Changing underwear daily feels like common sense, but is it essential? Not according to experts.
A U.S. survey of 2,000 men and women found 45% admit to wearing the same pair for two or more days.
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Philip M. Tierno, a microbiologist and professor at New York University with decades of experience in infection control, says reusing underwear for over a day poses minimal risk.
"Generally speaking, wearing the same underwear won't hurt you that much. At least not so much if your hygiene will hurt your image," Tierno notes.
We all carry trillions of microorganisms on and in our bodies. These natural flora cause clothes to develop odors over time. While bacteria sound concerning, they're mostly harmless.
"It's your own bacteria. Unless you have a wound, these bacteria can do little harm," Tierno explains. He emphasizes that host and microbes coexist symbiotically.
The longer you wear underwear, the more bacteria accumulate—especially with sweat from exercise or activity. It may feel unclean, but Tierno assures it doesn't cause harm for most healthy people.
