It might seem like a fundamental hygiene habit, yet many people quietly neglect changing their underwear every day. Health experts now caution that wearing the same pair for too long isn’t just unhygienic—what builds up can pose genuine health risks, making daily changes essential.

As disturbing as it may be, a 2021 study revealed that the average pair of underwear contains about 0.1 grams of fecal matter. With that in mind, wearing underwear for more than a day is not merely uncomfortable or unclean—it may have real health implications, according to medical professionals.

Dirty drawers

Despite well-established hygiene recommendations, a significant number of young adults aren’t changing their underwear daily. A 2023 Newsweek poll found that 36% of Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 24 said they wear the same pair for longer than 24 hours, while another 14% admitted this is a regular habit. In total, half of Gen Z reported going a full day or more without switching to clean underwear.

This practice isn’t confined to the youngest generation. The survey also showed that 24% of millennials, ages 25 to 34, said they routinely wear the same pair of underwear more than once.

In contrast, older adults reported significantly cleaner habits. Among people aged 55 to 64, 67% said they never wear underwear for more than one day, and only 3% admitted to repeating pairs.

Skin irritation or infection

According to doctors, this growing trend of stretching wear-time poses more than a cosmetic concern. Bacteria, yeast, and moisture build up in tight-fitting clothing, creating an ideal environment for skin irritation and potential infections – especially in areas with limited airflow.

“Men and women risk skin irritation, rashes, or the worsening of pre-existing conditions such as eczema or psoriasis when they re-wear underwear too often without washing it; this is due to friction and trapped moisture,” Sarah Roberts, a licensed skincare specialist, told the Daily Mail.

‘Harbor moisture and bacteria’

Roberts wa:rned that wearing underwear too long can cause infections like yeast overgrowth and bacterial vaginosis.

Yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and thick white discharge when candida fungus multiplies. Bacterial vaginosis, often mistaken for yeast, usually includes a fishy odor and gray or yellow discharge caused by bacterial imbalance.

“The vulva contains folds and crevices that harbor moisture and bacteria more readily than male genitalia,” Dr. Archit Aggarwal, a dermatologist with ClinicSpots, told the publication.

Jock itch

It’s not only women who face hygiene-related health risks – men are just as vulnerable, especially when it comes to jock itch, a fungal skin infection marked by an itchy, red rash in the groin, buttocks, and upper thighs.

While some people assume looser garments like boxers offer more protection, experts w:arn that skipping daily changes still poses serious risks.

“Men’s boxers, though touching the skin less frequently than women’s underwear, do not escape these hazards – particularly when worn repeatedly without change,” Robert said.

Change at least once a day

Altough some may stretch a pair of briefs for a second day in a pinch, doctors strongly recommend changing underwear at least once every 24 hours to reduce the risk of skin irritation and infection. That advice becomes even more important in high-sweat situations.

“For those engaged in intense physical activities or who sweat heavily, it’s advisable to change underwear more frequently,” said Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic in New Jersey. “In hot and humid climates, changing underwear even more than once a day might be necessary to maintain good hygiene.”

Dr. Aggarwal echoed that advice and emphasized the importance of paying attention to early war:ning signs. “If you experience any discomfort, itching, or unusual discharge, change your underwear immediately and consult a healthcare professional, if necessary,” he told the Daily Mail.

How often do you change your underwear? Please let us know your hygiene habits and them share this story so we can hear from others!