Is Underwear Really Necessary?
When it comes to underwear, there seem to be endless questions and not-so-straightforward answers. Do I need to wear underwear under my bathing suit? Under my compression shorts? Under my workout shorts?
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully, it will give you an idea of whether or not you should be wearing underwear with certain clothing. We’ll start with the most basic question of all: do you even need to wear underwear in the first place?
Underwear isn’t a necessity. Depending on your comfort level, you can choose to go commando (a term for going without underwear), or you can opt for a thong or even a g-string. If you’re going commando, make sure you’ve got good hygiene habits so as to ensure that your crotch area stays fresh and clean.
Why Does Underwear Exist?
In the old days, people didn’t have as many changes of clothing as we do now. Not to mention outer garments weren’t easily washable in those times. So, people started wearing a layer of cloth between their outer garment and their bodies for the purpose of absorbing dirt and sweat from the body so that their outer garments are kept cleaner and last longer.
The layer of cloth that they wore underneath was made of lighter fabric hence it was softer on the skin and easier to wash. This tradition persisted over the centuries and the underwear evolved with time but the reason it exists is the same today as it was in the old days; to protect clothes from stains, smells, sweat, etc.
What Did They Wear Before Underwear?
In imperial Rome, people used to wear simply wrapped loincloths under their outer garments. There was no universal rule regarding what to wear underneath and people wore what was available, comfortable, or necessary – or nothing at all.
Apart from loincloths, people in medieval times wore braies, which is a completely different kind of underpants. Those underpants were fairly looser drawers that varied in length and could be closed with a drawstring at the waist. They were usually made of linen but sometimes were also sewn from finely woven wool, particularly in colder climates.
Why Do We Wear Underwear?
Underwear is a hidden thing by its nature. So, it may feel unnecessary as no one would ever know that you are or aren’t wearing one. Yet, it has many practical benefits and reasons why we choose to wear them. Firstly, they protect against rough and harsh fabrics.
Secondly, they will allow you to do laundry relatively less on professional pants, jeans, etc. because they won’t get as sweaty. Other key benefits of wearing underwear include protecting your private parts, comfort, health, hygiene, and support. Overall, the benefits of wearing underwear surpass why you shouldn’t.
Do You Wear Underwear with Swim Trunks?
There are a few reasons why you might prefer not to wear underwear with swim trunks. Some men have a tendency to get chafed when they wear both their swimsuit and underwear together. If you don’t want to experience chafing, you can skip the undergarments.
In fact, you shouldn’t have to wear underwear with swim trunks because most swim trunks are made of nylon or polyester and have a small layer of netting underneath the outer fabric.
The result is that your underwear will get wet in a matter of minutes — if not seconds — when you jump into the pool or the ocean. And what’s the point of wearing any underwear? If it gets wet, you’re just going to have to change into dry clothes sooner. So save yourself some time and effort by just going commando if you’re heading to the beach or pool.
If you don’t wear underwear your swim trunks will dry really quickly when you are out of the water but if you do wear underwear they will stay constantly wet all day long. You’re just inviting a rash.
Athletic-style swim trunks are designed in such a way that underwear isn’t necessary for support or coverage purposes. They’re typically made from a thin material that’s stretchy and doesn’t require extra foundation garments to keep them from sliding down your hips or riding up your behind.
You should never have to wear any underwear under your swimsuit. However, if you are going to wear underwear with swim trunks, then you should wear the same color underwear as your swim trunks.
Do You Wear Underwear with Board Shorts?
Board shorts with built-in liners are best worn bare. It completely eliminates the need for underwear. Many males choose to wear some type of tight swimwear underneath board shorts, as it can help provide more comfort and support for activities like surfing and bodyboarding.
It really depends on what kind of underwear you wear. If you wear tighty whiteys, then no. But if you wear Speedos, thongs, jockstraps, (etc.) then it’s okay to not wear underwear with your board shorts…
Another reason is chafing. It is almost impossible for men to wear underwear with board shorts and not have chaffing. The board’s short material is too thin and rides up into the crotch area, causing a lot of friction and eventually chaffing. If you don’t wear underwear then there is nothing for the board short material to ride up into, eliminating the friction and causing no chaffing.
If you plan on wearing board shorts without underwear there are a few things to consider. Your board shorts should not be too baggy or they will ride up your leg while you are in the water. They should also be made of a quick-drying material so that they do not become see-through when wet.
Other men believe wearing underwear under their board shorts is beneficial because it helps keep their package from moving around while in the water. Additional support may be needed if this is a concern. The choice to wear underwear or not is completely dependent on personal preference and activity level.
Do You Wear Underwear Under a Wet Suit?
Wet suits are designed to maintain body temperature in cold water. The outer layer is made from neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber that acts as an insulator. The inner layer is usually a nylon tricot mesh that allows for breathability and wicking. These layers trap a thin layer of water between them, which reduces heat loss from evaporation.
