To save the environment, should we SHARE our underwear? Nicola McLean clashes against a nurse who insists that all clothes can be reused. But viewers claim wearing old pants is a sign of ‘taking sustainability too seriously’

  • Norwegian army been asked to return their underwear after their military service
  • Kaylee Gauntlett from south London says that there is nothing wrong in sharing your pants 
  • Former glamour model Nicola, aged 40, branded her recycled underwear unhygienic’ 
  • Most agreed that while it is possible to recycle clothes, making knickers might be more sustainable. 










Good Morning Britain viewers are left confused by a strange debate over whether second-hand clothing is okay. 

Former glamour model Nicola McLean appeared on the ITV programme with Kaylee Gauntlett, a nurse from south London, to discuss whether we should be recycling our pants. 

This is after Norwegian soldiers were requested to send their underwear back to the Army for the next recruits, following which the army was fighting a shortage of supplies because Covid.  

Nicola (40) felt strongly about this issue – she insists that clean underwear should be a ‘basic right’ – Kayleigh, however, believes second-hand pants are acceptable if they’re clean. 

But ultimately, viewers weren’t keen on wearing a stranger’s pants – feeling that while recycling clothes may be good for the environment, sharing knickers is ‘taking sustainability too far’.

Former glamour model Nicola McLean appeared on Good Morning Britain to debate whether it's okay to buy second-hand underwear this morning

Former glamour model Nicola McLean appeared on Good Morning Britain to debate whether it’s okay to buy second-hand underwear this morning 

She appeared on the ITV programme with Kaylee Gauntlett, a nurse from south London, to discuss whether we should be recycling our pants

She appeared on the ITV programme with Kaylee Gauntlett, a nurse from south London, to discuss whether we should be recycling our pants 

Nicola said, “I completely understand secondhand stuff,” from her Buckinghamshire house. I give stuff to the boys when they are outgrowing it. 

But underwear is slightly unique. Underwear is not something you can buy in a store. 

“I did not think it was allowed for secondhand stores to sell underwear someone has already worn, and bras are also there because of that reason. It is important to have a proper bra fitting. 

She said that her mother would never give up her 16-year old son Rocky’s pants for her 12-year-old son Striker.    

Viewers weren't keen on wearing a stranger's pants - feeling that while recycling clothes may be good for the environment, sharing knickers is 'taking sustainability too far'

Some viewers were not keen to wear the pants of strangers. Feeling that, while it may be beneficial for the environment, sharing your knickers with others is taking sustainability too far.

She stated that she believes it is a fundamental human right to wear clean, new underwear. “I believe that if someone is in really dire circumstances, they should have underwear. However, I am able to afford new knickers or boxers right now for my children so that is what i will be doing. 

Kaylee stated that clothing can be worn as long as it is clean and in good condition.  

She said, “I believe that as long as the item has been washed well then it is just another clean piece of clothing.” “I believe it can be used as long as it is able to perform its job. 

“As long it is clean and good quality, the elastic won’t have gone any other way, I think these items should be used until they expire.”

She said, “I would like to know when your boys outgrow these clothes.” [underwear]You don’t believe they should be given to charity. Where have they gone? 

Nicola replied bluntly: “I toss them in the garbage, they belong there where you should put your used boxers or knickers.”

Kaylee argued that as long as underwear is in good condition and has been well laundered there is no reason all items of clothing shouldn't be worn for their entire 'lifespan'

Kaylee stated that clothing can be worn throughout its entire life span as long as it is clean and in good condition.

“As women, we have a month of the month. I have had to often throw my knickers out. They won’t be boiled, washed and bleached then thrown on the floor. That’s not how I would handle it. 

“I’m trying to be more aware of the environment. We all are. But I believe it’s an essential human right to wear clean underwear.”  

Viewers quickly took to Twitter and shared their views. Many agreed that secondhand underwear might be too extreme when it came to recycling clothing.  

One of them said that “this lady on GMB was right”. Everyone should have their own personal underwear. Bras and knickers can’t be washed cleanly. You shouldn’t buy used underpants secondhand. 

One wrote, “No way! It’s disgusting!” @NicolaMcLean was right when she stated that it was all about sustainability. However, passing on the underwear would be a step too far. 

Nasty is just plain nasty. I have been known to shop at charities, but never for underwear. According to a third, sharing underwear is something you should not do. 

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