There Are Real Benefits To Going Commando
The first time that I ever found myself concerned with the visibility of a panty line was during my 8th-grade graduation. I found the most beautiful dress that unfortunately highlighted the lining of my undergarments. My mom made me wear a thong under that dress, even though I would have preferred to wear no underwear at all.
Walking around with a thong a.k.a. a semi-permanent wedgie drove my nuts after just a few minutes.
At that age, I never even thought of it as a possibility to actually not wear underwear at all. It was something that “we" just don't do as the elder women in my family would say. Little did they know, it may have just been the best thing that they've never tried.
By the time I was in high school, that “only nasty girls go outside without panties on" mentality that was embedded in my head since I was a preteen slowly started to wither away. In fact, I became very close friends with someone whose views of going commando was totally opposite from what I had been taught all of my life. In fact, her mom is a true commando connoisseur, opting out of wearing underwear most days. Getting a better understanding of what life was like “free-balling" from people who have actually done it is what got me to try it out for myself. It's actually pretty damn amazing if you ask me.
Like most women, when I'm faced with the many wonder of life, I turn to my circle of friends. Here were the responses I got on the big question at hand. To go commando, or not to go commando.
"That sh*t is a lifestyle for me. It's freeform...freedom. And if need be easy access. It's breathable. I feel like it's especially great when I wear a dress or skirt or some loose fitted pants." - Melissa
"I like not wearing panties some times. I wear panties with jeans though. I definitely don't wear panties at night. My mom tried to tell me to (not wear panties at night) and I would have a fit. Like...I have to wear panties!" - Tonya
"I'm scared of sweating (if I'm outside). I usually go commando at home and when I sleep though." - Shauna
"At first I thought it was something that fast. Nasty girls did and I was just like heck no. But one day drastic times called for desperate measures and I realized what I have been missing all of this time." - Michelle
"I personally don't do it because I think way too hard. What if I sweat and it leaves a stain? What if aunty flow makes an unexpected appearance? Yeah, I'll pass on that one." - Kori
"I think it depends on what you have on. I don't really go commando unless it's something that requires it like a dress or skirt where you will see the pantyline. But I would never go commando in pants. That just seems uncomfortable to me. Or short skirts." - Danielle
It seem like it may be some hope for going commando after all. Yet and still, some women feel going outside without panties is utterly disgusting, while others are all for letting their vajayjays get some fresh air at least every once in a while. One gynecologist, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, M.D. in fact stated that “if [the area] is constantly covered—especially by a fabric that's not moisture-wicking or absorbent---moisture collects...That's a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or yeast." Yikes, that's a bit frightening.
If that's not enough to get you to try it, here are some other things for you to keep in mind:
It's SUPER comfortable
I barely can describe the feeling in words. I can tell you personally, when you have a little bit more junk in your trunk most cuts of underwear feel super uncomfortable, especially with pants. Thongs can be irritating to the skin. Others give you unwanted bumps and bulges. No underwear, no problems. There are even panty liners made specifically for going commando.
No more panty lines
You probably once in your life had on a bomb dress and while you're checking yourself out in the mirror, you realize that your panty line is trying to make a statement. ANNOYING. No panties---you guessed it---no panty line. Of course you could opt for thongs or another type of butt floss underwear with less coverage for you're rear end, but the absence of constant chaffing may push you to do otherwise.
It does more good than harm
There is no direct correlation between not wearing underwear and contracting infections. Generally speaking, you are safe when going commando as long as you are wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton. This is a rule of thumb even when wearing underwear. Go for cotton!
It may make you feel somewhat sexy
Some women admit to feeling sexy when they have on cute underwear, even if no one ever gets to see them. No underwear may heighten those feelings. May just a bit.
If you're thinking about going commando but are a little reluctant to try it out, just take baby steps. Start by doing it at night then when you're sleeping. Next, try it when you are just chilling in the comfort of your own home. If you feel comfortable enough to take it to the great outdoors, just try it. You'll never really know if it's for you unless you try it first. Take it from me.
Try it just once and let us know if you give going commando a thumbs up or if it's still getting the side eye from you. We want to know about your experiences!
Featured image by jacoblund/Getty Images
- 6 Things You Must Know Before You Go Commando ›
- Are there really benefits to going commando? ›
- 'I Went Commando for a Week—Here's What It Was Like' | Women's ... ›
- 8 Benefits Of Going Commando Once In Awhile (Or All The Time) ›
- The Right Way to Go Commando | Women's Health ›
- Advantages and disadvantages of going commando - Read Health ... ›
- Going Commando: The Only Way To Live | Thought Catalog ›
- Going commando is healthy for your vagina | New York Post ›
- Benefits of Going Commando | POPSUGAR Love & Sex ›
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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