To wear or not to wear underwear—that is the question. While it might sound humorous, it's a genuine concern that goes beyond everyday comfort; it could be a matter of health. In some cases, doctors believe that this extra layer of fabric might be harmful to the health of your genital area.
But don't worry just yet. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s explore the advantages of going without underwear and, conversely, the benefits of wearing them. After all, if almost everyone wears them, there must be good reasons.
What Are the Benefits of Not Wearing Underwear for Men?
If the idea of going commando—that is, not wearing underwear—has ever crossed your mind, you should know that this practice is more common than you might think. Let’s dive into the reasons why some men are choosing to leave their trunks in the drawer.
Reducing Odors
Let’s face it: nobody enjoys being trapped in an unpleasant odor, especially when it’s coming from your own body. Wearing underwear can trap sweat and prevent it from evaporating, resulting in a breeding ground for bacteria, which can sometimes cause odors.
Beyond just odor issues, bacteria can become trapped close to your skin throughout the day. The solution? Letting your intimate areas breathe freely could help reduce those pesky smells.
Boosting Fertility
Gentlemen, if you’re planning to start a family someday, here’s an argument that might interest you: your underwear could potentially reduce your fertility. No need to panic, but it’s worth noting that tight briefs keep your testicles close to your body, which raises their temperature. However, sperm production thrives in cooler environments.
Have you ever heard of male contraception via thermal methods? A pair of trunks with a thermal compress keeps your testicles at 41°C, making sperm inactive.
The solution to give your fertility a little boost? Choose underwear that isn’t too tight—or at the very least, make sure they fit correctly, as we’ll discuss later.
The Nighttime Underwear Debate
When it comes to nighttime, opinions are more divided: loose boxers, more fitted trunks, pajamas, or going au naturel. Once again, it might be best to let your intimate areas have some freedom.
Wearing underwear while sleeping creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. And if you move around in your sleep, you’ll likely face the discomfort of a poorly positioned trunk! So, for a restful night’s sleep, leave your underwear aside and give your body the break it deserves.
So, Why Do We Wear Underwear?
After all, based on what we've said, you might think the solution is to not wear underwear at all. That’s quite the paradox for an underwear brand, isn’t it? Let’s explore the reasons why we (consciously or not) choose to wear underwear.
Primarily for Protection
We won’t give you a detailed history lesson on underwear here (that’s a topic for a future article). Throughout the centuries, whether it was animal skin loincloths or linen wraps for our Egyptian ancestors, the primary function of underwear has always been protection. Even today, our briefs and trunks add an extra layer of warmth when temperatures drop. They may not replace armor, but they do protect our precious assets from the elements.
Then for Social Norms
Beyond physical necessity, wearing underwear has become a social convention. In our societies, not covering your intimate areas is seen as a breach of etiquette. This habit is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it almost feels natural. Even in the most undressed societies, there are forms of covering. In short, we wear underwear to adhere to what society considers decent.
For Comfort and Support
You’re probably not too keen on putting on a pair of jeans directly over your intimate areas, right? Or having them bounce around as you run for the bus? And you certainly don’t want to have to wash your pants after every outing. Well, that’s where underwear comes in! Less direct contact means less risk of chafing, irritation, and unpleasant surprises at the end of the day. Underwear creates a protective barrier, providing comfort and support throughout the day.
In Any Case, If You Wear Underwear, Do It Right
If you’re among the majority of men who wear underwear, rest assured—you won’t necessarily suffer the drawbacks mentioned earlier. Here’s how to address these concerns effectively.
Choose the Right Material
We can’t stress this enough: when it comes to your underwear, cotton is your best friend. Soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, it helps prevent chafing and infections while allowing your intimate areas to breathe. In fact, wearing cotton underwear might be better than not wearing any at all.
And if you’re looking to take it up a notch, why not try Tencel? Thermoregulating and ultra-absorbent, it’s perfect for men who sweat a lot or are recovering from surgery.
Whether you prefer classic comfort or are an explorer of new sensations, choose the right material, and you’re sure to have a good day. At BLUEBUCK, it’s simple—all our underwear is made from organic cotton or Tencel. Check out our collection on our website:
Discover our underwear collection
Choose the Right Size
If you choose underwear that’s too small, not only do you risk circulation problems, as we mentioned earlier, but your intimate areas might feel cramped. On the other hand, with underwear that’s too large, you risk a lack of support, which can quickly become uncomfortable, even painful. So, gentlemen, please don’t cheat on size. Always refer to the size guide, and if you’re unsure between two sizes, go for the larger one.
And Maintain Good Hygiene
Wearing underwear is good. Changing it regularly is even better. As we said earlier, no one wants to wear worn-out, bacteria-filled underwear. Yet studies show that about one in four men wears their underwear for several days in a row. Bad idea! To avoid daily discomforts—infections, odors, discomfort—it’s essential to regularly refresh your underwear drawer and always have a clean pair on hand.
So, should men always wear underwear? As you can see, the answer isn’t so simple. On one hand, not wearing them can offer unexpected health benefits. On the other, underwear remains a deeply rooted social norm, providing comfort and protection daily.
The key is to find what works best for you, choosing the right materials and the right size if you decide to wear them. Whether you’re team “without” or team “with,” the most important thing is to feel comfortable in your underwear—or without!