When it comes to personal hygiene, the question of how frequently one should change their underwear often arises. Although people generally believe the answer is daily, opinions vary based on different factors such as lifestyle and personal habits.
Hygiene debates frequently ignite online discussions. Topics range from whether or not one should wash their legs, how often to change bedsheets, or the frequency of showering, and there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.
While most people might think that changing underwear daily is the norm, medical professionals offer a nuanced perspective. The necessity to change underwear can depend on the type of underwear one chooses and personal levels of perspiration.
For instance, if you wear a relaxed fit like boxer shorts, it might be possible to extend their use beyond a day — though discretion is advised.
Dr. Anju Methil, a dermatologist, told the Daily Mail: “In situations with minimal activity and no sweating, changing [underwear] every other day may be acceptable. Men’s looser-fitting styles, like boxers, may also allow for slightly longer wear.”
A Newsweek poll in 2023 showed that 47 percent of participants reported changing their underwear every day, aligning with the general health advice to avoid skin issues caused by wearing the same underwear too long.
According to licensed skincare expert Sarah Roberts, “Men and women risk skin irritation, rashes, or the worsening of pre-existing conditions such as eczema or psoriasis when they re-wear underwear too often without washing it; this is due to friction and trapped moisture.”
The design of underwear also influences wear time. Many male-oriented styles are intended for prolonged use. However, Roberts cautions: “Men’s boxers, although touching the skin less frequently than women’s underwear, do not escape these hazards — particularly when worn repeatedly without change.”
Re-wearing underwear also poses risks to vaginal health. Failure to change and wash underwear regularly can lead to uncomfortable conditions like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Factors like heavy menstruation and significant vaginal discharge warrant more frequent changes, suggests dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal. Moreover, intense physical activity and sweating can lead to rashes and other discomforts.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist, recommends: “For those engaged in intense physical activities or who sweat heavily, it’s advisable to change underwear more frequently.”
Similarly, environmental conditions, such as hot and humid climates, can necessitate more frequent changes for comfort and hygiene. Dr. Kopelman adds, “In hot and humid climates, changing underwear even more than once a day might be necessary to maintain good hygiene.”