New Study Finds Kids Facing Underwear Insecurity Are More Likely to Have Academic Setbacks, Struggle with Social Interactions, and Miss School Activities

Undies for Everyone (UFE)® and Fruit of the Loom have once again joined forces to make a difference in the lives of underserved children across the nation. In honor of National Underwear Day on August 5th, Fruit of the Loom will donate 250,000 pairs of underwear to Undies for Everyone, ensuring that 35,000 more children will receive a week’s supply of undies. This partnership aims to address the issue of underwear insecurity by ensuring more kids have access to new underwear.

Nearly 17 million children living in poverty and/or crisis throughout the country go without basic essentials such as underwear. In fact, a recent study conducted by Rice University’s Social Policy Analysis Program has revealed alarming findings. Children facing underwear insecurity are 65% more likely to be held back a grade level, 41% more likely to struggle with making friends, and 44% less likely to participate in school activities. These findings emphasize the difficulties children who don’t have this basic need experience at school.

Undies for Everyone, a national non-profit dedicated to providing new underwear to children in need, is committed to addressing underwear insecurity. This year alone, UFE will provide over 1.75 million pairs of underwear to more than 250,000 children, ensuring each kid has a week’s supply of fresh underwear. 

Fruit of the Loom, known for its well-made, well-priced underwear for the whole family, has partnered with UFE since 2022, donating more than 1 million pairs to date. “Brightening the world for a better tomorrow is an important part of who we are at Fruit of the Loom,” said Karen Kendrick, VP Brand Communications and Creative Services, Fruit of the Loom. “This partnership allows us to help in providing children with a foundation towards empowering them to look and feel their best.”