Benefits and Precautions of Not Wearing Underwear

Why go commando?

“Going commando” is a colloquial way of saying you aren’t wearing any underwear.

The phrase alludes to elite troops trained to be ready to act at a moment’s notice. So when you skip underwear, you’re, well, prepared to go at any time — without bulky undergarments getting in the way.

Jokes about language aside, ditching underwear may actually offer some tangible advantages. Let’s look at some reasons you might consider trying an underwear-free approach.

Benefits of not wearing underwear

Because male and female genital anatomy differ, the advantages of going commando vary between women and men.

Going commando for women

Here are several good reasons why going commando can be beneficial for female genital health:

It lowers the risk of yeast infections

Candida, the organism behind yeast infections, thrives in warm, damp environments.

Wearing snug underwear or panties made from non-breathable fabrics (rather than cotton) can trap moisture around your genitals and create conditions that favor microbial growth.

There isn’t definitive research proving that going without underwear reduces yeast infections. If you do wear underwear, opt for loose-fitting, cotton options.

It may decrease vaginal odor and discomfort

When sweat and heat are held against the genital area by underwear, odor can become more pronounced.

Skipping underwear can:

• let sweat evaporate
• keep odors minimized
• reduce moisture-exacerbated chafing

It protects your vulva from abrasion

The labia outside the vagina are composed of delicate tissue similar to that of the lips.

Tight underwear made from synthetic materials can rub and irritate the labia and surrounding skin, potentially causing skin damage, bleeding, or infections — and it can be painful.

Not wearing underwear, especially when you choose loose outer clothing, can lessen or eliminate the chance of chafing or injury.

It reduces the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities

Many garments contain synthetic dyes, fibers, and chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions known as contact dermatitis.

This might appear as bumps, rashes, blisters, or irritation. In more severe cases, tissue damage and infections can follow.

Removing underwear removes one possible source of irritation.

Going commando for men

Men may gain some of the same perks as women from going commando.

However, there are a few additional advantages for men tied to the anatomy of the penis, scrotum, and testicles:

It helps prevent jock itch and other fungal issues

Warm, moist genital areas are ideal environments for fungi like tinea cruris (jock itch), which can cause redness, irritation, and itching.

Allowing your genitals to breathe helps keep the area cool and dry, particularly after extended physical activity.

It reduces irritation and the risk of injury

Whether you wear underwear or not, chafing of the penis or scrotum against clothing can occur.

This irritation can progress to injury and potentially infection if frequent or untreated.

Wearing loose, comfortable pants or shorts without underwear can actually lower friction and reduce chafing.

It can affect sperm production

Testicles are positioned outside the body within the scrotum for a reason. For optimal sperm production, they need to be around 94°F (34.4°C), a few degrees cooler than the body’s normal 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C).

Tight underwear can press the testicles against the body and elevate scrotal temperature.

This creates suboptimal conditions for spermatogenesis, potentially causing testicular hyperthermia.

Over time, that may reduce sperm count and increase infertility risk (though more research is still needed).

Precautions of not wearing underwear

Going commando isn’t a cure-all for genital concerns. There are sensible precautions to keep in mind:

Avoid wearing tight outer garments when you go commando

Tight clothing can still rub your vulva or penis and scrotum, and may even cause more irritation because of the coarse materials many bottoms are made from.

You can still develop yeast infections or jock itch if you wear tight, poorly ventilated clothes.

Change and launder your clothes often

Genital areas harbor many bacteria. Be sure to regularly switch into fresh clothing after it’s been in contact with your genitals, and wash any garments that touch that area.

A practical guideline is to only wear items that directly touched your bare genitals once before washing them.

Don’t try on new clothing without protection

When you try on new jeans or pants in a store, you can transfer your own microbes to them, and you may pick up bacteria left by others. This increases your risk of infection.

The takeaway

While the potential perks of going underwear-free are apparent, deciding to go commando is a personal choice.

Don’t feel obligated to try it if it makes you uncomfortable. It’s your body and your decision whether to keep your underwear on or off.