ARTICLES
Does Underwear Matter?
WHAT DID YOU SEARCH TO END UP HERE?
Hmm…
With i-D declaring that frumpy underwear is officially in according to SS23 runway collections, let us delve into the world of sorting our underwear drawers out for 2023, yeah?
Undies, panties, intimates, pants, garments, bloomers, knickers... whatever you call them, you're surely wearing a pair right now? Imagine this: When was the last time you decided to assess and throw out your old underwear? Not sure?
According to TikTok, you should be throwing out your underwear every 6 months. 6 months? I've got underwear in my drawer from 10+ years ago. Now I'm being pressured to purchase underwear every 6 months?! When you're looking for sound information, TikTok is certainly not the place to go. What were times like before TikTok misinformed the masses?
Gynaecologists advise there's no reason to be getting rid of your underwear so often.
One of my new year's goals is to sort my life out - and within that is sorting out my (dreaded) underwear drawer. The act of organising and sorting out this specific drawer is a process that I tend to ignore for as long as possible. I've been holding on to 30 odd pieces of underwear for a veeeeeery long time now. I have a go-to pile, a period pile, and a lone, forgotten pile that sits at the back of my drawer in their very own clique.
There are mainly five reasons why I keep my (old and tatty) underwear, these include:
I don't know what to do with them;
I keep worn out underwear for specific days of my cycle so that I don't care if they get stained;
It is wise to have back-ups. I saw this meme a while ago that people pack an extra five pair of underwear on holiday in case something unfortunate happens... Although I abide by this rule, I haven't experienced the need for an extra pair;
Buying new and good quality underwear can be expensive! And they're going to get stained at some point as well; and
They still function as they're meant to. So it doesn't make any sense to buy new underwear when it's not necessary to do so.
I'm a big advocate for using my clothing until it's no longer appropriate to wear and/or repair, but I question what benefits it can bring if I update my underwear drawer. My dream underwear drawer (yes), would look like this:
It would make me look and feel good for myself;
It would consist of 14-20 pairs of good quality, comfortable, and reliable underwear that will last me a long time. With my clothes, I've been into less is more lately; and
It would provide me with stress-free periods where I'm not worried about whether or not pads adhere to my underwear, uncomfortableness, or leaks when carrying out my day-to-day business.
After deciding to finally deal with said drawer, I'm going to let you in on the benefits of doing this:
I Feel More Confident In Myself
Lingerie is a tool to help us express how we want to be seen by others (i.e., social identity), and also how we want to feel internally (i.e., satisfaction and comfort) (Jantzen et al., 2006).
Although your underwear is one of those clothing items that are usually not seen by other people, they are in fact seen and felt by you as their wearer. I've recognised that I definitely feel a lot more confident knowing that I'm wearing gorgeous underwear that is comfortable and suits my body. Go ahead, rock those marvellous Marvel underwear during your big presentation if you like them.
Wearing underwear that suits you will make you feel more confident. Underwear that has lost its elasticity loses its purpose because it no longer supports or fits you correctly. Because my underwear now are a better fit, I feel more comfortable in my clothes and no longer worry about panty lines. One thing I cannot stand is underwear that is too tight causing bulges.
One thing to keep in mind is that comfort goes a long way past looks. Underwear serves us for practical reasons mostly... Don't feel pressured to look like someone else or expect to look like someone else because you bought into advertised underwear. Wedgies certainly don't make me feel confident, don't feel cool and are not something you want to be thinking about when you're going about your business. Dress you, for you.
A recent study has shown that women wear underwear to feel 'sexy', 'desired', and 'aroused', especially when in a romantic relationship (Craig & Gray, 2020).
Less Clutter Means More Space
What is this? I can finally close my drawers? Sorting out my underwear drawer has given me more space. There is no more messy, crammed, unfolded pile of underwear looming in the dark of the drawer obstructing me from fully opening them out.
I Feel Less Embarrassment
I get embarrassed hanging my underwear to dry inside/outside because of stains (i.e., blood and discharge) and holes. You'll only understand this when you live with other people. No matter how well you care for and wash your underwear, there will always be stains and holes at some point. That's life and there's nothing to be ashamed about! The reality is, this happens to all of us although we don't necessarily have the opportunity to admit it.
