Going commando might still be taboo in some places and yeah, it might be a bit bold for you to go out sans underwear. But before flooding the comment section with your thoughts on how unhygienic it may be, I’m here to tell you that it actually has a lot of health benefits. Though I’m no gynecologist, I know a thing or two about running underwear-free—and it’s pretty dang comfortable especially in this heat.
In ancient times, the loincloth—free of garters and restrictive straps—was the underwear of choice. If we’re all for comfort these days, I’m not sure why it wasn’t exactly carried over to modern times. Sure, we would look like adult-babies in diapers, but at least we’d be comfortable adult-babies in diapers. Why do we always have to make things complicated by having to deal with straps that snap, lace that itches and cloth that rides up your ass?
And until no one brings back the loincloth (or find a better alternative to underwear), I’m going rogue—except when I’m on my period.
Yes, I’ve tried it, and yes, it is possible—but is it comfortable? No.
Because I’ve been going commando since B.C. (before corona), trust me when I say that right now would be the perfect time to try it out if you haven’t yet. Since you’re just at home, you wouldn’t be as self-conscious as you would be if you tried it out in the outside world instead. It’s key to be comfortable while on commando because if you aren’t, it will greatly affect your confidence and people are gonna notice.
I remember my first experience of going rogue: I was probably in seventh grade, and it felt very liberating stepping outside my home. I don’t know why but having this little secret was thrilling. It’s like how superheroes try to hide their identities, except in my case I was trying to hide the fact that I didn’t have any underwear on.
It started off okay since I was just seated in my car but once I stepped out, that’s when all the problems I didn’t think would be problems happened (aka the wind, trying to go up the stairs without flashing everyone below me and that little voice in your head whispering, “They know,” leading you to believe that everyone has x-ray vision).
It took me some time before I was completely comfortable with going rogue but once I got used to it, I considered it as one of the best decisions I’ve made.
If you plan to skip the underwear, don’t worry. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable at first, especially since you will be experiencing new sensations such as a slight breeze in places where the sun don’t shine. But remember, a burst of fresh air down there is actually good for you.
The upside to ditching your panties include not having to worry much about chafing, irritation, discharge as well as odor. Though vaginal odor and discharge are completely normal, wearing underwear can trap moisture, allowing yeast to grow and spread. Though having yeast infections are pretty common and can be easily cured, right now might not be the best time to get one since going to the hospital has become a little more complicated.
Besides avoiding a yeast infection, going commando will help you save up on water and laundry detergent. Since right now we’re all about conservation, saving anything in any way possible is a big deal.
Whatever you think about going underwear-free, try giving it a shot before shunning the idea completely. Because of the heat we are experiencing now, it might even save you a trip to the doctor’s office.
Art by Dana Calvo
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