Not wearing underwear, often called “going commando,” involves a trade-off between comfort and potential health outcomes. Forgoing this layer directly impacts the body’s interaction with outer clothing, affecting hygiene, temperature, and microbial balance. Understanding the consequences is important for making an informed choice.
The Consequences of Friction and Seams
Underwear serves as a smooth, protective barrier between the skin and the rougher textures of outer garments like denim, wool, or thick seams. Without this layer, the sensitive skin of the groin and inner thighs is subjected to direct, repetitive rubbing against the fabric of pants or shorts. This constant mechanical friction can lead to physical irritation and chafing, which manifests as painful redness or a rash.
The internal seams and stitching of trousers are abrasive points, capable of causing micro-abrasions in the skin’s surface. These tiny tears compromise the skin’s natural barrier function, leaving the area vulnerable to external bacteria. Tight-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants or jeans, increases the pressure and movement against the skin, maximizing this risk of irritation and mechanical damage.
Managing Moisture and Microbial Balance
Undergarments play a significant role in wicking away moisture from the body, helping to maintain a stable and dry microclimate in the genital region. The body naturally produces sweat and, for women, vaginal discharge, which can be absorbed by underwear. When this absorbent layer is absent, the moisture remains trapped against the skin by the outer clothing.
The resulting warm, damp environment is an ideal breeding ground for microbes, including fungi and bacteria. This shift in microclimate can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin, leading to a heightened risk of common infections. Men risk developing fungal infections like jock itch, which causes an itchy, red rash. Women face an increased risk of infections like vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) because the trapped moisture encourages the proliferation of pathogens.
Anatomical Differences and Specific Health Impacts
The consequences of forgoing underwear vary distinctly based on biological anatomy, primarily due to differences in thermoregulation and discharge management. For men, the primary concern relates to testicular temperature regulation. The testes are positioned outside the body to remain cooler than core body temperature, which is necessary for efficient sperm production.
Wearing tight outer garments directly against the body without the separation of loose-fitting underwear can push the testes closer to the body, potentially raising the scrotal temperature. While the impact of this practice on long-term fertility is debated, the increase in heat can be a factor in sperm health.
For women, a key function of underwear is managing natural vaginal discharge. Without an absorbent layer, discharge soils the outer clothing directly, requiring more frequent washing. The vulva is highly sensitive, and direct contact with synthetic materials or harsh dyes in outer clothing can cause irritation. The lack of a smooth, breathable cotton layer may introduce external bacteria, potentially upsetting the vaginal microbiome balance and increasing the risk of conditions like bacterial vaginosis.
Situational Context When Going Commando is Beneficial
There are specific contexts where avoiding underwear can be advantageous for comfort and health. During sleep, going commando is often recommended as it maximizes airflow to the genital area. Increased air circulation helps keep the region cool and dry, discouraging the buildup of moisture that promotes microbial growth. This practice is helpful for individuals prone to recurring yeast infections or jock itch, as it provides an extended period of dryness.
Going commando can also be beneficial when wearing very loose-fitting clothing, such as skirts or pajama bottoms, where the risk of friction is minimal. However, caution is warranted during intense physical activity, where maximum friction and sweat significantly increase the risk of chafing and infection. Wearing wet outer garments, such as a bathing suit, directly against the skin without underwear for prolonged periods also creates a high-risk scenario for fungal infections due to trapped moisture.