Why do we wear underwear? Is it a hygiene thing, a style thing, or an etiquette thing? And, what about taking undies when traveling? How many undies do you need to stuff in your already overpacked suitcase for your travels? Do you count the days and multiply them by the number of undies you wear in a day, and then throw in some extra for any unforeseen accidents of the explosive kind?
Apparently, women go without undies more than men, probably because of the dreaded ‘VPL’ (visible panty line). Men like to free-ball for comfort and love the air flowing around their bits and pieces in hot months. For the loyal undie wearer, it’s inconceivable to be dressed without undies on.
If you are a die-hard no-underwear person and opt for not taking any undies on your trip, consider the reasons below as to why you should rethink your packing stance:
Women without Undies in their Luggage
Skin irritation and chafing—undies provide a protective layer between you and your clothing. If you plan on doing a lot of walking for shopping or trekking in the mountains, the last thing you want is to be chafed and vulnerable to a skin infection, to get blisters, or vaginal fissures (micro abrasions resulting in bacterial infections) in that tender area, resulting in itching, burning, and pain that you don’t want to explain when someone comments on how strangely you are walking.
The female monthly function, sometimes arriving unexpectedly—in Germany known as Rote Welle—Red wave, in French La semaine Ketchup—Ketchup week, in Italian women suffer from Mar Rosso—Red Sea, while the Spanish have affectionately named it La luna—The moon. Not wearing undies is waving a red flag to all and sundry, and it makes a mess of your clothes.
Not washing your clothes after each wear can cause an unpleasant odor to build up in your jeans, shorts, or whatever. This might be the reason you are not being invited out by random new best friends on your travels.
No undies in your luggage translates to the fact that you love to do washing in your bathroom hand basin and have time to wait for the item to dry, or can afford to pay hotel laundry bills ad nauseum, or you take numerous suitcases stuffed with clothes, or you’re just a grubby person who wears stained clothing when traveling.
Men without Undies in their Luggage
You get the abbreviated version of the women's sans-undies rant. Skin irritation, chafing, discharges from body openings of the skid mark variety, or if you didn’t shake enough after doing a pee. You can definitely forget about the ‘red wave’, but I have yet to meet a man who enjoys washing his own clothes in a hotel handbasin or in the shower. Let alone being patient enough to wait for clothes to dry before they check out of their hotel. Unpleasant odors are definitely a problem for the male species who keep wearing lower-half clothing sans undies that are well past their washing date. Yes, men not wearing undies get a super-sensory feel of the fabrics of their clothing rubbing against their skin, but the cost of this may be excruciating pain when zipping up their pants with their penis caught in the zip!
Men and Women without Undies in their Luggage
Heaven help you and the surrounding public if you get a case of wobbly stomach and the explosions that follow through—there is no mercy!
Undies are worth Packing
Undies don’t have to take up much room in your luggage. There are various types of travel underwear tailored to suit different needs and preferences for both men and women, making it easier to pack light and stay comfy during your adventurous trips.
Whether you need quick-drying briefs, supportive boxers, seamless panties, or eco-friendly options, the variety of travel underwear available ensures every traveler can find comfortable, functional choices for their journey. Ultimately, selecting the right travel underwear depends on the destination, activities planned, and personal preferences, but the key is to prioritize comfort, durability, and practicality to make travel more enjoyable for your privates.
If you do pack undies, you have the option of going commando on a whim, whenever you feel a bit naughty or want to feel the breeze on your bits.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
