How Often Should You Change Your Underwear? Dermatologists Explain the Hygiene Rules

A long-standing personal hygiene question has once again sparked debate: how often should we change our underwear? While many people assume the answer is simple—once a day—dermatologists suggest that the reality is more nuanced and depends on several individual and environmental factors.

Personal hygiene habits often vary widely, and disagreements are common. From debates about whether legs need to be washed daily in the shower to how frequently bed sheets should be changed, opinions tend to be divided. Underwear hygiene, however, remains one of the most sensitive and widely discussed topics, as it is closely linked to skin health and overall well-being.

Most people consider changing underwear daily to be a basic rule of cleanliness. In fact, a 2023 Newsweek poll found that 47% of respondents reported changing their underwear every single day without exception, reinforcing the idea that daily changes are widely viewed as the gold standard for hygiene. However, medical professionals note that this practice may vary depending on lifestyle, clothing type, and environmental conditions.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil explained that underwear does not always need to be changed daily under very specific circumstances. “In situations with minimal physical activity and no sweating, changing underwear every other day may be acceptable,” she said. She also noted that men’s looser-fitting underwear styles, such as boxers, allow for better air circulation and may be worn slightly longer than tighter garments without immediately posing health risks.

Despite this flexibility, experts consistently emphasize that wearing unwashed underwear for extended periods can increase the risk of skin-related issues. Sarah Roberts, a licensed skincare specialist, warns that re-wearing underwear too frequently can lead to irritation, rashes, and flare-ups of existing skin conditions. “Men and women risk skin irritation, rashes, or the worsening of conditions such as eczema or psoriasis due to friction and trapped moisture,” she explained. Moist environments provide ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive, increasing the likelihood of discomfort and infection.

While men’s underwear is often designed for durability and comfort over longer wear, it is not immune to hygiene risks. Roberts added that even boxers, despite touching the skin less frequently than women’s underwear, can still contribute to skin problems if worn repeatedly without washing—particularly in warm or humid conditions.

For women, the issue extends beyond general skin health to include vaginal health. Wearing unclean underwear for more than 24 hours may increase the risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, pain, and irritation. Dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal highlighted additional factors that require more frequent underwear changes, including heavy menstruation, significant vaginal discharge, and regular exercise.

Physical activity and sweating are key considerations for everyone, regardless of gender. Dr. Hannah Kopelman, another board-certified dermatologist, emphasized that people who sweat heavily or engage in intense exercise should change underwear more frequently, sometimes more than once a day. Sweat-soaked fabric creates an environment that encourages bacterial growth, which can lead to odor, irritation, and infection.

Climate also plays a crucial role. According to Dr. Kopelman, individuals living in hot and humid environments may need to change underwear multiple times per day to maintain proper hygiene and comfort. High temperatures and humidity increase perspiration, making frequent changes essential for preventing skin problems.

In conclusion, while daily underwear changes remain the safest and most widely recommended practice, individual factors such as activity level, climate, clothing type, and personal health conditions can influence how often underwear should be changed. Prioritizing cleanliness and comfort not only helps prevent skin irritation and infections but also supports overall health. When in doubt, opting for a fresh pair each day—or more often when needed—is the simplest way to stay hygienic and comfortable.

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Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Skin hygiene and infection prevention

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fungal and bacterial skin infections

• Mayo Clinic – Vaginal health and prevention of infections

• Newsweek (2023) – Personal hygiene and underwear habits survey

• The Daily Mail – Expert commentary by Dr. Anju Methil