“Going commando” means not wearing any underwear. Many women choose to go commando for several reasons. Some prefer to live an underwear-free lifestyle to feel comfortable, some just want to be minimalists, while others are just up for the challenge. Whatever their reasons are, going commando actually has some benefits. 

The best time to go commando is when you go to bed. This is to avoid risks of wardrobe malfunction. Also, because most sleeping clothes are usually soft and comfy, you won’t run the risk of chafing the sensitive skin around your labia and vaginal area. 

The best time to go commando is when you go to bed. This is to avoid risks of wardrobe malfunction.

Let’s explore the top seven benefits of sleeping commando and find out why you should try it for yourself too. 

1. It reduces the risk of yeast infection

Wearing tight undies that are not made of soft, breathable material can keep moisture trapped in your genital area. The bacteria responsible for yeast infections, also known as candida, grow in a warm and moist environment. Tight underwear is one of the reasons why yeast infections develop. 

To prevent yeast infections, make sure to wear loose-fitting panties and choose those that are made of natural cotton material. Going commando at night when you sleep can also help air out your vaginal area, reducing the risk of yeast bacteria growth. 

2. It lets your skin rest from elastic 

Are you bothered by the elastic marks around your abdomen and bikini area due to tight panties? Well, you are not alone. Even if you are wearing seamless underwear, there is still a slight chance of getting those panty-induced imprints on your skin. The bad news is, it’s difficult to get rid of these marks. 

However, you can let your skin rest from getting pinched by elastics by opting to go commando every once in a while. When you sleep sans the undies, you can actually let your skin breathe. Just make sure not to wear tight sleepwear or better yet, totally stay away from sleeping clothes with garters. 

3. It protects your vulva from micro-cuts

The skin around your labia is made of delicate tissue and is prone to chafing. Tight undies, especially those that are made of artificial fabrics, can irritate the labia and increase the risk of getting micro-cuts. This can damage the skin, can cause bleeding, and even scars. Sleeping without any underwear, especially when with loose-fitting sleepwear, can reduce the risk of skin chafing.  

Underwear has the tendency to bunch up and twist out of place, which can really be annoying.

4. It reduces vaginal odor

Underwear can trap moisture from sweat and heat in the genital area, causing an unpleasant vaginal odor. Sleeping without underwear can air out your vaginal area, letting it breathe. This prevents moisture retention and helps control odor. Going commando lets the labia and vagina spend some time away from underwear fabric, letting air flow freely.

5. You’ll feel more comfortable

Underwear has the tendency to bunch up and twist out of place, which can really be annoying. The elastics can also get itchy along the seams, causing discomfort while sleeping. Dropping them altogether when you go to bed can make you feel more comfortable. It will also increase the possibility of getting a night of quality sleep, without all the extra fabric bunching up between your thighs. 

6. It prevents the risk of fungal infections

Undies can retain heat and moisture, making it easier for fungi to grow. This puts the vulvar tissues at an increased risk of developing a fungal infection called tinea cruris. Fungal infection, much like a yeast infection, can be very itchy and uncomfortable. Without any underwear, the air can flow freely down there and it lowers the risk of getting fungal infections.

7. It promotes less friction and decreases dampness when sleeping

As long as you’re wearing loose clothing, going commando when sleeping can reduce the risk of chafing on your genital area due to the lack of friction between the skin and fabric. You also give the skin around your genital area time away from harsh chemicals that can settle in your underwear after washing. For women who are often extremely damp on the vulva and perineal area due to sweat and discharge, skipping underwear can also help decrease this dampness. 

Things to Remember Before Going Commando

Before you consider the underwear-free lifestyle, there are a few important things that you should remember:

Going commando, even only while sleeping, is a personal choice. While there is a lot of benefits from not wearing underwear, this kind of lifestyle is not for everyone.

• Wash your genital area frequently
• Make sure to keep it clean and dry
• Wear clean, comfortable loose-fitting clothes
• Avoid wearing tight clothing made of synthetic fabric
• Keep your room temperature comfortably cool, but not too cold

Going commando, even only while sleeping, is a personal choice. While there is a lot of benefits from not wearing underwear, this kind of lifestyle is not for everyone. If going commando makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you do not have to do it at all. You can still enjoy most of the benefits mentioned above — just make sure to choose loose-fitting panties made of pure and natural cotton. If possible, stay away from those with tight elastics.