Forgoing underwear, often called “going commando,” removes a foundational layer of garment hygiene. This practice directly alters the groin’s microclimate and changes the interaction between sensitive skin and outer clothing. Not wearing underwear has various physical and hygienic consequences, affecting friction, moisture management, and the risk of specific health issues.
Managing Friction and Skin Irritation
Underwear serves primarily as a friction-reducing shield between the skin and abrasive outer garments. Without this soft layer, the genital region and inner thighs come into direct contact with rough fabrics like denim or trousers featuring heavy seams. This constant rubbing creates mechanical irritation, a condition known as chafing, which can lead to redness, soreness, and even painful skin abrasions.
Outer clothing often contains zippers, buttons, or stiff stitching that can press against delicate skin during movement. An undergarment provides a necessary buffer, distributing pressure and preventing concentrated friction against sensitive areas. The absence of this barrier increases the likelihood of skin compromise, particularly during activities involving repetitive motion, such as walking or exercise.
The Role of Moisture Absorption
Undergarments play a substantial role in managing the natural moisture produced by the body, including sweat and discharge. Fabrics like cotton or specialized moisture-wicking synthetics are designed to absorb or draw this moisture away from the skin. When this absorptive layer is removed, the moisture is instead trapped directly against the skin by the outer clothing.
This trapped dampness creates a warm, humid environment that lacks proper airflow. Without the wicking function of underwear, the skin remains moist for prolonged periods. This localized humidity significantly alters the microclimate of the groin, setting the stage for potential microbial overgrowth and skin irritation due to poor ventilation.
Anatomical Implications for Women
Poor moisture management from not wearing underwear has direct health consequences for female anatomy. The vulva and vagina require a balanced environment, and a prolonged warm, moist microclimate encourages the overgrowth of naturally occurring microorganisms, increasing the risk of specific vaginal infections.
Yeast infections, primarily caused by the fungus Candida, thrive in damp, warm conditions. The risk of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) may also increase, as the environmental change disrupts the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Furthermore, the absence of a barrier layer facilitates the migration of bacteria, such as E. coli from the rectum, toward the urethra, elevating the risk of developing a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Anatomical Implications for Men
For men, not wearing underwear has specific consequences related to reproductive health and skin hygiene. The testes are positioned outside the body to maintain a temperature approximately 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the core body temperature, a condition optimal for sperm production. Tight outer clothing, without the support of a loose undergarment, can hold the testes closer to the body, potentially raising the scrotal temperature above this ideal range.
While this temperature increase is often temporary, consistent overheating can negatively affect sperm quantity and quality. The warm, damp environment created by trapped sweat significantly increases the risk of fungal infections, such as tinea cruris (jock itch). Additionally, the male anatomy is prone to friction and chafing against coarse outer fabrics, particularly during physical activity.