There's a Superstition About the Underwear You Wear On New Year's Eve

I learned long ago that your New Year's Eve plans rarely set the tone for the year ahead. Personally, I've celebrated with both sticky, basement college hangs and quiet nights in with my family, and all of it has lead to the same old mix of good and bad. Still, there is one superstition I'll keep in mind while welcoming 2022: the color of my underwear, which is said to determine the type of luck a person will have for the next 12 months.

To be honest, I'm still unsure when I first found out about this tiny detail, but for most of my life, I've played along — even as a small way to help manifest things like love, wealth, and friendship. For the most part, it's just a fun little game, but many countries actually do have long-held traditions of associating underwear color with luck. It's also a great reminder that you don't actually know what a new year might bring, or the positive experiences you may have. By the time next year's Dec. 31 rolls around, you could be a totally different person, full of fun stories about things you haven't yet done, with new friends you've yet to meet. Right now, my life feels drastically different from the end of 2020, and it definitely felt different from the end of 2019.

Even astrologers agree that different colors contain different types of energy. Dressing for your aura might just help to alter your mood and overcome obstacles, while Pantone's Color of the Year, Very Peri, is said to bring optimism and confidence.

Wither way, I'll take any ounce of luck where I can get it. So, if you, like me, want to start 2022 on a positive note, take a look at the meanings behind each underwear color, then prepare to break out those babies before 12 a.m.

Red Underwear

Wear It If: You're in the mood for more love and romance. Maybe you're ready for a new relationship, or you're simply tired of being single. Maybe you'd love to spend more time with your significant other and could really use that extra boost. Red is said to bring passion.

Shop a Pair: Savage X Fenty Tagged by Savage High-Leg Thong; $20

White Underwear

Wear It If: You're hoping for more peace and tranquility. Whether it's your job, family, or something else that's stressing you out, this is your reminder to breathe, and trust that the future won't always be so tense.

Shop a Pair: SKIMS Cotton Rib Mid-Rise Brief; $20

Yellow Underwear

Wear It If: You're hoping to boost your bank account in 2022. This color signifies money and wealth, so perhaps you'll finally land your dream job or get the promotion you've been hoping for in the year ahead.

Shop a Pair: Parade Boyshort Re:Play; $11

Black Underwear

Wear It If: You're ready to take charge or regain some control. Black means power, and it's also one of the most classic colors. It feels streamlined, organized, and signals that you didn't come to play around. You've got your goals. Now, focus and go get them.

Shop a Pair: ThirdLove Everyday Cotton Mid-Rise Brief; $12

Green Underwear

Wear It If: You're in the mood for an adventure or, at the very least, a change of scenery. Obviously green means nature, but it also means life. This pair might attract that burst of energy you so badly need, or send you down a path that means big things for your future. It's one that's full of possibility and a feeling of freedom.

Shop a Pair: MeUndies Stretch Cotton Hipster; $14

Pink Underwear

Wear It If: You're ready to feel the love, in every meaning of the word. Pink isn't as fiery as red; this color is more sweet and harmonious, like a really great hug from a really great friend. In fact, wearing this color might inspire you to make more concrete plans with your core group, or hit up your old work besties for a much-needed catchup over drinks.

Shop a Pair: Old Navy Lace Cheeky Thong Underwear for Women; $8

Blue Underwear

Wear It If: Your goal this year is to eat better, work out more, and take more mental breaks. This one is all about wellness, so wear it as a reminder to listen to your body and make your health a priority.

Shop a Pair: Aerie Ribbed Cotton High Cut Thong Underwear; $9