The use of underwear dates back to 4400 BC in ancient Egypt.  During this time, the covering was made out of flax plant fibers and linen.  Women of nobility and higher stature wore longer longer sheaths called kalasiris.  The slave women mainly wore the underwear, which was called shenti.  The panties worn by roman women were called subligaculum.  The concept of underwear then fell out of favor until the end of the 18^th century.  They then began to call them drawers.  In the early 19^th century, Elizabeth Miller invented loose pants for women.  In 1849, Amelia Bloomer promoted them as bloomers after her name sake.  In the 1880s, women’s drawers were called knickers in Britain.  During the roaring 20s, knickers became closed between the legs and much shorter.  The term “panties” were first used in 1908.

          The design of panties has markedly changed since the ancient Egyptian times.  With so many pantie options it can be difficult to discern of a particular pair of panties are healthy.  Underwear provides a layer of protection to the vulvar, or what I like to call the “Private Face.”  It protects the Private Face from friction caused by abrasive material, such as jeans.  Underwear also helps to absorb vaginal secretions and sweat, especially during the summer months.  It’s not always necessary to wear panties.  There is nothing more freeing than to wear a flowing dress without underwear.  I encourage women to go without panties at bedtime, especially if they are sleeping naked or in a gown.  This allows free flow of vaginal secretions.  Underwear should be worn with working out.  The cotton seat of the undergarment helps to absorb sweat, especially in women who chose to remove the hair down there.  Hair is our body’s natural absorbent.  Removing the hair will definitely increase the sweat down there. 

          Women can wear a variety of underwear and maintain a healthy vulva and vagina.  The key to a healthy Private Face is a cotton seat to the panties.  Cotton is a very absorbable material, which will help to remove natural secretions and sweat.  Another healthy option is crotch free panties as long as you are not wearing restrictive garments on top.  G strings and thongs are not your friend.  They rub the internal lining of the labia (labia minora).  The skin in this area is more delicate than the external surfaces (labia majora).  The continued friction from the thongs and g strings can lead to irritation and skin breakdown.  Wearing “skinning panties” for an extending period of time can block the removal of natural vaginal discharge.  This natural waste can accumulate on the panty.  The build-up can lead to a bad odor, vaginal infection and clogging of the Bartholin’s gland.  This gland creates lubrication during intercourse.  For some women, the clogging of the gland can lead to a Bartholin’s abscess.  If thongs and g strings are a fashion must, I encourage women to make sure that they are not too snug.  Use caution with lace underwear.  Even though ventilation can be helpful, lace is not a very absorbable material.  Please confirm a cotton seat if you chose to wear lace panties. 

          The cut to underwear can be varied.  Cheeks in vs cheeks out is a non-factor in terms of vaginal health.  Once again, it’s all about the seat.  The healthiest option is for the seat to cover the labia.  Even though they may not be as aesthetically pleasing, there is nothing wrong with “granny panties.”  Material over the buttocks will not impact the health of the vagina. 

          For the most part, women’s underwear needs remain the same throughout their lifetime.  During pregnancy, women may become more sensitive to panties with a narrow seat.  Women in the menopausal state may experience increased dryness and decreased hair on the Private face.  Some postmenopausal women are less tolerant of thongs and g strings compared to their younger years.  With less hair, there is more sweating.  Because of the sweating, there is a greater benefit for them to wear cotton seated panties.  While keeping these tips in mind, I am certain that women can select panties that are both aesthetically satisfying and healthy.