Holes are a sign that you've worn your underwear very well and it's time for you to get a new pair. Say bye, bye. They are no longer serving you purpose (think of wearing a slice of Swiss cheese).
I now feel proud to hang my underwear outside and let them harness the sun's energy to dry (on the odd occasion where the weather is good though).
I've Learned to Appreciate My Clothes More
Knowing that I've bought good quality underwear, I tend to take better care of them. I now fold them neatly and arrange them in neat piles. Some people find putting clothes away to be relaxing. Also, I don't stick them in the dryer anymore where they always tend to shrink. I used to chuck my underwear in their designated drawer and call it a day.
Purchasing clothes has never been easier than it is today with just one click of a button. Unfortunately our clothes today take a long process to get to our doorsteps. We don't necessarily think about or see this process for ourselves. Our underwear usually goes through such a process where it gets manufactured in other countries by underpaid and overworked labourers, gets packaged in plastic, takes a couple of trips in a cargo airplane, gets transported via lorry to a distribution centre or a warehouse, then from there gets distributed to stores or to our homes. When we're done with our clothes, we just chuck them in the bin where they are then once again transported via lorry to landfill and left to cause pollution. And this is just a simplified version of events.
With this, I no longer purchase cheap, poor quality clothing that has no chance of surviving the next 5-10 years. In the literature, it appears that when products are of greater quality, consumers develop greater attachments to them; which means that products aren't disposed of as often (Niinimäkia & Hassi, 2011). Having high levels of clothing sustainability knowledge has an influence on our clothing disposal behaviours (Yan et al., 2021).
Taking the time to appreciate what you have goes a long way and makes you more conscious of how you treat your belongings in the long term.
The Stress of Choosing Which Underwear To Wear Is Gone
One of my least favourite parts of the day is choosing what outfit to wear the next day. After reorganising my underwear drawer, choosing underwear is now a breeze as I don't have to think about whether panty lines will show or if colours will come through. I don't have to think hard about choosing which underwear to wear anymore! Less time is wasted on something that isn't really important.
I Have No Guilt Getting Rid of Them
Because underwear is something seen as so intimate - I didn't know what to do with my unwanted underwear at all. If you're not sure what to do with underwear you're not keen on, there are a handful of things you can do with them which doesn't include just throwing them in the bin. Surprisingly, it has been shown that how involved you are with 'fashion' influences how you deal with your unwanted clothing. It has been shown that those more involved with fashion are more likely to resell, swap, or take back their unwanted clothes with the majority of us either just donating or disposing of them (Weber et al., 2017).
If you have bought underwear and not used them - Consider listing them on a second-hand clothing site (read their terms and conditions before on intimates), donating them to a charity, giving them to a relative or friend (this one can be weird if you view it that way), and using them as materials in arts and crafts. You can also repurpose them to make pet toys, hair accessories, and anti-chafing bands if they are lace.
If your underwear is used, see below, or reuse unsoiled parts of them in arts and crafts (washed of course).
If your underwear is ready to be disposed of, don't just throw them in the bin. Instead, take them to a textiles recycling centre. Textile recycling has come a long way.
If none of these options appeal to you then there's maybe a Facebook Group out there that will kindly accept your underwear (in whatever form).
The Take-Home
When you have the time, sit down and sort out your underwear drawer. Pull out your drawer, rest it on your bed, take all of your undies out. Then one by one, fold your underwear and arrange them nicely. As you go through each piece of underwear you own, keep in mind whether or not it serves you purpose.
Craig, L. K., & Gray, P. B. (2020). Women's use of intimate apparel as subtle sexual signals in committed, heterosexual relationships. PloS one, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230112
Jantzen, C., Østergaard, P. & Vieira, C. M. S. (2006). Becoming a ‘woman to the backbone’: Lingerie consumption and the experience of feminine identity. Journal of Consumer Culture, 6(2), 177-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469540506064743
Niinimäkia, K. & Hassi, L. (2011). Emerging design strategies in sustainable production and consumption of textiles and clothing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(16), 1876-1883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.04.020
Weber, S., Lynes, J. and Young, S. B. (2017). Fashion interest as a driver for consumer textile waste management: reuse, recycle or disposal. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 41, 207-215. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12328
Yan, R., Diddi, S., & Bloodhart, B. (2021). Predicting clothing disposal: The moderating roles of clothing sustainability knowledge and self-enhancement values. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clrc.2021.100029
A Lesson From America’s Next Top Model
America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) was a reality TV series in which contestants competed to receive a modelling contract with a modelling agency. There are international versions of the series, including Britain and Ireland.
WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!
Thank you Tyra for inspiring PBMIF’s name. <3
Sometimes when I’m bored, I look at my specially curated YouTube playlist of all my favourite videos. Such including old Vines, vlogs, beautifully directed movie scenes, tutorials, recipes, and pop culture memes.
Ever so often I come across the infamous ANTM Tiffany spat (the one where Tyra states, “I was rooting for you. We were all rooting for you!”).
As much as I find it a good source of inspiration to keep me humble, looking back at the series, especially the earlier cycles, the way the contestants were treated was wrong and humiliating. Plain and simple. Needless to say, this opinion is not new.
However, was this an accurate depiction of the modelling industry over a decade ago? Probably, yes, but with a sprinkling of contrived drama, and a perspective that was once accepted without question at the time.
One thing that has caught most attention lately are the ‘makeover’ episodes whereby contestants are given haircuts or cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance for modelling, essentially acting as a unique selling point for each contestant.
Looking back at it, I used to think, what would these people change about my appearance? Considering that this series’ target audience was mainly young and impressionable women – it doesn’t sit right. Besides that, don’t get me started on the ridiculous assignments.
Why am I watching a contestant getting knocked over by a pendulum decoration? Don’t get me wrong, the modelling industry is built on critique, but it doesn’t have to be obnoxious critique. Of course being a model in the real world isn’t all sweet but why can’t it be?
Why does it have to be demoralising?
Looking back at it, I used to think, what would these people change about my appearance?
Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a reality TV series and a bit of drama needs to take place, but if ANTM was to live another day in today’s world, would it feature arguments, mocking, fights, controversial photoshoots, and tears? What is the limit of a reality TV series?
What is the impact of being on a programme like this on the contestants’ mental health just for the sake of entertainment? Contestants who have supposedly never lived with a group of other people, never lived away from home, never had any experience modelling, or never coped with criticism and/or damning remarks in a tough, exploitative, and secretive industry? On that note, what support can TV producers offer their contestants who experience large exposure in a matter of days?
According to recent contestants of modern reality TV series, there is simply not enough support before, during, and after appearing on these shows.
The series, first aired in 2003, can be used as a lesson to show what is wrong can be made right… it’s an example that things change over time, that things can change for the better. Things were different back then. If we just open our eyes, a lot has changed. We see all types of models, brands are beginning to promote inclusivity, and excessive retouching of models is called out… just to name a few developments.
Let’s learn from these issues and actually make changes instead of just acknowledging it when it becomes relevant every now and then.
Revamping Retail
I’m a Gen Z, and over the years I have found that my preference for shopping at shopping centres and malls is greatly diminishing. I would say it’s due to ridiculous car parking costs, nowhere interesting to eat (Maccy D’s is not going to cut it), crowds, closed down stores, trampled clothes all over shop floors, graffiti, metres of shopfront shutters, and long queues. Why bother to go to a mall when you can shop from the comfort of your sofa… and not have to interact with a single soul?
Y’ALL STILL SHOP IN PERSON?
When I talk about shopping centres, I am collectively talking about shopping centres, malls, and areas that people can shop. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have visited many shopping centres over my lifetime. Each have their own interesting qualities and dare I say, vibes. I recently had the pleasure of going to a handful of shopping centres in Europe. Totally different vibes compared to shopping centres in the UK. There were things to do, there were a variety of stores for all ages, the customer service was generous, clothes weren’t scattered all over the floor, the food courts had actual vendors, and there were functioning toilets! What can shopping centres do in the UK to win my affections once more?
