The Complete Guide to the Pros and Cons of Going Commando at the Gym

According to recent surveys, 18% of gym-goers are already living their best commando life during workouts, and honestly? We're not mad about it. But before you ditch your drawers and embrace the freedom, let's dive into what going commando at the gym actually means for your health, hygiene, and overall workout experience.

The Pros of Going Commando at the Gym

Enhanced Workout Performance

Nothing kills your squat game faster than constantly adjusting a wedgie mid-rep. Going commando eliminates those annoying interruptions that can throw off your entire workout flow. Without that extra layer of fabric bunching up, you get improved flexibility and range of motion—especially crucial during deep squats, deadlifts, or any movement that requires serious hip mobility.

The reduced friction between your skin and workout clothes means you can focus on crushing your personal records instead of dealing with uncomfortable fabric pulling and tugging. It's like giving your body permission to move the way it was designed to. For those who want the best of both worlds, our Ball Hammock® Athletic Shorts feature built-in pouch underwear that eliminates the need for separate undergarments while providing optimal support during intense workouts.

Superior Moisture Management

Here's where things get interesting from a science perspective. When you're rocking underwear under your workout gear, you're essentially creating a moisture trap. Sweat gets caught between multiple layers of fabric, creating what experts call "double-layer" moisture trapping.

Going commando allows sweat to evaporate directly through your workout clothes, which are typically designed with moisture-wicking technology. This direct evaporation process is way more efficient than trying to wick moisture through underwear first, then through your outer layer. If you prefer the security of underwear but want superior moisture management, consider moisture-wicking Ball Hammock® underwear made from luxury MicroModal fabric that actively pulls sweat away from your skin.

Infection Prevention Benefits

Dr. Jodie Horton, a board-certified OB-GYN, actually recommends skipping underwear during workouts. "The vagina has normal bacteria that prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria like bacterial vaginosis and yeast. However, a warm, wet environment after a sweat session can be a breeding ground for infection," she explains.

For our male readers, going commando can significantly reduce your risk of jock itch—that uncomfortable fungal infection that thrives in damp, enclosed environments. When your boys can breathe freely, fungal nasties have a much harder time setting up shop.

Thongs are particularly problematic here. The constant friction and movement can introduce E. coli bacteria from your backside to your front door, potentially leading to urinary tract infections. Going commando eliminates this risk entirely.

Aesthetic and Comfort Advantages

Let's be real—visible panty lines are the enemy of a good gym selfie. Going commando gives you that smooth, seamless look under tight activewear without sacrificing comfort. Plus, you'll never have to deal with restrictive waistbands digging into your skin during ab exercises or feeling like your underwear is trying to strangle your hip bones during burpees.

Temperature regulation is another huge win. Your body naturally wants to cool itself during intense workouts, and that extra layer of fabric can interfere with this process. Going commando lets your skin breathe and helps maintain optimal body temperature. For those who want cooling technology without going commando, our paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® underwear uses patented brrr°® fabric that's scientifically proven to keep you up to 3° cooler.

The Cons of Going Commando at the Gym

Hygiene and Cleanliness Concerns

Here's where things get a bit more complicated. When you go commando, your genitals are in direct contact with gym equipment—and let's face it, gym equipment isn't exactly known for being pristine. Even with regular sanitization, shared surfaces can harbor bacteria.

You'll also need to wash your workout clothes after every single use. No exceptions. When there's no underwear barrier, your workout gear is essentially functioning as underwear, collecting all the bacteria and sweat that would normally be absorbed by that extra layer.

Sweat stains become more visible on lighter fabrics, which can be embarrassing and require more frequent gear replacement.

Physical Discomfort Risks

Not all workout clothes are created equal. Rough seams, synthetic materials, and poor construction can cause serious chafing when there's no protective barrier between your skin and the fabric. This is especially problematic in high-friction areas like your inner thighs and groin.

For those with penises, high-impact activities like running or jumping can be uncomfortable without proper support. Your boys need somewhere to go, and letting them bounce around freely isn't always the most comfortable option.

Zipper and hardware safety becomes a real concern too. Without that protective layer, accidental snags can turn into painful (and potentially embarrassing) situations.

Social and Practical Considerations

Visible outline concerns are real, especially in form-fitting clothes. Nobody wants to deal with unwanted attention or feel self-conscious about their silhouette during workouts.

Changing room etiquette becomes more complex when you're going commando. You'll need to be extra mindful about hygiene and consider bringing a towel to sit on.

For menstruating individuals, going commando during your period requires serious planning and potentially limits your workout options.

Making the Right Choice for Your Body

The decision to go commando at the gym ultimately comes down to your individual body, workout style, and comfort preferences. If you're dealing with frequent yeast infections, excessive sweating, or find underwear restrictive during workouts, going commando might be worth trying.

