Is it Safe for Women to Go Commando?

Stepping out sans underwear, also known as 'going commando,' may be beneficial for a woman's sexual health.

What kind of underwear women sport is a choice some individuals may feel strongly about. Regardless of the outfit, some women actually prefer not wearing underwear most, or some of the time. According to one survey, 13 percent of people admitted to occasionally "going commando" and another 7 percent said they go sans underwear all the time.

Going commando may sound strange and possibly even unsanitary. However, going without underwear can actually be beneficial to your body. How? Here are a few main benefits of going commando.

Not wearing underwear = fewer yeast infections

It might sound crazy that forgoing underwear would reduce your chances of developing an uncomfortable yeast infection, especially if you suffer from them often. However, some synthetic fabrics trap the moisture and heat from your vagina, creating the ideal breeding ground for yeast. While it's important to wear breathable materials when you do wear underwear, skipping it altogether is a great way to completely avoid this issue.

Going commando can decrease vaginal irritation

You might think wearing soft or silky underwear creates a perfect layer of protection for your vagina, but if you're experiencing vaginal odor or irritation from shaving or waxing, going commando offers less friction and more comfort. As wearing underwear increases and traps moisture, it creates an environment prone to discomfort and irritation.

Avoiding panties allows your vagina to breathe

Many women wear underwear made of synthetic materials, which prevents their vagina from breathing properly. This can lead to excessive discharge and even odor buildup. By not wearing panties, you'll allow your vagina to breathe freely, reducing discharge and eliminating or decreasing odor.

When should you go commando?

While going commando is 100 percent your choice, there are a few key times you might benefit from not wearing underwear.

At night

If you don't feel comfortable going commando during the day, try it when you go to sleep. This will give your vagina a break from tight fabrics and give you a safe space to practice getting comfortable without underwear.

During workouts

Most workout clothing is tight and clingy, so adding an additional layer to the mix can lead to an abundance of moisture buildup and cause chafing. If you want to try going commando next time you hit the gym, opt for bottoms with moisture-wicking materials such as polyester, spandex and nylon.

When wearing tight clothing

If you're into wearing tight, skinny jeans or form-fitting pants, you may actually benefit from skipping underwear altogether. Wearing underwear that's too tight can lead to chafing, irritation and moisture buildup. If your jeans or pants are relatively soft, not wearing underwear can be healthier and more comfortable.

When should you not go commando?

While many women love the freedom of not wearing underwear, there are a couple of times when you might want to consider slipping on a pair.

When wearing rough fabrics

If you like thick, rougher jeans and pants, you may find the material is irritating to your vagina. In this case, you should wear underwear to reduce irritation.

When wearing short skirts and dresses

Of course, when you're wearing items of clothing that leave you even more exposed down there, you may want to put on a pair of panties to avoid accidentally flashing anyone in a sudden gust of wind. However, if you're wearing a long skirt, there's absolutely nothing wrong with skipping underwear.

It's a personal choice

Whether you choose to wear underwear or not is totally up to you. Not wearing it all the time can be beneficial to your vaginal health. If you are going commando, be sure to wash your jeans and bottoms more often and keep underwear on hand in case it's needed. If you're not up for skipping underwear, invest in breathable cotton panties and make sure to change them at least once per day.