It may sound like one of the simplest hygiene rules around, but changing your underwear every day is a habit more people are quietly skipping than you might expect. Health experts now say that rewearing underwear isn’t just unpleasant — it can come with real risks that make daily changes essential.
As uncomfortable as it sounds, research has shown that even freshly worn underwear can contain trace amounts of bacteria. When the same pair is worn beyond a single day, moisture, friction, and warmth create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to multiply. That’s why medical professionals stress that clean underwear isn’t optional — it’s a basic health safeguard.
A Growing Hygiene Gap
Recent surveys suggest this habit is slipping, especially among younger adults. A 2023 poll found that more than one-third of people aged 18 to 24 admitted to wearing the same underwear for longer than 24 hours, with many saying it’s a regular occurrence. Nearly a quarter of adults in their late 20s and early 30s reported doing the same.
Older age groups, however, showed much stronger hygiene habits. The majority of adults over 55 said they never wear underwear for more than one day, highlighting a noticeable generational divide.
Why Doctors Are Concerned
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