Underwear is a basic necessity of life, but it is something that many children in the United States lack. While most of us take clean and comfortable underwear for granted, for many families, especially those living in or near the poverty line, it is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

While a small thing like clean underwear may not seem like a pressing issue to some, not having access to this basic need item can caus children to face unnecessary hardship, embarrassment, and even health issues like skin irritation or infections. Their harsh reality is reusing soiled underwear, wearing hand-me-downs that don’t fit properly, or just going completely without it.

Access to clean, new underwear is an unfilled and often forgotten need, since underwear is a hidden layer, it is treated as “out of sight - out of mind.” However, children very much feel the absence of it. It provides their first layer of support and comfort that cannot be replaced. Dirty, used, or lack of underwear as a whole can affect a childs ability to just be a child, their desire to interact and play with other kids, their sense of cleanliness and embarassment, and/or feeling exposed or uncomfortable among their peers.

Families facing financial hardship may not have the ability to provide their children with clean, new underwear that properly fits as they grow. Imagine a child who is potty training or is menstrual-aged. Children in these situations have few options when it comes to having clean underwear.

Underwear insecurity is especially prevalent among children who face financial instability, displacement from their homes, and other crisis situations. These families often struggle to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Underwear, though grouped with clothing, is treated separately and is not as pressing for many families struggling to make ends meet, since food and shelter often take priority.



Outer clothing items, shoes, and toys are easily donated by others, allowing for greater accessibility. However, underwear is often excluded from these donations because it must be newly purchased or donated unworn for hygienic purposes. This is why underwear is one of the most needed but least donated items to shelters and youth-focused organizations. This is what makes underwear a forgotten need for underserved children across the United States.