Background information
«Since becoming a mother…»
by Natalie Hemengül
Who buys used panties and why?
27.3.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Dirty underpants don’t always end up in laundry baskets. Some owners sell them on instead. Time to put this unique business model in the psychological spotlight.
It sounds almost too good to be true. No more washing your dirty knickers, but making money by selling them to anonymous online buyers. Isn’t that textbook win-win? If you’ve looked into the used underwear market, you’ll know that things aren’t as straightforward as they may seem. From prep work to packaging to shipment – a lot of work goes into the business model. Then there’s finding out which platforms are best to reach your customer base.
Not to mention the psychological aspect, which is what this article’s about. Who are the people peddling panties on the internet and who’s buying the garments? Sex therapist Dania Schiftan (page in German) has the answers to the most pressing questions and talks about the emotional challenges and dangers of a seemingly harmless trade.
Wouldn’t a used T-shirt do the trick?
In our society, it’s completely acceptable to sell, swap or pass on worn T-shirts, trousers, tank tops, bras, etc. Used underpants, however, aren’t resold due to hygienic reasons. Symbolically, this makes them a very personal, intimate object.
How open are people about this fetish?
Keeping it a secret hugely contributes to arousal. As in: if only you knew. It’s a social taboo, something forbidden.
Does this actually work to make a quick buck?
The business model definitely works once you’ve figured out how it works and where to find your customers. But what sellers often underestimate is the emotional aspect. In other words, how it makes you feel when you start sending your underpants to strangers.
Meaning?
Exchanging used panties for money seems like a pretty simple deal at first. And for many sellers this works fine. But some women get lost in thoughts after shipping off their underwear. They spiral and start asking themselves where the underpants go, who bought them and what are they using them for.
I hadn’t considered that at all.
Depending on how your brain’s wired, these thoughts and images you’ve conjured up can quickly become threatening. The thought of a strange man owning part of you can trigger things.
You can find all the other articles in this series here:
Header image: Andreea Popa via Unsplash
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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