Not Wearing Underwear: Pros & Cons of Going Commando 

Not wearing underwear or “going commando” is often seen as a daring or sexual act—something you might do in public to spice things up with a partner. But this seemingly naughty choice actually offers several benefits.

Curious about how embracing an undie-free lifestyle can enhance your life? Learn about its pros and cons in this brief guide.

When Did We Start Wearing Underwear?

Before we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of not wearing underwear, let’s take a brief history lesson on how undies came to be.

The earliest documented form of underwear was the loincloth, or bahág in Filipino, dating back to 3000 BCE. This fabric was draped around the hips and groin, worn by both men and women.

The loincloth had several variations, including the Schenti, which resembles a kilt, and the Cache-sexe, a smaller version with a more apron-like appearance. Another variation is the Perizoma, worn in Ancient Greece. It’s quite similar to the original loincloth but features a more tucked-in look with a shorter hanging fabric.

In other parts of the world, people were also creating their own forms of underwear. For example, during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), a tunic-style undergarment called xieyi was developed.

Moving on to the Middle Ages, Celts and Germanic tribespeople wore braies, which were baggy underpants that reached the knees or mid-calf. They resemble a pair of regular shorts or jorts if you compare them to modern attire. Since elastic bands weren’t invented yet, people often used a belt or string to secure their braies at the waist. This practical solution helped keep the garment in place throughout daily activities.

As time progressed, undergarments continued to evolve with the advent of industrialization, introducing new materials and innovations. This evolution laid the groundwork for the modern underwear we’re familiar with today.

Pros of Not Wearing Underwear

Are you planning to go commando but unsure if it’s worth it? Here are some potential reasons you might love not wearing underwear.

1You’ll get more comfort and less odor.

One of the perks of going commando is the free, breathable feeling down there. Without the constriction of underwear, you can feel more relaxed and comfortable, which is why many people go commando when lounging in bed or doing home exercises.

Another benefit of not wearing underwear is the reduced risk of strong odors. Wearing underwear for extended periods, especially if they’re not made of cotton, can trap moisture from sweat and heat, leading to a stronger vaginal odor. That’s why taking breaks from wearing underwear is recommended to prevent this issue.

2It can reduce the risk of vaginal yeast infections.

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This can lead to symptoms like inflammation, excessive discharge, intense itching, and painful urination.

Luckily, it’s fairly easy to treat with a variety of options, including creams, vaginal tablets, oral medications, and ointments. Nonetheless, dealing with a yeast infection can still be agonizing and disrupt your daily routine, so taking preventive measures—including going commando is better.

While there’s no direct study linking not wearing underwear to preventing yeast infections, one known factor that increases your risk is staying in sweaty clothes. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so wearing non-breathable undies for extended periods can create the perfect conditions for the bacteria to grow.

3There’s a lower chance of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).

Another potential issue from wearing non-cotton underwear for extended periods is the risk of developing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

This condition occurs when the urinary system becomes infected and can manifest in several types, including cystitis (infection in the bladder), pyelonephritis (infection in the kidneys), and urethritis (infection in the urethra).

Symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, a frequent urge to urinate even when little comes out, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain. In more severe cases, you might also experience chills, nausea, vomiting, and fever— make sure to see a doctor immediately once these symptoms have kicked in.

That said, consider going without underwear occasionally to prevent moisture from getting trapped down there. Also, remember to follow other UTI preventive measures, like peeing after sex, using unscented antibacterial soaps, only using fully sanitized sex toys, and staying hydrated at all times.

4You’ll experience less inner thigh chafing.

For those unfamiliar with the term (and honestly, lucky you if you haven’t experienced it), inner thigh chafing is a type of skin irritation caused by friction between your inner thighs rubbing against each other.

It can also result from wearing tight clothing or underwear and may be exacerbated by trapped moisture, heat, humidity, being overweight, wearing skirts or dresses, and poorly fitting clothing. That’s why it’s important to wear loose clothing and go commando occasionally to reduce friction on your thighs.

5There’s a reduced risk of jock itch.

Like with women, prolonged use of underwear can trap moisture in male genitalia, creating an inviting environment for fungi like tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch. This condition can lead to redness, irritation, and itching in the genital area. Not wearing underwear provides essential ventilation, helping to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the genital area.