The thermal effect of the wetsuit is further increased by the restriction of blood circulation caused by the tight fit around the suit, which reduces the amount of blood flowing to the extremities thus conserving core body heat.
Now back to our original question: “Do you wear underwear under a wet suit?”
Well, there are two schools of thought: One school of thought is that wearing underwear under a wet suit would prevent it from sealing properly around your body; therefore, it would be less effective in keeping you warm.
The other school of thought says that wearing underwear under your wet suit allows for better freedom of movement and prevents chafing or rashes on delicate areas such as your inner thighs,
Wet underwear is a real problem, especially if you’re diving in cold water. It’s also a problem that you can prevent. Not wearing underwear under your wet suit sounds like a strange idea, but it makes sense.
This way the water that is trapped between your skin and the wet suit does not get cold and does not keep you from moving freely.
Do You Wear Underwear with Spanx?
Most body shapers are made to be worn as underwear, but there are some exceptions. Some people wear them over their underwear like a second skin, while others put on their clothes first, then put on their shaper, and then their dress or workwear. It’s all up to the person wearing it and what they’re comfortable with.
It is true that most companies that sell shapewear recommend that you do not wear any other clothing underneath your shaper. Most shapewear is made of nylon and spandex, which are smooth materials that give you a smooth look under your clothing.
If you wear any other clothing underneath your shaper, you run the risk of creating unsightly lines that make it look like you are wearing two pairs of pants underneath your clothing.
If you choose to wear underwear with your body shaper, it is a good idea to use a thong-style rather than boxer shorts or briefs because this type of underwear will give you the best shape and doesn’t bunch up like other styles can. Be sure to wash them after each use because perspiration can stain them if left on too long. Body shapers should be washed by hand and hung up to dry so that they retain their shape when they are finished washing.
Do You Wear Underwear with Bike Shorts?
This is a controversial topic for cyclists. Many professional cyclists do not wear underwear because they say it causes chafing and discomfort. Wearing non-breathable material like cotton next to the skin can be uncomfortable and even cause saddle sores in some cases.
Here are three reasons why bike shorts work better without underwear:
- Seams. Bike shorts with built-in padding are designed to fit next to your skin. If you wear underwear, you’re adding seams that can irritate sensitive skin, especially when you’re sweating.
- Moisture. Chamois pads are usually made of fabrics that wick moisture away from your body so it doesn’t get trapped against your skin. Cotton underwear tends to hold moisture close to the skin, leading to discomfort and even chafing.
- Drying time. Chamois pads are made from synthetic fabrics that dry very quickly when they get wet. Wearing cotton underwear under your bike shorts means you’ll have damp fabric against your skin for hours after your ride is over.
- The chamois, which is typically made of memory foam, is designed to fit against your body in order to reduce friction while riding.
Do You Wear Underwear with a Chamois?
Chamois are most commonly used by cyclists who ride long distances, like in marathons or during training sessions. They’re also used by mountain bikers who do downhill riding and for people who cycle for leisure.
The chamois is designed to be worn next to your skin, so the sweat that accumulates will evaporate into the shorts while you are riding. If you wear underwear, the sweat will be absorbed by the material and create a damp feeling between your legs.
Cotton underwear may be comfortable, but it can rub uncomfortably against the chamois and cause chafing — something nobody wants when they’re riding!
Cotton also holds in moisture and slows down drying time, so it’s best to leave those boxer briefs at home if you want to be comfortable on the bike.
Do You Wear Underwear with Compression Shorts?
Compression shorts are used by many athletes because they help to improve blood circulation and prevent muscle soreness. Compression shorts are made of elastic material that is applied in such a way as to promote blood circulation.
Tightly woven synthetics and elastic materials that can be found in compression shorts are very different from the cotton underwear you wear on a daily basis. The difference between cotton underwear and compression shorts lies in the way each fabric reacts to your body’s moisture.
When your body temperature rises during exercise, muscles produce sweat to cool off your skin. The sweat from your skin then passes through the fabric of your underwear and evaporates into the air. Your underwear helps keep you dry, but if it absorbs too much water, it will feel wet against your skin and become uncomfortable.
So the simple answer is no. Compression shorts are designed to be worn without underwear, but some people prefer to wear underwear under their compression shorts for added comfort and for hygiene reasons. However, wearing compression shorts with underwear defeats the purpose of wearing compression shorts.
Compression shorts are made to wick away perspiration so that it dries faster on the surface of the fabric rather than be absorbed into its inner fibers. This prevents chafing caused by the build-up of sweat, which can lead to irritation or rashes.
The reason why so many runners wear compression shorts without underwear is that they are designed to create a “second skin” effect that reduces muscle vibration and soreness after exercise.
