Halle Berry turned heads at this year’s Met Gala, strutting in a gown so ethereal it practically whispered across the red carpet. She looked absolutely divine, but not everything was left to the imagination. One detail (or lack thereof) caught public attention faster than a TikTok scandal: she wasn’t wearing any underwear.
Yes, indeed. Not a stitch. And this raises the age-old question, do we have to wear underwear, or has it become a relic of modesty we’ve outgrown like padded shoulders and dial-up internet?
Going Commando: A Fashion Statement or Folly?
Now, I’m no prude. I’m all for comfort, self-expression, and letting your body breathe. But as a woman, I can’t help but ask, have we taken the “free the nipple” era too far south?
Our lady gardens are complex ecosystems. Between discharge, unexpected periods, a sneeze that surprises the bladder, or just general body funk—undies are like the loyal sidekick that takes the hit so your trousers don’t have to. That’s not fashion? that’s functional hygiene.
Why Do People Skip the Smalls?
So, what’s the logic behind leaving the knickers at home? For some, it’s all about comfort. They say underwear digs in, rides up, or leaves marks. And yes, a poorly-fitted pair can be an absolute menace. But let’s not act like we’re in 1992. There’s now an entire underwear aisle bursting with seamless, breathable, bamboo-fabric magic that feels like clouds for your nether regions. You can get comfort and coverage, it’s not an either/or situation.
Then there’s the fashion argument. No visible panty lines, no awkward bunching under clingy fabric. Fine, fair enough. But have these people never heard of laser-cut underwear? It’s practically invisible, yet still does the Lord’s work of keeping things contained.
A few even claim it’s liberating, like some feminist power move. “I feel free! I feel sexy!” they say. And that’s nice. But you know what also feels sexy? Knowing you’re not going to leave an imprint on a public seat or walk around worried about a stain situation.
Finally, there’s the health angle. Some argue going without reduces the risk of infections, but that’s only partially true, and mostly for people wearing synthetic, suffocating fabrics. Cotton undies? They’re breathable, absorbent, and protective. Not the villain here.
The Social Sitch: TMI or Just Treading a New Trend?
Here’s where I get judgy (you knew it was coming). Going knickerless in your own home? Fine. On the red carpet, where you’re wrapped in £50,000 of designer chiffon? Still questionable, but I get the look. But doing your weekly shop, squeezing avocados in Tesco with no barriers between you and the denim? Vile.
And don’t even get me started on wearing the same trousers two days in a row without undies. That’s not confidence. That’s crusty.
Are There Risks?
Yes. Let’s not sugar-coat it.
- Infections: Going commando in tight jeans? Recipe for UTIs and yeast overgrowth.
- Stains: Discharge and sweat leave marks. Your dry cleaner will judge you, and rightly so.
- Wardrobe Malfunctions: One slip and suddenly you’re starring in your own episode of Embarrassing Bodies .
Some even argue that going underwear-free can mess with your vaginal pH over time if you’re not careful about hygiene. There’s freedom, and then there’s forgetting basic biology.
Is It Frowned Upon?
It depends on the context. In celebrity land, it’s edgy and provocative. In the office or on public transport? More “ew” than “avant-garde”.
Honestly, underwear is like cutlery. Sure, you can eat with your hands, but why make life harder (and messier) than it needs to be?
Final Thoughts from a Knicker Advocate
Look, wear what you want. But if you’re going to skip the briefs, do us all a favor and double up on hygiene. And maybe, just maybe, reconsider sitting on shared chairs.
As for me? I’ll keep my pants on, thank you very much. There’s comfort in knowing that my outfit isn’t one sneeze away from becoming a horror story.
Now I’m wondering, is my resistance to going commando a generational thing? Or are we just not ready for a fully pants-free society?
What do you think, am I overreacting, or should we be clinging to our knickers like the national treasures they are?
*This image is AI-generated with prompts made by me and serve no educational purpose
This article is part of our Foundations & Reflections series, offering insights from earlier explorations that continue to inform our journey.
