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Let’s get right into it and talk about the often-overlooked realm of undergarments—or rather, the lack thereof. Yes, you read that correctly. A few years ago I made the decision to declare allegiance to the commando lifestyle–for the most part anyway (I still wear underwear with jeans and sundresses).
For me, picking out what to wear to an event or even for the day has always come with its own challenges. I’d often find myself asking questions like: what’s the weather going to be like, will I be comfortable in this, is it appropriate for the occasion. Now layer on another question: should I wear underwear with this. More often than not, my answer was a simple, “no.”
My “no” didn’t come overnight, instead it was the result of small instances that started to shift my view on wearing underwear.
The Decision to Ditch Underwear
Let’s start at the beginning. Like many women, I spent years adhering to societal norms, dutifully donning undergarments day in and day out. However, despite the array of styles and fabrics available, I found myself perpetually plagued by discomfort. Whether it was the constriction of elastic waistbands, the relentless wedgies, or the suffocating sensation of synthetic fabrics, wearing underwear became an exercise in endurance rather than an exercise in comfort.
I spend most of my days in workout clothes. I’m either actually working out or working from home outfitted in leggings, sweats or shorts–things that lend themselves to comfort, so I see no point in wearing underwear. This started some years ago. I realized underwear felt restrictive, uncomfortable and even unnecessary. I began to really notice this in conjunction with my workouts. I found that I had to always tailor my activewear to whatever underwear I had in my drawer–certain leggings went best with certain underwear. That was annoying to say the least. Then I began to notice the panty lines, which I did not care for. I started to consider seamless underwear, but even those felt awful to me and they felt like a breeding ground for a yeast infection or BV.
The Liberation of Going Commando
And so my commando journey began. Almost instantly I felt liberated from the confines of undergarments, I experienced a sense of lightness and ease in my activities–especially my workouts. This was a new me–a me no longer bound by restrictive waistbands or tangled straps or thongs that dug deep.
This was one of the most profound shifts in my fitness routine. I’m active–very active. I weight train, spin, do yoga, pilates and circuit classes, so to get through those things, comfort is key. Gone were the days of awkwardly adjusting my underwear mid-workout or battling with the dreaded visible panty lines. Full disclosure, something like that can throw off my entire workout. So, I was thrilled at the seamless integration of my body and my activewear and my ability to move confidence, not frustration. From high-intensity cardio sessions to serene yoga flows, I found that going commando not only enhanced my comfort but also elevated my performance. Strange to think that a small bit of fabric could actually impact a workout so drastically–but it can and it did.
Health Benefits of Going Commando
Now, let’s get to the good part. The “is it healthy” part. What are the potential health benefits of ditching underwear altogether? While the topic may seem taboo, we can’t ignore the impact that undergarments can have on our intimate health. By eliminating the barrier between our bodies and our clothing, going commando allows for increased airflow and ventilation for your vagina. And this is a part of maintaining a healthy vaginal pH. Why? Because improved breathability helps prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of yeast infections and bacterial overgrowth.
Circulation
Oh there’s more. Going commando may promote better circulation and temperature regulation in the pelvic area. Probably not something you think about often, but it’s true. Without the constricting confines of tight underwear, blood flow is less restricted, allowing for optimal circulation throughout the region. This improved circulation can have myriad benefits, from enhanced comfort to potentially improved sexual function.
The Thong
Another undergarment element we can’t ignore? The thong. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful underwear set that includes a thong, but I don’t love wearing them for extended periods of time, partly because they’re wildly uncomfortable and partly because they don’t always seem like the best option for avoiding vaginal issues. Thongs have a history of causing chaffing for many women. And that chafing coupled with the moisture (because let’s be honest, it’s steamy down there) causes serious irritation to the vulva. Thong woes go on as they’re sometimes considered a bacteria channel with the thong potentially dragging fecal bacteria into your vagina or urethra if it’s tight or chaffing. The result? Infection.
Again, a thong from time to time is welcomed given the outfit or occasion, but consistent wearing just didn’t seem appealing to me. It’s worth noting too that full-butt styles (in non-synthetic fabrics with a cotton crotch) mean way less risk of infection. And I must say that a brand I can stand behind on those days that I do wear underwear is definitely Subset. Hello comfort, hello organic cotton options!
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that individual experiences may vary, and going commando may not be suitable for everyone. Personal preference, lifestyle, and cultural norms obviously influence one’s decision to embrace underwear or not. Some people prefer underwear at all times–and I understand that. It’s all about listening to your body and making choices that align with your unique needs.
Embracing Empowerment and Self-Love through going commando
Beyond the physical comfort and health benefits, the decision to go commando also felt a celebration of empowerment and self-love. In a world that often seeks to dictate how we should look and behave, embracing our bodies and making choices that prioritize our comfort and well-being is a radical act of self-love.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am filled with gratitude for the sense of freedom and empowerment that going commando has brought into my life. I do still wear underwear on occasions and I love shopping for pretty options that make me feel confident when I do wear them–I embrace this too. I am reminded that true liberation begins from within—that by honoring and respecting our bodies, we pave the way for a more fulfilling and authentic existence.
The Takeaway
Finally I urge you to consider the possibility of going commando—not as a rebellious gesture, but as a conscious choice to prioritize your comfort, health, and self-love.
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