What’s the deal with going commando? 17 Fashion Journal readers weigh in

“I could do anything I usually do, but with a hot little secret.”

Recently, a user on TikTok went viral for claiming she doesn’t wear underwear to the gym. Going commando – particularly when exercising – has long divided the internet. Some say it’s a game-changer, while others claim going sans-undies is unhygienic and frankly, a little uncomfortable for all involved.

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So what do Fashion Journal readers think about ditching the underwear? To find out, we asked 17 anonymous readers to share their thoughts. Scroll on to find out what they had to say.

Mia*, 28, she/her

I love it but it specifically depends on the crotch, seams and fabric of whatever bottoms I’m wearing. As a person with a vagina, I can confirm that a denim seam down there feels like you’re using a knife as a binder organiser… if you catch what I’m saying.

Faye*, 30, she/her

If I can, I will… it’s the best. Have you ever worked out at home in the nude? It is the absolute best! I find it really allows me to connect with my body – I’m a moving body, that’s all! But kinda want them for when I wear denim.

Or short skirts because not everyone has signed up for the bared-bottom bliss. Don’t knock it till you try it! I recommend popping on a long dress/kimono/kaftan/sheath/piece of clothing that covers you all the way down to your knees/ankles and giving it a go.

Leanna*, 27, she/her

I hate underwear lines, and will often go commando while going out if it means you won’t see my underwear line (especially when wearing white) but I do get worried about moisture.

Rupi*, 23, she/her

Absolutely not! I have too much anxiety about whether or not my discharge is going to seep through my clothes… not an enjoyable way to go about my day. I envy those who can!

Zoya*, 28, she/they

I love it. I actually find it much more comfortable to wear nothing at all. It makes me feel free, and more connected with myself and my body and helps remove shame.

Lili*, 32, she/her

Not a fan! I’ll only go commando under my PJs. There are so many no-show types of underwear these days, so there’s no reason to go sans-undies under an outfit!

Kristen*, 23, she/they

Amazing. It’s actually been really good for my health too (UTIs and all). I sometimes wonder if more people are commando in secret. I wish it wasn’t considered gross or strange, and it’s fewer things to wash or worry about. I find it uncomfortable to wear them now.

Rosa*, 25, she/her

Positively, good to let yourself breathe. My GP literally told me to not wear underwear to bed to stop yeast infections.

Georgia*, 31, she/her

On a night out? Not for me, probably down to the subconscious fear of a wardrobe malfunction (although I don’t typically gravitate towards clothes that flirt with VPL, so it’s not usually on the cards anyway). The thought of going commando to the gym gives me a visceral ick (Sweat? Chafe? Getting a little too close to communal gym equipment?). But, there are a few occasions that call for commando: comfy pants at home, sleep… and a trip to the beautician.

Maya*, 28, she/her

I personally don’t feel comfortable going commando because I don’t want to get discharge all over my clothes. How do people deal with this? Also, I have large inner labia, so it’s impossible to go commando in pants without experiencing discomfort or pain.

Dione*, 29, she/her

It just doesn’t work for me.. sometimes I’ll forget underwear after going for a surf and the the feeling of denim jeans touching my labia is like torture. Not to mention pants need washing sooner because of discharge. Side note: always commando in bed! Let her breathe!

Constance*, 28, she/her

I love it, the gym is really the only place I do wear underwear. I just feel freer without them in the world – nothing uncomfortable, no wedgies. Somehow I feel more confident!

Priya*, 23, she/her

It’s great, I do it all the time if I’m not on my period and if it’s not going to be uncomfortable with my clothes.

Tom*, 34, he/him

In blue jeans, it feels like you have a superpower, like Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise. Ready for almost anything.

Stella*, 27, she/they

I love to give my coochie a chance to breathe. I also run out of clean underwear a lot. I only start to feel weird when I’m talking to old men or my family members. Otherwise, it’s fun and breezy!

Fiona*, 25, she/her

Almost every day, yes!

Harriet*, 25, she/her

I swim at my local pool a few times a week so it was only a matter of time until I forgot a change of underwear. I didn’t have time to go home to grab a pair, so I went out for drinks and dancing as I was (commando). I kind of loved it, tbh – like I could do anything I usually do, but with a hot little secret? I went home with someone who loved the surprise. Yeah, I’d probably do it again.

*Names have been changed.

For more on ditching the undies, head here.