The close fit of the compression shorts will help speed up your recovery time and prevent additional muscle fatigue during exercise. If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, wearing compression shorts with underwear can cause chaffing and discomfort.
If you’re uncomfortable running in public without underwear, you may also want to wear them underneath your compression shorts as an extra layer of protection.
Although it is not necessary for you to wear any underwear with compression shorts — since they are designed to work against your skin — wearing tight-fitting briefs underneath compression shorts can help make them more comfortable and prevent the shorts from rolling
Do You Wear Underwear with Running Shorts?
First of all, breathability is the key for your running shorts to stay comfortable. You don’t want to be wearing anything that can get in the way of your breathing. If you’re wearing underwear underneath, you might have a harder time breathing because it’s trapping your heat and moisture. Having that layer of clothing against your skin also makes it harder for perspiration to evaporate.
For men, the inside of most athletic shorts has a layer of soft fabric that prevents chafing against the skin. For women, most shorts have made this transition from cotton-lined to moisture-wicking fabrics, keeping them dry and cool while they exercise. These inner linings are designed to be worn directly against the skin without any additional undergarments.
The built-in underwear in your running shorts is designed to keep you from getting chafed, which is another reason why you don’t want to wear anything else underneath. Chafing occurs when there’s friction between two areas of skin rubbing against each other, like your thighs rubbing against each other or between your thighs and other parts of your body.
This can lead to skin irritation and even painful rashes. In addition, chafing can be very uncomfortable while you’re trying to run, making it difficult for you to focus on how much fun you’re having during your workout.
Running shorts are made with a special lining that acts as a cushion between your skin and the shorts themselves so they don’t rub against each other and cause chafing. If you try to wear something else under them instead of the lining, this can lead to serious discomfort or even pain while you are running.
Should You Wear Underwear with Workout Shorts?
You should always wear underwear with workout shorts. While it’s a more personal question than many, there are several good reasons for making sure your underwear is always on underneath those gym shorts. Not only will you feel more confident in your clothes and in the locker room, but you’ll also keep from embarrassing yourself in front of other people.
Tight clothing such as workout shorts can be very revealing. You don’t want to run the risk of anyone seeing what you’re not ready to reveal yet or maybe ever. Even with some baggy shorts, you may feel more comfortable if you know that your underwear is still providing some coverage.
If you are a man then it’s better to wear boxer briefs or boxer shorts underneath your workout shorts than wearing tighty whities. If you’re a woman then it doesn’t matter what kind of underwear you choose to wear, just make sure they are soft and comfortable so they don’t rub against your skin while you’re working out or running around playing sports.
You never know when there’s going to be a breeze or when you might feel a little too warm. With your underwear on, you won’t have to worry about your private parts being exposed when you bend over or if your shorts ride up while you’re working out.
Your skin tingles when it’s exposed to the air, which feels great when it’s cold outside but can be uncomfortable or even painful if it happens too often or too fast. Make sure that your underwear is always there to protect sensitive areas from getting chafed and irritated by constant exposure to air.
Still Not Convinced?
Bacteria and yeast thrive in warm environments. Wearing underwear offers another layer to catch all of the sweat or wetness associated with exercise.
Even though it feels so good to run around without underwear, it can be dangerous as well. Bacterial infections can occur when bacteria come into contact with the skin. Yeast infections can also happen when there is too much moisture in the area and skin comes into contact with the material of your shorts.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, but after a few washes and wears, it will be like wearing nothing at all.
Do Female Golfers Wear Underwear?
The short answer to the question, “Do female golfers wear underwear?” is: it depends on what they’re wearing.
It’s all going to depend on the clothing chosen for the day. Some women will opt to go without anything beneath their golfing outfits for a clean look, while others do choose to wear something beneath their golf skirts and pants.
The important thing to remember is that its personal preference. It’s up to you to decide which feels most comfortable after considering your options.
There are pros and cons for both choices when it comes down to it. Some argue that wearing nothing beneath golf shorts gives them a freer range of motion and more comfort overall, but others believe that wearing no undergarments beneath their golfing clothes could lead to unwanted chafing and a higher risk of skin irritation during a long day of play.
These are all things you’ll want to keep in mind before deciding on your wardrobe for an upcoming round of golf.
Do You Wear Underwear with Baggies?
If you’re still wearing underwear with your baggies, you’re doing it wrong. Tighty-whities are never a good choice for activewear. The elastic waistband will eventually lose its stretch, and the cotton material is uncomfortable when damp.
Baggies are made with a polyester mesh, which eliminates the need for underwear and is more breathable than your cotton underwear, and dries much faster.
However, the choice of whether or not to wear underwear with baggies is personal. Some people choose not to because they find it uncomfortable or tacky. Others choose to wear seamless underwear so they don’t have to worry about any lines showing through their pants or worry about having their pants fall down when they bend over.