Be pleasant and welcoming
In general, what draws people to shopping centres is a variety of stores and a pleasant environment (Calvo-Porral & Lévy-Mangín, 2018). It has been found that in the UK, those who find their shopping experience pleasurable and enjoyable at their local shopping centre are more likely to return/have the desire to return some time in the future (Hart et al., 2007). No surprise there. Who would want to revisit somewhere with limited accessibility, restrooms that are unclean, poor customer service, and unappealing stores? I would like to see signs, cool attractions, abundant lighting, greenery, places to sit, bins, wide corridors, nice smells, and nice views.
Encourage me
It has been found that the longer it takes for a shopper to get to a shopping destination, the longer they are to spend at the shopping destination (Baghaee et al., 2021). It makes sense. Therefore, shopping centres that I don’t live near should encourage me to travel to them. Put ads out, look nice, tell me what makes you different to all the others, and give me benefits. I’ll find a way to visit you.
Think about younger shoppers
Bawa et al. (2019) explored young shoppers’ experiences of mall shopping. Young shoppers are likely to spend, at most, 3 hours shopping at a time. That’s quite a lot of hours. Young shoppers greatly appreciate the convenience of having everything under one roof. Having everything under one roof means that everything is accessible in one place, and that poor weather can’t interrupt the shopping experience. “Oh, you want to go to that Thai restaurant? It’s not in the centre, it’s a twenty minute walk and you’ll have to cross 3 and a half roads.” Choice is also super important for young shoppers in terms of being able to access a variety of brands. Young shoppers also greatly appreciate the hedonic aspects (joyful experiences) associated with malls such as browsing, play areas, spending time with friends and family, and viewing shows and exhibitions. I always liked the smell of popcorn lingering around. A shopping centre should be a fun and exciting place to hang out and do different things.
The closer, the better
It has been found that consumers with limited access to shops purchase more online (Maat & Konings, 2018). By shopping online, no time or money is spent on travelling to shopping destinations. Therefore, it would be great if shopping centres could open locally to stop me from opening up my MacBook and clicking away.
Don't bother me (too much)
When I go shopping, I don’t generally like to be approached by others nor approach others myself. I like to avoid kiosks at all costs. If I see someone that looks like they’re going to approach me, I will pretend I can’t see them and speed walk away. Runyan et al. (2012) found that the presence of kiosks in malls can negatively affect a shopper’s shopping experience. Obviously if I run away from you, you can’t sell a product to me. If kiosks are to be present, they should be positioned near stores that offer similar goods (Runyan et al., 2012). In contrast, according to Medrano et al. (2016), many shoppers find courteous attention an important aspect of shopping. Therefore the researchers recommend that stores should train their staff to acknowledge shoppers and be able to offer them a personalised and professional service without getting too intimate (Medrano et al., 2016).
Baghaee, S., Nosratabadi, S., Aram, F., & Mosavi, A. (2021). Driving factors behind the social role of retail centers on recreational activities. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1905218
Bawa, R., Sinha, A. & Kant, R. (2019). Emerging Mall Culture and Shopping Behavior of Young Consumers. Advances in Anthropology, 9, 125-150. https://doi.org/ 10.4236/aa.2019.93010
Calvo-Porral, C. & Lévy-Mangín, J.-P. (2018). Pull factors of the shopping malls: an empirical study. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 46(2), 110-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-02-2017-0027
Hart, C., Farrell, A. M., Stachow, G., Reed, G., & Cadogan, J. W. (2007). Enjoyment of the Shopping Experience: Impact on Customers' Repatronage Intentions and Gender Influence. The Service Industries Journal, 27(5), 583-604. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642060701411757
Maat, K. & Konings, R. (2018). Accessibility or Innovation? Store Shopping Trips versus Online Shopping. Transportation Research Record, 2672(50), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118794044
Medrano, N., Olarte-Pascual, C., Pelegrín-Borondo, J., & Sierra-Murillo, Y. (2016). Consumer Behavior in Shopping Streets: The Importance of the Salesperson's Professional Personal Attention. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 125. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00125
Runyan, R., Kim, J. & Baker, J. (2012). The mall as bazaar: How kiosks influence consumer shopping behaviour. Journal of Marketing Management, 28, 1, 85-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2011.621442