How Often You Should Change Your Underwear, According to a Doctor

Personal hygiene sounds simple—until opinions start clashing.

From arguments about whether your legs really need soap in the shower to how frequently bedsheets should be washed, people often fall into strongly divided camps, each convinced the other is wrong. One surprisingly controversial question sparks just as much debate as any other:

How often are you supposed to change your underwear?

Most people believe the answer is obvious: every day, no exceptions. And for most individuals, that remains the healthiest and safest habit. However, dermatologists say the full answer isn’t quite so black-and-white. It can vary based on factors like how active you are, how much you sweat, your body chemistry, the climate you live in, and even the type of underwear you wear.

Daily Is Ideal—But There Are Limited Exceptions

In comments to The Daily Mail, dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil explained that under very specific conditions, changing underwear every single day may not always be necessary.

“In cases where physical activity is minimal and there is little to no sweating, changing underwear every other day could be acceptable,” she said.

She added that “looser men’s underwear styles, such as boxers, may allow for slightly longer wear compared to tighter-fitting options.”

That said, these exceptions only apply when sweating is minimal and activity levels remain low. Once moisture or friction enters the picture, daily changes become essential.

A 2023 Newsweek poll supports the more cautious recommendation: 47% of respondents reported changing their underwear every day without fail—a practice most doctors continue to endorse.

What Happens If You Wear Underwear Too Long?

Wearing the same pair of underwear repeatedly without washing can cause more issues than many people expect.

Licensed skincare specialist Sarah Roberts warns that infrequent changes can lead to various skin problems for both men and women.

“Wearing unwashed underwear too often can result in skin irritation, rashes, or flare-ups of conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,” she explained. “These issues are commonly caused by friction and moisture being trapped against the skin.”

Even looser styles aren’t risk-free.

“Men’s boxers are not immune to these problems,” Roberts added, “especially when they’re worn multiple times without being washed.”

Extra Health Concerns for Women

For women, underwear hygiene is especially important when it comes to vaginal health.

Wearing the same underwear for longer than 24 hours—particularly if it’s damp from sweat or natural discharge—can increase the risk of irritation, discomfort, and infections. Medical professionals caution that yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis become more likely when underwear isn’t changed regularly.

Dermatologist Dr. Archit Aggarwal points out that certain situations make frequent changes even more important, including heavy menstrual flow, increased vaginal discharge, and regular physical activity.

Sweat Levels, Exercise, and Climate Make a Difference

How much you sweat plays a major role in determining how often underwear should be changed.

Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman advises, “People who exercise intensely or sweat a great deal should consider changing their underwear more often than once a day.”

Weather conditions matter too.

“In hot or humid climates, changing underwear multiple times a day may be necessary to maintain proper hygiene and avoid irritation,” Dr. Kopelman added.

The Final Takeaway

Although there are rare exceptions, changing your underwear every day remains the simplest and safest guideline. If you sweat heavily, work out frequently, live in a warm climate, or experience irritation, changing even more often can help protect your skin and overall comfort.

In short, clean underwear isn’t just about feeling fresh—it plays a key role in maintaining skin health and preventing avoidable problems.