Does Underwear Go Under Leotard for Gymnastics?
In a sense, this question is answered by the very nature of a leotard. It is designed to be worn without underwear, as there is no place to tuck it in. Truthfully, a leotard would be less comfortable and more likely to ride up during strenuous exercise if it were worn with underwear.
The material of a leotard also makes underwear unnecessary. A leotard’s fabric is thin and stretchy, and skin-tight. It tends to cling to the body even when wearing no underwear underneath it.
Leotards are made of spandex or nylon and are one size fits all. If you wear panties under your leotard, the tight fit will make them uncomfortable, and they may even bunch up over your panties as you move around. That is why most female gymnasts practice in the nude or wear specially designed shorts underneath their leotards.
However, if you choose to wear underwear under your leotard anyway, do not wear thongs or G-strings because they will show through the material of the leotard. Instead, opt for boy shorts or full briefs made especially for sportswear or dancewear.
Do You Need to Wear Underwear with Bodysuits?
If you’re going to wear a bodysuit, you may want to consider wearing underwear underneath it. Bodysuits are great because they can help conceal many-body imperfections and make your legs appear longer. Because of this, many women like bodysuits for their comfort and style.
It’s a good rule of thumb to wear underwear with a bodysuit. However, it depends on the style of the bodysuit. You do not always need to wear underwear with a bodysuit, but there are cases when you may want to.
In some instances, wearing underwear will help prevent chafing in sensitive areas. A bodysuit can be super sexy and figure-flattering, but it can also be difficult to wear without being uncomfortable at times.
Pros of Wearing Underwear with Bodysuits
- Bodysuits can be sheer, which means that you’re more likely to flash someone if your underwear isn’t opaque. If you’re not comfortable with that idea, opt for panties that are high-waisted or have an elastic waistband to help keep them from peeking out.
- Some bodysuits have open backs or cutouts in the middle. If the area between your shoulder blades is exposed and your backside is visible, it might be more comfortable to stick with underwear until you get home.
- If you’re wearing a slim-fitting bodysuit and plan on sitting down, wearing underwear underneath can prevent chafing and discomfort.
By wearing underwear with your bodysuit, you can help prevent chafing between the bottom of the suit and your body as well as any chafing that might occur around your chest area or upper thighs.
Do I Need to Wear Underwear with Running Tights?
Some running tights (also called leggings) have the same dimensions as standard running shorts and are made of a thicker fabric that is meant to be worn underneath them. However, some others are “compression” tights, which are designed to provide support for your legs and abdomen, but which don’t cover you all the way from waist to ankles.
The honest answer is that you don’t have to, but it all depends on the type of running tight, your personal preferences, and what you’re comfortable doing.
Tight pants are designed to be worn without underwear and are meant to fit close to the body. Although some brands may say that you can wear underwear with their tights, there’s a chance that they will still show through the fabric or cause the tight to bunch in an unattractive way.
You should also wear underwear beneath running tights if they’re too big for your body type or don’t fit snugly against your skin. When tight clothing rubs against the skin, it can cause chafing and irritation, which can make it uncomfortable to exercise and lead to unpleasant rashes or sores.
Some people prefer not to wear underwear with their tights in order to avoid chafing and any other discomfort that might result from wearing both tight clothing items together. The bottom line is that wearing underwear with your tight pants is completely up to you, and you should do whatever feels right for your body.
In summary, wearing underwear isn’t going to make you hotter. It isn’t going to make you sweat any less, and it doesn’t do anything to help your body hold in body heat. Overall, wearing underwear has very little impact on how hot you feel during exercise, or how your body reacts during a workout.
The short answer is, no, you don’t need to wear underwear with those outfits, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
In the end, it’s more a personal preference. There are people who say all underwear is bulky, uncomfortable, and unnecessary in so many scenarios. There are also numerous golfers (women and men) who can attest to the comfort of wearing underwear under their clothes, even if they do not play as well while doing so. Your choice will likely come down to this: what you’re most comfortable with.
You may also be interested in… Is It Normal for Your Underwear to Stink?, Do You Wear Underwear with Leggings? and Is Hanes A Good Brand? (Underwear, Undershirts, Shirts, Shorts, Bras)
Allan Wilson who in the offline world has an extensive background working in research, analyzing statistics, improving work processes, team leading, and implementing training to improve results and now thanks to more than 3 years dedicated to this site is now also a highly regarded researcher of brands.
Allan has a long history of developing brands online way back before blogging existed creating websites using HTML code in Notepad. Allan established brands in the Info Product Marketing arena such as infoproductmarketing, ebookresellerkit, reprintrightsmarketing, along with many other successful websites (and a few failures along the way). Allan has also authored numerous ebooks, owned and operated membership sites, created eLearning courses, and more.