6It may boost male fertility.

Did you know that wearing tight underwear for long periods can impact sperm count?

The testicles, housed in the scrotum (commonly referred to as the “balls”), are responsible for producing sperm. They need to stay at approximately 94°F (34.4°C), which is a few degrees cooler than the body’s normal temperature of 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C).

When tight clothing or underwear compresses the testicles against the body, the resulting heat can impact sperm production. So for those who are trying to conceive, make sure to not wear underwear from time to time to keep sperm production going.

Cons of Not Wearing Underwear

Along with the benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as the following:

1You might experience urinary or period leakage.

One of the most common challenges when going commando is the risk of urinary or period leakage, especially for those with urinary incontinence and other similar conditions.

Without underwear to act as a barrier between your genitals and your clothes, any mishaps can easily lead to stains on your outfit. For example, if your period came a few days early, wearing no underwear means there’s nothing to prevent blood from seeping through your pants or skirt. Not only can this make cleanup a hassle, but it can also lead to embarrassing moments, especially if you’re out in public.

2You could face possible zipper-related accidents.

If you’re wearing garments with zippers, like denim shorts or jeans, going commando increases the risk of the zipper getting caught in your pubic hair or genital skin—ouch! That’s why taking time when zipping up is crucial to avoid painful accidents.

3There’s a lack of support for the penis during physical activities.

Unlike women, who might find it comfortable to go commando during workouts, guys may discover that their penis can swing around a bit too much. This isn’t ideal, especially in public gyms, where you might accidentally flash someone at some point! Not only that, but the lack of support for the penis during physical activities can lead to discomfort, and in rare cases, even pain in that area.

4You may feel more self-conscious.

Based on online discussions about the benefits of going commando, some people mention feeling uncomfortable walking around without underwear, even in the comfort of their own homes. They hesitate due to concerns about potential emergencies or surprise home visits, which they might be unable to cover quickly.

These concerns are completely valid! If you’re uncomfortable with going commando or feel self-conscious about it, there’s no need to push yourself.

While going without underwear has its benefits, you can still enjoy those advantages by opting for cotton-made underwear and changing it regularly—possibly even more than twice a day, depending on the circumstances.

Essential Tips When Skipping Underwear

To make your switch to going commando a breeze, here are some handy tips to take note of:

1Avoid going commando with tight clothing.

Be sure to wear underwear with tight clothing, like skinny jeans or leggings. Jeans can have rough seams that may irritate your vulva, and stretchy bottoms like leggings can lead to cameltoe, where the outline of your vulva shows through the material.

2Wear undies when shopping for clothes.

Heading out for some shopping? Going commando is a definite no-no! Not only will you risk exposing your genitals on clothes that others have tried on, but you might also transfer some of your discharge onto those garments. Stick with your trusty cotton undies for those shopping trips.

3If necessary, consider changing into different bottoms throughout the day.

As mentioned earlier, pee leaks or genital discharge can easily seep into your bottoms and stain the fabric when you’re not wearing underwear. That’s why it’s crucial to always wear fresh bottoms when going commando. Not only does this help prevent further staining, but it also keeps you feeling fresh throughout the day.

4Make sure to follow other genital hygiene practices.

Here’s the thing, even if you’re not wearing underwear every day, neglecting other hygiene practices can still lead to issues typically associated with prolonged underwear wear. That’s why it’s essential to maintain good genital hygiene at all times, including the following:

• Wash your genitals regularly with unscented antibacterial soap.
• Stick to cotton underwear for breathability.
• Use unscented period products and change them every 4-5 hours.
• Incorporate vagina-friendly foods and drinks into your diet.
• Opt for non-porous sex toys and clean them properly after use.
• Use condoms during sex whenever possible.
• Avoid flavored and scented lubes for penetrative sex.
• Keep your pubic area groomed.

Takeaway

Not wearing underwear offers a variety of benefits, from reduced risk of yeast infections to better airflow, but the decision ultimately lies with you.

If going commando isn’t your vibe, that’s perfectly fine! As long as you opt for breathable cotton underwear, change them regularly, and allow your body some freedom with loose-fitting clothing now and then, you’re on the right track. Go with what aligns with your personal preferences and comfort levels.