Hygiene is one of those topics that feels like a total minefield. From the “do you wash your legs in the shower?” debate to the question of how often we should really be washing our bedsheets, everyone seems to have an opinion—and everyone is usually disgusted by those who do it differently.
But when it comes to the clothes that sit closest to our skin, the stakes are a little higher. Most of us grew up with the golden rule: change your underwear every single day. But is that a strict medical requirement or just a social habit? We looked into what dermatologists and specialists have to say about our daily habits.
Starting the day with a fresh pair is the standard, but medical advice offers a bit of flexibility.
While a 2023 poll by Newsweek found that 47% of people change their underwear every single day without hesitation, doctors suggest that “it depends.” According to dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil, your activity level and the climate you live in play a massive role.
“In situations with minimal activity and no sweating, changing every other day may be acceptable,” Dr. Methil explained. She also noted that looser styles, like men’s boxers, allow for more airflow, which might technically allow for slightly longer wear under very specific, low-activity conditions.
The Risks of Re-wearing
Before you decide to skip a day, it’s important to understand the risks. Underwear sits against areas of the body that naturally harbor moisture and bacteria. Sarah Roberts, a licensed skincare specialist, warns that re-wearing unclean underwear is a recipe for skin disaster.
Dermatologists warn that trapped moisture can lead to uncomfortable skin conditions.Underwear multipacks
Gender-Specific Concerns: Men vs. Women
The advice varies slightly depending on anatomy. For men, even though boxers don’t cling as tightly to the skin as other styles, they aren’t immune to bacterial buildup. Repeated wear without a wash still leads to the same hazards of irritation and rashes.
For women, the concerns are often more internal. Keeping the same pair on for more than 24 hours can significantly impact vaginal health. Without regular changes, the risk of developing yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases. This is especially true during heavy menstruation or times of significant vaginal discharge, as noted by dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal.
When Once a Day Isn’t Enough
Believe it or not, there are times when changing just once a day is actually the “unhygienic” choice. Dr. Hannah Kopelman points out that our health “down south” is often at the mercy of the weather and our lifestyle.
The Gym Factor: If you engage in intense physical activity or sweat heavily, you should change into fresh underwear immediately after your workout.
The Humid Climate: In hot, sticky weather, Dr. Kopelman suggests that changing more than once a day might be necessary to keep things dry and prevent infection.
Hitting the gym? Always pack a spare pair to avoid trapping sweat against your skin.
The Final Verdict
While you might get away with a 48-hour stretch if you’ve spent the whole day sitting in a cool, air-conditioned room with zero physical activity, the safest bet for your skin and health is a daily change. Staying fresh doesn’t just make you feel better—it keeps rashes, infections, and irritation at bay.
What’s your take? Are you a “strictly once a day” person, or do you think the doctors are right about the “every other day” exception? Let us know in the comments below, and share this with someone who loves a good hygiene debate!