However, if you prefer the security and support that underwear provides, or if you're prone to chafing, sticking with moisture-wicking, seamless options might be your best bet.

The Shinesty Solution

If you're not ready to go full commando but want some of those benefits, we've got you covered. Our Ball Hammock® Pouch Underwear is designed with luxury 95% MicroModal and 5% Spandex that's moisture-wicking and breathable—giving you the best of both worlds.

The supportive pouch keeps everything in place and off your legs, while our proprietary knitting process delivers more sumptuous Modal per square inch for a softer, better-fitting experience than anything else out there. It's like going commando, but with VIP treatment for your boys.

For post-workout recovery, our SleepDeep™ Collection made from luxury MicroModal fabric will make you forget you're wearing anything at all. And don't forget about your feet—our Heel Hammock™ Super Stupid-Soft™ Socks provide the same level of comfort and support for your feet that our underwear provides for everything else. Check out our full collection at shinesty.com to find your perfect comfort level.

Whether you choose to go commando or stick with underwear, the most important thing is listening to your body and prioritizing both comfort and hygiene. Your workout routine should enhance your life, not complicate it—so choose whatever option helps you feel confident and comfortable crushing your fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hygienic to go commando at the gym?

Going commando can actually be more hygienic than wearing underwear during workouts. Medical professionals note that eliminating the extra fabric layer reduces moisture trapping and bacterial growth. However, you must wash workout clothes after every use and be mindful of direct contact with gym equipment. The key is maintaining proper hygiene practices regardless of your choice.

What are the main risks of working out without underwear?

The primary risks include potential chafing from rough seams or synthetic materials, lack of support during high-impact activities, direct contact with gym equipment, and visible outline concerns in form-fitting clothes. Additionally, you'll need to wash workout gear after every session and be extra careful with zippers or hardware that could cause injury.

Can going commando help prevent yeast infections and other issues?

Yes, going commando can help prevent infections by allowing better airflow and reducing moisture buildup. It eliminates the risk of thong-related bacterial transfer and reduces the warm, moist environment where yeast and harmful bacteria thrive. For men, it significantly decreases the risk of jock itch by allowing proper ventilation.

Who should avoid going commando during workouts?

People who are prone to chafing, those who engage in high-impact activities requiring support, individuals with sensitive skin, and anyone who feels uncomfortable with the practice should stick with moisture-wicking underwear. Additionally, menstruating individuals may find it impractical, and those with poorly constructed workout clothes should maintain the protective barrier that underwear provides.

Key Insights

• Medical professionals support the practice: Board-certified OB-GYNs recommend skipping underwear during workouts to prevent bacterial overgrowth and infections, as the warm, moist environment created by multiple fabric layers can promote harmful bacteria growth.
• Performance benefits are measurable: Going commando eliminates fabric bunching and reduces friction, leading to improved flexibility, range of motion, and workout focus—particularly beneficial for compound movements like squats and deadlifts.
• Moisture management is significantly improved: Direct sweat evaporation through moisture-wicking workout clothes is more efficient than the "double-layer" moisture trapping that occurs when wearing underwear under activewear.
• The decision should be individualized: Success depends on factors like workout intensity, clothing quality, personal hygiene habits, and individual comfort preferences—there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Citations

1. Tommy John survey finding that 18% of gym-goers prefer going commando during workouts confirmed by Tommy John 2020 survey report
2. Dr. Jodie Horton quote about vaginal bacteria and infection prevention confirmed by multiple health publications including Livestrong and PopSugar, 2021-2023
3. Shinesty Ball Hammock® underwear fabric composition (95% MicroModal, 5% Spandex) confirmed by official Shinesty product pages

Take the Next Step with Shinesty

Look, we get it—the commando vs. underwear debate is more complicated than your relationship status on Facebook. Whether you're team "let it all hang free" or "give me all the support," we've got your back(side) covered.

Our Ball Hammock® Pouch Underwear is basically the Swiss Army knife of underwear—it gives you the breathability and moisture-wicking benefits of going commando, but with the support and protection your boys actually need. Think of it as commando training wheels, except way more comfortable and significantly less likely to result in awkward gym incidents.

And for those post-workout recovery moments when you want to feel like you're wearing a cloud made of unicorn dreams, our Heel Hammock™ Super Stupid‑Soft™ Socks are engineered with the same obsessive attention to comfort. Because if we're going to revolutionize what's happening down south, we might as well make your feet ridiculously happy too.

Ready to upgrade your entire comfort game? Visit Shinesty and discover why thousands of people have ditched their boring underwear for something that actually gives a damn about their comfort. Your body will thank you, your workouts will improve, and you'll finally understand what all the fuss is about.

Don't love 'em? They're free. But spoiler alert: you're going to love them.