You're standing in the middle of a crowded department store or scrolling through an endless grid on a shopping app, and you're thinking about your drawers. It sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud. Why does it matter? It’s just fabric. But for millions of people across Latin America, Italy, and increasingly the rest of the world, the question of what color underwear for New Years you choose is basically the most important fashion decision of the entire year. It’s a ritual. It's about vibes. It’s about that weird, human urge to hack the universe into giving us a better twelve months than the last ones.
Honestly, if you wear the wrong pair, are you doomed? Probably not. But why risk it?
The tradition isn't just some TikTok trend that popped up last week. It has deep, dusty roots. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, this is known as las cábalas de Año Nuevo. You aren't just getting dressed; you're setting an intention. Most people default to red or yellow, but the "underwear color wheel" is actually way more complex than that. If you’re looking for a specific outcome—maybe a promotion, a breakup that finally sticks, or just some peace and quiet—you have to be intentional.
The Red vs. Yellow Debate
Most people focus on the big two. Red and yellow.
Red is the heavy hitter. In places like Spain and Mexico, red underwear is the undisputed king of the night. It's for passion. It's for romance. If your dating life felt like a dry well in 2025, red is your go-to. But there’s a catch that most people forget: in many traditions, you aren't supposed to buy the underwear yourself. It has to be a gift. Receiving red lingerie from someone else is thought to activate the luck. If you buy it for yourself, some say it’s just... well, a new pair of underwear. No magic included.
Yellow is different. Yellow is about the hustle.
In Colombia and Chile, yellow is everywhere on December 31st. It represents the sun, gold, and—most importantly—money. It’s about prosperity. If you’re trying to manifest a fatter bank account or a career pivot, yellow is the play. Interestingly, some practitioners insist you have to wear them inside out for the first half of the night and then flip them to the "correct" side after the clock strikes midnight to "seal" the luck. It sounds high-maintenance. It kind of is. But that’s the commitment level we're talking about here.
Does the shade actually matter?
People ask this all the time. Does neon yellow count? Does burgundy work as well as bright crimson? Generally, the "rules" are flexible, but vibrancy is key. You want "life" colors. Dull, faded, or dingy gray-whites aren't going to cut it. You’re signaling to the universe that you’re ready for something fresh.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Beyond the Basics: White, Green, and Blue
If you aren't looking for a spicy romance or a bag of cash, you’ve got options. Not everyone wants a chaotic year.
White underwear is for the person who just survived a dumpster fire of a year and needs a reset. It represents peace, harmony, and clarity. It’s the "clean slate" option. If 2025 was full of drama, stress, or health scares, white is the subtle, calming choice.
Then there’s green. Green is interesting because it sits right between health and wealth. In many cultures, green represents life and growth. It’s also the color of "hope." If you’re starting a new project or maybe trying to grow a family, green is the traditional pick. It’s less aggressive than red but more grounded than yellow.
Blue is for wellness. Think of it as the color of stability. If your goal for the new year is to finally get your anxiety under control or to find a sense of "flow" in your daily life, blue is the move. It’s associated with tranquility and logic. It’s the "adulting" color of the New Year's underwear world.
Why We Actually Do This (The Psychology of Ritual)
Let’s be real for a second. There is no scientific study in a peer-reviewed journal proving that a pair of $15 cotton briefs can change your tax bracket. But that’s not really the point.
Psychologists often talk about "enclothed cognition." This is the idea that the clothes we wear influence our psychological processes. When you spend time specifically choosing what color underwear for New Years you’re going to wear, you are performing a ritual of intentionality. You are telling yourself what your priority is. If you put on yellow underwear, you are spending the whole night—subconsciously or consciously—reminded that you want to focus on your finances.
Rituals provide a sense of control in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Whether it's the "grapes at midnight" tradition or the underwear choice, these actions act as a psychological "placebo" that can actually boost your confidence. If you believe you’re going to have a lucky year because you’re wearing the "right" color, you might actually take more risks, say "yes" to more opportunities, and end up having a better year because of your mindset, not the fabric.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
The Regional Variations
In Italy, the tradition is strictly red. And they’re serious about it. It’s not just for women; men get in on the action too. The Italian tradition actually dates back to the Roman Empire, where soldiers wore red tunics to symbolize blood and war, but also power and fertility. Today, it’s just about kicking off the New Year with a bit of "fortuna."
In Brazil, while underwear matters, the outer clothes are usually white. They head to the beach, jump seven waves, and wear white to honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea. But underneath? That’s where the secret colors live. You might see a sea of white dresses and linen pants, but underneath, everyone has their own private color-coded mission for the year.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One of the biggest mistakes? Wearing old underwear.
The whole point of the New Year is "new." If you’re wearing a pair of red boxers you’ve had since 2019, the vibe is stale. The tradition generally dictates that the garment should be brand new. It’s about fresh energy. Using an old pair is like trying to start a new fire with wet matches.
Another one: mixing colors.
Some people try to "cheat" by wearing multi-colored patterns. "If I wear red and yellow polka dots, I’ll get love AND money!" Sorry, but most traditionalists will tell you it doesn't work like that. It dilutes the intention. Pick a lane. What do you really want? Focus on that.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for Your Selection
If you're standing in the aisle right now and can't remember which is which, here is the shorthand:
- Red: Love, passion, desire, and strength.
- Yellow: Money, prosperity, success, and abundance.
- White: Peace, healing, light, and new beginnings.
- Green: Health, growth, nature, and hope.
- Blue: Tranquility, wisdom, and professional stability.
- Purple: Spirituality, meditation, and personal growth.
- Pink: Sweetness, friendship, and emotional healing (lighter than red).
- Black: This one is controversial. Some say it’s bad luck, others say it’s about power and mystery. Generally, if you’re superstitious, maybe skip the black for one night.
The Actionable Game Plan
Look, you don't have to overthink this. But if you want to do it "right" according to the traditions that have survived for centuries, here is how you handle the what color underwear for New Years situation.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
First, do a quick audit of your last year. Be honest. Was it a year of struggle? Was it boring? Was it lonely? Once you identify the "gap" in your life, pick the color that fills it.
Second, go out and buy a new pair. Don’t just grab the first thing you see. Find something that actually feels good to wear. Quality matters. If you’re uncomfortable all night because your "lucky" underwear is scratching you, you’re starting the year with irritation. That’s a bad omen in itself.
Third, if you want to go full "pro mode," get a friend involved. Exchange underwear gifts. It sounds weird, but it honors the tradition of the garment being a gift, and it’s a fun, slightly ridiculous way to bond before the ball drops.
Finally, put them on with a specific thought in mind. As you’re getting ready for the party or the couch session (no judgment), take three seconds to think: "This year, I am focusing on [your goal]." Then, forget about it and go have a drink. The "magic" is in the intention you set at the start.
Whether you’re a total skeptic or someone who checks their horoscope every morning, there’s something undeniably fun about this. It’s a low-stakes way to feel a little more connected to the world and a little more hopeful about the 365 days ahead. Plus, at the very least, you get a new pair of underwear out of the deal. That’s a win no matter what color you pick.
Go get that red pair. Or the yellow. Or the green. Just make sure they're comfortable enough to dance in.
To make this tradition work for you, start by picking your primary goal for 2026 tonight. Don't wait until 6:00 PM on December 31st when the stores are picked over and all that's left are the weird sizes. Buy your chosen color this week, wash it so it's ready, and decide on one small, physical action you’ll take on January 1st to support that color’s meaning—like opening a savings account for yellow or sending a "thank you" note for white. Rituals are great, but they work best when you give them a little help.