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- Every August 5
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National Underwear Day arrives every August 5, inviting us to appreciate the foundational garment that supports, covers, and expresses personal style. From practical basics to luxurious lingerie, underwear is a daily necessity often overlooked. Join the celebration by refreshing your drawer, trying a new style, or simply appreciating the comfort beneath it all.
Want to sponsor National Underwear Day? Learn how
Expected National Underwear Day Deals
As National Underwear Day approaches, expect major retailers and specialty brands to roll out enticing promotions. In 2026, look for deals from Hanes and Jockey offering multi-packs at discounted prices, while fashion-forward brands like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret might feature buy-one-get-one offers or percentage-off sales on their latest collections. Online retailers such as MeUndies and Parade often run sitewide discounts or offer free gifts with purchase. Additionally, department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom are likely to host sales across their entire intimates departments. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Underwear Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalUnderwearDay. Share a ‘what’s in my underwear drawer’ trend or a styling video for different outfits.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalUnderwearDay. Post a flat lay of your favorite underwear styles or a reel showcasing comfortable loungewear.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalUnderwearDay. Ask your community about their favorite underwear brands or comfort tips.
National Underwear Day Hero
The Evolution of Underwear
History of National Underwear Day
National Underwear Day was originally created by the brand Freshpair in 2003, as a campaign promoting a positive body image. Although men were part of the initiative as well, the focus was more on women, and how society perceives their body image. This was during a time when being confident in one’s bare skin was somewhat a new concept, and market trends were rapidly changing. The movement went viral, and National Underwear Day has been celebrated on August 5 every year since.
The first underwear dates back to prehistoric times — with humans wearing a loincloth. During the Middle Ages, men wore linen shorts or ‘braies.’ Women wore a ‘shift’ under their dresses. In Britain, pants were long drawers covering the whole leg. (In fact, the word, ‘panties’ evolved from a shortened version of the word ‘pants.’) But women’s knickers didn’t appear until the 19th century.
While underwear is primarily for protecting clothes from getting stained, the rising demand for lingerie led to more fashionable varieties of underwear. Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucile was the first to create lingerie that freed women from tight corsets. Breakthrough brand Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977 and made underwear and nightwear both fun and functional for daily wear.
National Underwear Day celebrates boxers, briefs, sports bras, and even some swimsuits. If it is worn underneath your clothing, it is an undergarment worth celebrating!
National Underwear Day timeline
French designer Lindsay Boudreaux becomes the first full-time underwear designer in the United States.
Agent Provocateur is founded in the U.K.
The largest crowd wearing only undergarments gathers in Salt Lake City, setting a Guinness World Record.
Nude-colored underwear becomes popular, with more consumers opting for it instead of bright vivid colors.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Underwear Day
Local businesses can embrace National Underwear Day with creative promotions and community engagement. Lingerie boutiques and clothing stores can host ‘refresh your drawer’ sales, offering discounts on new collections or multi-pack bundles. Dry cleaners might offer special rates on delicate garment cleaning to promote proper care. Even unexpected businesses, like laundromats, could offer a themed discount day. Consider partnering with a local shelter to collect new, unopened underwear donations, highlighting the importance of this basic necessity for everyone.
Underwear By The Numbers
21 — the number of pairs of underwear the average American woman owns.
10% — the percentage of women in the U.S. who own more than 35 pairs of underwear.
215 — the record for the most pairs of underwear worn by 10-year-old Jack Singer in 2010.
6 — the number of different bra sizes the average woman will wear in her life.
6 — the number of months after which bras should be replaced.
$5 million — the earnings of the highest-paid Victoria’s Secret model, Giselle Bundchen.
9% — the percentage of men in America who own underwear that is at least 10 years old.
1,613 — the number of underwear stolen by Greg Flaherty in 1935.
1935 — the year when men’s briefs were invented.
80% — the percentage of women who wear the wrong bra size.
National Underwear Day FAQs
When is National Underwear Day?
National Underwear Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 5. It’s the perfect mid-week reminder to appreciate the comfort and style of your favorite undergarments.
How many pairs of underwear does the average person own?
While figures vary, the average person is estimated to own between 15 and 20 pairs of underwear. This allows for a comfortable rotation between washes and different styles for various occasions.
How often should underwear be replaced?
Experts generally recommend replacing underwear every six to twelve months. Regular replacement helps maintain hygiene, elasticity, and overall comfort, ensuring your garments provide optimal support.
What is the history of underwear?
The history of underwear dates back to ancient civilizations, with early forms like loincloths providing modesty and basic protection. Over centuries, designs evolved from simple linen shifts to elaborate corsets and drawers, reflecting changing fashion and societal norms.
National Underwear Day Activities
Recruit some friends to a National Underwear Day parade you just created
Since you seem to be the type to march to the beat of a different drummer, why not put together a National Underwear Day Parade? Gather a group of your boldest, most unconventional friends and have a fun parade in someone's huge backyard. Or check online to find a large, officially-sanctioned parade in your town. A National Underwear Day Parade — hey, it could happen!
Treat yourself to a new set of underwear
Nothing says confidence than a new set of undies. True, people won't be able to see them, but you’ll know they’re there! There's always something fun and affirming about having a secret power set under your suit or dress.
Check out a burlesque show
No other type of show in the world is as much about the underwear as a burlesque show. Generally a 21+ sort of event, but if you want to see the best of extravagant undergarments, glitter, confetti, dance and music; there isn’t a better place to see it.
5 Facts About Underwear That Are Worth Knowing
Amazon Apparel
Selling underwear made Amazon the ‘Biggest Apparel Seller’ in the United States.
Underwear Fanatic
A 10-year-old named Jack Singer wore 215 pairs of underwear at once in 2010.
Lucky underwear
It is considered lucky for women to ring in the New Year by wearing red underwear.
Her Majesty’s underwear
A pair of Queen Victoria’s underwear made from yards of white cream fabric and with her initials embroidered on it, auctioned for $14,500.
Barely legal
In Thailand, it is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear.
Why We Love National Underwear Day
Wearing underwear keeps you warm
Underwear is not just limited to your standard boxer or briefs. Long Johns are underwear with life-saving properties. Mountaineers, folks who live in very cold areas and winter sports enthusiasts can swear by their long-johns!
Underwear has got your back-side
Admit it — we've all had wardrobe malfunctions. So you've been eating a few too many tacos or ice cream sandwiches and you bent over a bit too fast. You jumped over that puddle in the skirt that was a teensy bit tight. But, don't worry because your underwear has you covered literally...at least until you're able to tie your sweatshirt around your waist!
Underwear is fun
Underwear comes in so many fun colors and patterns so why not have a blast with them? Wear your favorite superhero underpants, the bright pink ones that you bought on a whim or the underwear covered in cartoon characters that you got last Christmas. On National Underwear Day, have fun with your undies!
Social Media Tips for National Underwear Day
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