The best way to store men's underwear is clean, completely dry and folded flat or rolled loosely in a drawer, with each style grouped together. Good folding protects the elastic and fabric, keeps pairs easy to find and stops waistbands from stretching out of shape.
Start with clean, fully dry pairs
Storage begins at the washing line. Damp underwear packed into a drawer picks up odours, and a stretched waistband never recovers its snap. Let every pair dry completely, shake it out and check the elastic before folding. If you need a refresher, our washing guide covers temperature, detergent and drying.
Three folding methods that work
| Method | Best for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Thirds, then in half | Trunks and boxer briefs | Neat stacks that stand upright in a drawer |
| Loose roll | Briefs, jockstraps, thongs | Saves space and avoids hard creases |
| Pouch-up half fold | Contoured pouch styles | Keeps the pouch from being crushed flat |
The thirds fold, step by step
- Lay the pair flat with the waistband at the top and smooth out any twists.
- Fold each side inward to meet in the middle.
- Fold the bottom up to the waistband and place it in the drawer on its edge.
Avoid tying the waistband around the pair or pulling the elastic tight, because that stretches the band over time.
Fold by fabric
Different fabrics reward slightly different habits. Soft modal and silk-like pairs, such as our Ice Silk Trunks, are made from modal fabric that keeps its shape, so a gentle fold with no tight pressing is enough. The Quick-Dry Modal Trunks are 91% modal and 9% spandex, which also folds flat easily.
Mesh is airy and light, so roll it loosely and avoid stacking heavy items on top. Cotton blends such as the Cotton Sport Briefs are 93.2% cotton and 6.8% spandex and handle a standard fold well, though a 1.5-inch elastic waistband stays smoother if it is not squeezed under a pile of clothes.
Build a drawer that stays organised
- Sort by style. Keep boxer briefs, briefs, jockstraps and thongs in their own rows or dividers.
- Sort by colour. Dark pairs on one side, light ones on the other, so you can dress quickly.
- Rotate the stack. Put clean pairs at the back and pull from the front, so every pair gets used.
- Use dividers. Small boxes or fabric trays stop styles from mixing.
- Give delicate pairs their own space. Keep lace, mesh and special-occasion styles separate from daily basics.
Not sure what a well-stocked drawer looks like? See our drawer essentials guide and our tips on when to replace underwear.
Common storage mistakes to avoid
- Stuffing pairs in. An overfull drawer squashes pouches and creases waistbands. Leave a little space so you can see every pair.
- Storing near heat. A drawer next to a radiator or in direct sun can dry out elastic over time. Choose a cool, dry spot.
- Mixing worn and clean pairs. A small hamper or bag by the bed keeps the drawer for clean items only.
- Hanging on hooks. Hooks and clips stretch the waistband. Lay pairs flat instead.
- Keeping every old pair. If the elastic has gone loose, it is time to retire it and free up space.
Seasonal and long-term storage
If you rotate swimwear, sports pairs or party styles by season, wash them, dry them completely and fold them into a breathable bag or box. Cotton or fabric bags let air move, while sealed plastic can trap moisture if anything is slightly damp. Add a small note on the outside so you know what is inside, and check the pairs once or twice a year to see that the elastic still feels springy.
A five-minute monthly reset
Once a month, pull everything out, refold each pair and sort by style and colour. Remove anything stretched, thinned or faded, and move pairs you rarely wear to the front so they get used. This small habit keeps the drawer tidy and makes it obvious when it is time to restock.
Packing and travel storage
For a trip, roll each pair loosely and tuck them into shoes or a small packing cube, or fold them flat inside a zip bag. Separate used pairs from clean ones. Our travel packing guide explains how many pairs to bring. Jockstrap owners can also check the jockstrap care guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I fold or roll underwear?
Either works. Fold boxer briefs and trunks flat, and roll briefs, jockstraps and thongs loosely to save space.
Does folding damage the elastic?
Not if you keep it relaxed. Avoid stretching the waistband or storing pairs under heavy piles.
Can I store underwear in a plastic bin?
Yes, if the pairs are completely dry. Use a container with a lid and keep it somewhere cool and clean.
How should I store a travel set?
Use a packing cube or zip bag, with clean and worn pairs kept apart.
Keep your basics in shape
Once your drawer is sorted, restock with our men's briefs, our boxer briefs and our best sellers. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
