As is clear from the other comments - and as I'm sure you knew before posting your question - this is an unusual thing for people to do in wealthier countries.
But the aversion isn't rational. You're wearing clothing that others have previously owned, that's all. I wonder how many people who feel a gut-level squick reaction to what you do would only think they'd got a huge bargain if they paid $20 in a second-hand shop for a jacket or trousers that cost $2,000 new and showed no signs of wear.
Cloth is not permanently contaminated and infested with pathogens when it comes into contact with someone's genitals or butt. Once you give the underwear a high-temperature wash and dryer cycle, you can be sure there's very little chance that anything related to the previous owner remains in the cloth.
I take underwear out of landfills when I can
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As is clear from the other comments - and as I'm sure you knew before posting your question - this is an unusual thing for people to do in wealthier countries.
But the aversion isn't rational. You're wearing clothing that others have previously owned, that's all. I wonder how many people who feel a gut-level squick reaction to what you do would only think they'd got a huge bargain if they paid $20 in a second-hand shop for a jacket or trousers that cost $2,000 new and showed no signs of wear.
Cloth is not permanently contaminated and infested with pathogens when it comes into contact with someone's genitals or butt. Once you give the underwear a high-temperature wash and dryer cycle, you can be sure there's very little chance that anything related to the previous owner remains in the cloth.