Undies survey reveals nation of slobs

The UK has become a nation of "slobs" who think nothing of going out wearing dirty clothes - including unclean underwear - according to a survey.

Many people were happy to put on grubby garments because they "couldn't be bothered" to do any washing, according to the survey.

While the poll found men were generally the least hygienic, many women's standards of cleanliness had also slipped.

The survey of 1,000 people asked in what situations it was acceptable to wear dirty clothes.

Three out of 10 men thought nothing of going to work with a stain on their shirt if there were no meetings planned.

The figures rose to almost half if it was a family occasion, while 44% said they would wear the same shirt on a night out with their mates in the pub.

Women had higher standards in this area, although 17% of those questioned said they would still be happy to wear a stained shirt to work or out with friends. Some 44% thought it acceptable to wear a dirty shirt if they were meeting up with family.

Almost one in five men admitted occasionally digging out dirty underwear from the washing basket if there was nothing clean to put on. Two per cent said they did this "often".

Among women, 8% said they occasionally put on underwear they had already worn for at least one day, although none claimed to do so on a regular basis.

The survey showed 60% of men and 54% of women thought the UK was becoming a nation of "slobs". While 48% of 18 to 24-year-olds hold the view, the figure rises to 77% among over 55s.