What a man should keep in reserve in the drawer

Short answer: A man should keep a small reserve of what he uses every day: underwear, socks and a soft T-shirt or sweatshirt. That way you can change when something is in the wash and avoid being caught without on a busy morning.

Why have a reserve at all

A reserve is not a stockpile but a buffer. It makes sure you can change even if the laundry has not been done, or you stay away from home longer than planned. It is cheap to have, and it removes a small, annoying worry from daily life, especially when travelling and in busy weeks.

Underwear comes first

What you wear closest to the body should not run out. Keep a couple of extra pairs beyond what you use in a normal week, so you can handle a delayed wash. Stick with the ones that fit well and do not rub. See a full selection under bamboo underwear for men.

Socks vanish quickly

With socks it is most often the partner that goes missing. So keep an extra pair in a fixed pile, so you never end up with a single one. Choose them in the same type and colour, so they can easily be paired again if some go missing. This makes the wash and the drawer easier to keep track of.

An extra T-shirt or two

A T-shirt is used up quickly, especially if you sweat or spill. Keep a clean one in reserve that can be put on without ironing. Choose a plain model that goes with everything and that you can wear under other clothes or on its own. Then you always have something to put on.

Something warm for cold days

Keep an extra warm layer ready to put on if the weather turns. A soft sweatshirt or a hoodie covers many situations and is pleasant to have to hand. You can read more about the range for men if you are missing something for layering.

Trousers for home

A comfortable pair of trousers for home is a nice reserve when the day's clothes are dirty. You can change quickly, and the day's clothes can go in the wash without you sitting in something that pinches. See for instance bamboo sweatpants for men if you want something soft and relaxed.

Keep the reserve separate

Put the reserve in a small pile of its own, so it does not mix with the daily clothes. That way you can quickly see when you have reached it and when it is time to wash. The drawer stays orderly, and you avoid searching for the right piece.

Top up when the reserve is used

When you have used some of the reserve, top it up at the next opportunity. It is a habit that takes only a moment but gives peace of mind. At the same time keep an eye out for anything worn so it can be replaced. A small reserve should be usable, not just filling in the drawer.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of underwear should a man keep in reserve?

It depends on how often you wash. One pair more than the week's use is usually enough to handle a delayed wash or an unexpected overnight stay.

Should the reserve be used or saved for emergencies?

Feel free to use it when the need arises, and then top it up again. A reserve that is never used only takes up space in the drawer without being useful.

How do I keep the drawer tidy with a reserve?

Put the reserve in a small pile of its own or a small box. That way you can see when it is used up, and the drawer stays easy to survey.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.