) feel like a daily luxury you can count on.

SHOP ALL UNDIES NOW!