It seems like the most basic rule of personal hygiene: change your underwear daily. But a startling new survey reveals that half of young adults are quietly breaking this fundamental health practice – and medical experts say the consequences could be more serious than people realize.
The Alarming Statistics Nobody Saw Coming
According to a comprehensive 2023 Newsweek poll that surveyed thousands of Americans, a troubling pattern has emerged among younger generations. The data revealed that 36 percent of Gen Z respondents – those aged between 18 and 24 – admit to wearing the same pair of underwear for more than 24 hours. Even more concerning, an additional 14 percent confess they do this on a regular basis.
The math is staggering: that means half of Gen Z is going at least one full day or more in the same undergarments. And the behavior isn’t limited to the youngest demographic. The survey also discovered that 24 percent of millennials, those aged 25 to 34, regularly wear the same pair of underwear multiple times.
In stark contrast, older generations appear to maintain significantly better hygiene habits. Among people aged 55 to 64, a substantial 67 percent reported they never wear underwear for more than one day, and only a miniscule 3 percent admitted to repeating pairs.
What Science Says Is Lurking in Your Underwear
The reality of what accumulates in underwear is enough to make anyone reconsider their laundry schedule. As unsettling as it sounds, research conducted in 2021 found that a typical pair of underwear contains approximately 0.1 grams of fecal residue. That’s right – fecal matter accumulates regardless of how careful you think you’re being.
“Dirty or used underwear provide a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and fungi, and are often contaminated with fecal matter,” explains Dr. Sherry Ross, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Santa Monica, California and author of “She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health.”
Philip Tierno, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology at NYU School of Medicine, breaks down the bacterial timeline that occurs during underwear wear. According to his research, the first 8 hours see normal accumulation of sweat, dead skin cells, and trace amounts of fecal matter. Between 8 and 16 hours, bacteria begin multiplying exponentially as moisture creates the perfect breeding environment. By 16 to 24 hours, odor development kicks in as bacteria populations explode. Beyond 24 hours, wearers enter genuine health risk territory.
The Real Health Consequences
Medical professionals are united in their warnings: going more than a day without fresh underwear isn’t just unpleasant – it carries legitimate health risks that many people don’t consider.
“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,” says Sarah Roberts, a licensed skincare specialist who spoke to health experts about the growing concern.
For women specifically, the risks extend beyond simple irritation. Roberts warns that extended underwear wear can lead to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infections manifest through symptoms including itching, burning sensations, and thick white discharge, occurring when candida fungus multiplies out of control. Bacterial vaginosis, which is often mistaken for a yeast infection, typically presents with 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,” explains Dr. Archit Aggarwal, a dermatologist with ClinicSpots.
But men aren’t off the hook either. They face particular vulnerability to jock itch, a fungal skin infection characterized by an itchy, red rash affecting the groin, buttocks, and upper thighs. While many assume that looser garments like boxers offer more protection than tighter-fitting styles, experts emphasize that skipping daily changes still poses serious risks regardless of underwear type.
“Men’s boxers, although touching the skin less frequently than women’s underwear, do not escape these hazards – particularly when worn repeatedly without change,” Roberts stressed.
The 24-Hour Rule and When You Need to Change More Often
While some people might try to stretch a pair of underwear for a second day in emergency situations, doctors are emphatic that changing underwear at least once every 24 hours should be considered the absolute minimum standard for maintaining skin health and preventing infections.
However, that recommendation becomes even more critical in certain circumstances. Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic in New Jersey, explains that the frequency needs to increase based on activity levels and environmental conditions.
“For those engaged in intense physical activities or who sweat heavily, it’s advisable to change underwear more frequently,” Dr. Kopelman states. “In hot and humid climates, changing underwear even more than once a day might be necessary to maintain good hygiene.”
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Cornell, echoes this sentiment. “In general, it is recommended to change your underwear daily to prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, bacteria and oil. However, there may be times you should change it even more frequently. Given the moist environment of your groin and buttocks, if you are particularly active or sweaty, be sure to change your underwear post-workout or if it feels sweaty or wet during the day.”
Dr. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs that immediate action is needed. “If you experience any discomfort, itching, or unusual discharge, change your underwear immediately and consult a healthcare professional, if necessary.”
Why Are Younger Generations Breaking the Rules?
The survey results have left health professionals questioning what’s driving this shift in hygiene habits among younger adults. Some experts speculate that the trend toward environmental consciousness and reducing laundry frequency to save water and energy may be a contributing factor. Others suggest that the rise of remote work and less structured daily routines during and after the pandemic may have led to more relaxed personal care standards.
Convenience appears to be another major factor. In interviews, some young adults admitted that the habit simply comes down to laziness or forgetfulness. One 21-year-old college student, who preferred to remain anonymous, confessed: “I’ve definitely done at least three days in the same boxers; it’s easier, it’s less laundry and honestly I just forget.”
The Proper Way to Care for Your Underwear
Beyond changing underwear daily, experts emphasize that proper washing is equally crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing health issues. The way you launder your undergarments can make a significant difference in eliminating harmful bacteria.
Microbiologists recommend washing underwear in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), as lower temperatures have a reduced effectiveness in killing germs. Philip Tierno specifically suggests using bleach on white undergarments and color-safe hydrogen peroxide bleach for colored items. For those with newer washers or dryers equipped with a germicidal cycle that uses UV light to kill bacteria, utilizing this feature is highly recommended.
Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, revealed a disturbing fact about washing practices: “If you wash a load of just underwear, there will be about 100 million E. coli in the wash water, and they can be transmitted to the next load of laundry.” This underscores the importance of proper washing techniques and potentially separating underwear from other clothing items.
How to Break Bad Habits and Maintain Better Hygiene
For those who recognize they’ve fallen into poor underwear hygiene habits, experts offer several practical strategies to establish healthier routines:
First, stock up properly. Health professionals recommend maintaining a minimum of 14 pairs of underwear – enough for two full weeks. This ensures you have adequate rotation, accounts for laundry delays, and provides emergency backup pairs for travel or unexpected situations.
Second, invest in quality over quantity. Better fabrics don’t just feel more comfortable; they also last longer and perform better during wear. Look for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or advanced moisture-wicking fabrics that help reduce bacterial growth.
Third, create a rotation system. Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row, even after washing. This gives the elastic time to recover and ensures more even wear across your entire underwear collection.
Finally, prepare for emergencies. Keep spare pairs in your car, office, or travel bag. This removes any excuse for extending wear beyond the recommended 24-hour maximum.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of daily underwear changes might seem obvious to some, the survey data proves that nearly half of young adults are quietly skipping this crucial hygiene practice. With medical experts unanimous in their warnings about the health risks involved – from skin irritation and rashes to serious infections – the message is clear: daily underwear changes aren’t just about social norms or personal preference. They’re about protecting your health.
As Dr. Ross succinctly puts it: “Just like brushing your teeth or taking a bath, changing your underwear on a daily basis is a must.” The bacterial breeding ground that develops in worn underwear after just one day makes the choice simple: a few extra minutes doing laundry is a small price to pay for preventing uncomfortable, embarrassing, and potentially serious health complications.
The question isn’t whether you have time to change your underwear daily. The question is whether you can afford not to.