Personal hygiene seems straightforward—until it isn’t.
From debates about whether you should wash your legs in the shower to how often bedsheets need changing, people tend to fall firmly on opposite sides, often judging the other camp harshly. One question that sparks just as much disagreement is surprisingly simple:
How often should you change your underwear?
Most people assume the answer is obvious: every single day. And for the majority of us, that’s still the safest and healthiest option. But according to dermatologists, the full answer depends on several factors—including activity level, body type, climate, and even the style of underwear you wear.
Daily Is Best—but There Are Exceptions
Speaking to The Daily Mail, dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil explained that in very specific circumstances, underwear may not need to be changed every day.
“In situations with minimal activity and no sweating, changing underwear every other day may be acceptable,” she said.
“Men’s looser-fitting styles, like boxers, may also allow for slightly longer wear.”
That said, this exception applies only when sweating is minimal and activity levels are low.
A 2023 Newsweek poll supports the more cautious approach, with 47% of respondents saying they change their underwear daily without hesitation—a habit doctors generally recommend.
What Happens If You Don’t Change It Often Enough?
Re-wearing unwashed underwear can cause more problems than many people realize.
Licensed skincare specialist Sarah Roberts warns that both men and women risk skin issues when underwear isn’t changed regularly:
“Re-wearing underwear too often can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or worsening of conditions like eczema or psoriasis. This happens because of friction and trapped moisture.”
Even men’s boxers—which typically touch the skin less than tighter styles—aren’t immune.
“Men’s boxers do not escape these hazards,” Roberts added, “especially when worn repeatedly without washing.”
Additional Risks for Women
For women, underwear hygiene also plays a critical role in vaginal health.
Wearing the same underwear for more than 24 hours—especially if it’s damp from sweat or discharge—can lead to irritation, discomfort, and infections. Doctors warn that yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are more likely when underwear isn’t changed frequently.
Dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal notes that factors such as heavy menstruation, significant vaginal discharge, and regular exercise make more frequent changes especially important.
Sweat, Exercise, and Weather Matter Too
Another key consideration is how much you sweat.
Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman advises: “For people who exercise intensely or sweat heavily, changing underwear more frequently is advisable.”
Climate also plays a role.
“In hot and humid environments, changing underwear more than once a day may be necessary to maintain proper hygiene,” Dr. Kopelman added.
The Bottom Line
While there may be rare exceptions, changing your underwear daily is the safest, simplest rule to follow. If you sweat a lot, exercise regularly, live in a hot climate, or experience irritation, changing even more often can help prevent discomfort and skin problems.
In short: Fresh underwear isn’t just about feeling clean—it’s about protecting your skin and overall health.
