What’s the first thing you put on when you’re getting dressed? Why, underwear, of course! For most people, wearing underwear is so ingrained that it can be likened to involuntary reactions, like yawning, blinking, or breathing. Whether you prefer boy shorts, bikinis, a thong, boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs; cotton, lace, satin, or bamboo; virginal white, racy red, sultry black, or a fun rainbow of colors – or maybe you like to switch them up… Whatever type of undies you wear, have you ever stopped to wonder, “Why do I wear underwear, anyway?” or, “What would happen if I just stopped wearing them?”
If you find yourself asking the above questions, keep on reading! Below, we’ll explore the answers to these questions so that you can decide if joining the “going commando” army may be an option that you want to explore.
Why Do We Wear Underwear?
There is no definitive answer to this question because the truth is, no one really knows. While it’s true that piece of fabric does provide a barrier of protection and privacy for your bits and pieces, and it does help to absorb sweat and fluids from the nether regions, there is no clear-cut answer as to why people started donning drawers to begin with – and why we continue to wear them.
It can be presumed, however, that the wearing of underwear is so commonplace because it’s considered the “norm”, and like anything else that’s considered “normal”, we just accept it as part of our everyday life. That reasoning begs the question, then, that if we’re wearing skivvies because we have been conditioned to do so (like so many other things that we have been conditioned to do, whether we realize it or not), is wearing underwear really necessary?
Well, it seems that a lot of men and women are asking that very same question, and they’ve decided to ditch their tighty whities and bikinis (or whatever type of undies they wear) and have become devout “underwear commandos”.
What Are the Benefits of Giving Up Underwear?
At first thought, the idea of not wearing underwear probably seems pretty weird. That’s totally understandable, because like most people, you’ve probably been wearing it since you were a successfully potty trained toddler. It turns out, however, that not wearing undies is actually beneficial. In fact, there are quite a few benefits that you may be able to take advantage of when you stop wearing underwear.
Here’s a look at some of the benefits that you may reap when you give up your drawers.
Reduced UTI and Yeast Infection Risk
Developing an infection in any part of your body is never fun; it’s particularly unpleasant when it’s in your nether region. If you’ve ever suffered from a yeast infection, you know that the itching, burning, and dryness can be downright debilitating. If you’ve ever experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’re well aware of the flaming sensation, searing pain, and inability to fully empty your bladder. Whether you’ve suffered from either of these conditions – or you want to try to cut your chances of ever developing them – you may want to kiss your undies goodbye.
According to medical professionals, not wearing underwear can help to reduce the risk of coming down with UTIs and yeast infections; particularly in those who are prone to these conditions. Why? Well, it’s because excessive amounts of moisture from sweat and vaginal fluids, as well as microbes, can get trapped in the fabric, creating the perfect environment for the Candida, the fungus that causes yeast infections, and it can spread bacteria from the rectum to the urinary tract, resulting in an infection.
Reduced Friction, Irritation, and Chaffing
If you ever experience irritation and chafing in your private areas, take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone; and then take your comfort even further by nixing the undies. If your underwear that’s too tight, if you sweat a lot, or if you work in a physically demanding job, or you work out a lot, friction between the fabric and your skin can occur, and when that happens, chafing and irritation soon follow.
These issues are more commonly associated with synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, as they don’t breathe well. The friction can be so intense and the chafing and irritation that develops can be so severe that sores and bleeding can occur. Ouch! Older men and women are more prone to this problem, as the skin thins with age, and as such, it’s more susceptible to painful sores.
Improved Breathing
Even if you aren’t too keen on the idea of being “carefree” during the day and would prefer the contained feeling that underwear provides while you’re at work, playing with the kids, running errands, doing chores, or working out, you may want to try stripping them off when you go to bed.
Private parts – especially lady bits and pieces – need some fresh air. According to gynecologists, the vagina, like every other part of the body, needs to be exposed to fresh air. While it can be beneficial for all women, those who aren’t strangers to issues with their vulvas, can really benefit from going commando when they’re sleeping, as the fabric traps in moisture, creating the ideal environment for bacteria and fungus growth. By letting the area breathe, your lady bits will stay dry and clean, which can improve your vaginal health.
Men can benefit from sleeping in underwear-less at night, too. Again, it helps to keep the man parts dry and clean; plus, it’s just a whole lot more comfortable – especially when you stand at attention while you’re sleeping or when you first wake up.
Ditch the Drawers!
So, as you can see, there certainly are some benefits that are associated with not wearing underwear. If you’re intrigued, go ahead and give it a try! What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t like it and you go back to your regularly scheduled program – or you love it and end up joining forces with the undie commandos!
