Published on March 25, 2026
As the countdown to the New Year approaches, many people are looking to make intentional choices about how they wrap up the year. One intriguing aspect of New Year’s Eve celebrations is the belief that the color of your underwear can influence the fortune of the coming year. Whether you’re gearing up for a lively party or cozying up at home to watch the ball drop, the color of your panties may hold deeper significance than you think—potentially serving as a symbol for the qualities you’d like to embody in 2026.
Anabel Maldonado, founder of PSYKHE and a fashion psychologist, sheds light on this fascinating superstition, which touches upon the concept of “enclothed cognition.” This theory posits that the way we dress significantly influences our psychological states, thoughts, and feelings. Research conducted academics, Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky, highlighted that people donned in white doctor’s coats exhibited heightened focus compared to their counterparts in painter’s coats, suggesting that prior associations with the clothing impacted their behavior.
“While the superstitions suggest a metaphysical outcome—like the color will magically transform your fortunes—there’s a psychological element at play,” Maldonado explains. She points out that many women from her Latin heritage traditionally wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve, believing that it boosts their prospects for a loving year ahead.
So, what do the different underwear colors signify for those looking to set their intentions as they transition into 2026? Each hue carries its own symbolism, offering a fun twist to New Year’s Eve rituals.
For those eager to shop, here are some suggestions for underwear in various colors:
– White no-show briefs: Old Navy High-Waisted No-Show Briefs at $4 (originally $8)
– Green hipster panties: b.bare Hipster Panties at $10 (originally $15)
– A blue, lacy thong: Victoria’s Secret Lace Strappy-Back String Thong Panty at $15
– Lemon-sherbet hued briefs: Stripe and Stare Original Brief at $28
– A pink, floral-embroidered lace thong: Gooseberry Fuchsia Dainty Thong at $30
– Black lace briefs: Hanky Panky Signature Lace French Brief at $34
– A sheer red thong: Bluebella Marian Thong at $44
This New Year’s Eve, consider how your choice of color might reflect your aspirations for the coming year. Whether you align with a specific tradition or simply enjoy the fun of the ritual, the color of your underwear can be a playful nod to the future you hope to create.