Many people believe the answer is obvious: once a day, no exceptions.
However, some healthcare professionals suggest it’s not always that black and white.
How often you need to change your underwear can vary, depending on what kind you wear and how prone you are to perspiring.
It’s certainly a delicate subject, but getting to grips with the details can actually be quite impactful.
We all think about it but seldom say it aloud—how frequently should we be switching out our underwear? A medical expert weighs in with the facts.
Let’s be honest—when it comes to hygiene routines, everyone follows their own set of rules. Still, a common curiosity that lingers is how often undergarments really need to be replaced.
Online conversations around cleanliness spark endless debate. From how frequently to scrub your limbs to when it’s time to launder your sheets or hop in the shower—opinions are all over the map.
Yet, out of all these hygiene hot topics, the discussion about underwear rotation might just take the crown.
How often should you change your underwear really?Getty Stock Images
If your usual pick leans toward relaxed styles like boxer shorts, you might get away with wearing them a bit longer—though let’s keep that just between us!
Dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil told the Daily Mail: “If you’re not very active and aren’t sweating, skipping a day between changes might be okay.”
So even though swapping them out daily is generally a smart habit, it’s not a strict must for everybody.
Dr. Methil added: “Men’s loose underwear choices, such as boxers, could potentially be worn for a little extra time.”
A 2023 Newsweek survey revealed almost 47% of respondents change their underwear daily—echoing what many of us learned growing up.
That said, specialists caution that wearing the same underwear repeatedly can cause a range of skin issues, making a daily swap the better choice for overall hygiene.
Certified skincare expert Sarah Roberts weighed in, saying: “Both men and women face the risk of skin irritation, flare-ups, or aggravating existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis when they reuse underwear too often without washing. This stems from ongoing friction and moisture buildup.”
But the concerns don’t stop there. The style and intended function of underwear—for both men and women—can influence how long it’s safe to wear before a fresh pair is needed.
Underwear tailored for men is typically constructed to permit a bit more extended use without causing immediate concerns.
Some types of underwear might be better than othersGetty Stock Images
Still, Roberts offered a crucial reminder: “Even though men’s boxers make less skin contact than most women’s styles, they aren’t immune to problems—especially when worn multiple times without a wash.”
For women, the consequences can be more serious. Rewearing unwashed underwear can lead to issues like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, both of which can be quite uncomfortable.
That’s why regularly switching pairs is essential for protecting vaginal health.
Other factors come into play too. Dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal pointed out that people experiencing heavy periods or increased discharge should ideally switch to a clean pair more than once a day.
Engaging in physical activity—especially the kind that leads to heavy sweating and chafing—can trigger skin irritation and rashes, making frequent underwear changes a smart move.
As dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman put it, “If you’re regularly active or prone to sweating a lot, it’s wise to swap your underwear more often.”
Even the climate can influence how often fresh underwear is needed. Warm, sticky weather may require changing more than once a day to stay clean and comfortable.
Dr. Kopelman also shared this tip: “In warm, muggy conditions, switching underwear more than once daily might be essential for staying fresh and hygienic.”
At the end of the day, your routine should match your lifestyle—but being aware of these elements can go a long way toward supporting personal cleanliness and well-being.
