Underwear: To Wear or Not to Wear?

Back in 2015, during a lively show in Stockholm, Lenny Kravitz had quite the wardrobe malfunction while performing “American Woman”—his leather pants split right down the middle, revealing much more than anyone expected. This incident sticks in my mind, not for any prurient reasons but because it raises an interesting question: how many people out there, be they celebrities or everyday folks, aren’t wearing underwear in public?

It’s probably no surprise that there’s not a lot of concrete data on this topic. A 2023 YouGov poll, for instance, revealed that 7% of Americans claim they always go commando, while about 10% admit they often skip underwear.

There isn’t much research on the health implications of skipping undies either. Dr. Kyle Brenda, a family physician at Whitman-Walker Health in Washington, D.C., notes, “There is limited research directly comparing health outcomes between wearing and not wearing underwear. The primary consideration should really be the comfort of the individual.”

Yet, experts suggest there are instances where wearing underwear might be a better option. The style and fabric of your undergarments are definitely worth considering. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of going commando.

How Does Underwear Affect Health?

According to Dr. Brenda, wearing appropriate underwear—whatever that might mean for you—shouldn’t significantly impact health. However, what is considered “appropriate” can differ from person to person.

For men, options like boxers, boxer-briefs, and briefs are all sound choices, shares Dr. Justin Dubin, a urologist and director of men’s sexual health at Baptist Health in South Florida. A study from 2018 even found that men who donned boxers had a 25% higher concentration of sperm, and a 17% higher sperm count than those who wore tighter styles. This could be due to the fact that tighter underwear keeps testicles closer to the body, which might raise their temperature and create an unfavorable environment for sperm production, Dubin explains.

But before you toss out all your tight briefs, Dubin suggests this isn’t a major concern for most men with normal sperm health. “Fertility is not likely going to be compromised by what underwear you wear,” he adds, while also recommending boxers or boxer-briefs for those aiming for optimal sperm health.

For women, the fabric choice also plays a role in health. Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician in Phoenix, says cotton underwear is best as it’s breathable. In contrast, materials like polyester can trap heat and moisture, increasing the likelihood of infections such as yeast infections or jock itch.

Fit matters too, as Bhuyan points out. “Underwear that is too tight can lead to ingrown hairs or irritation from friction.”

Is It Healthier to Not Wear Underwear?

Experts generally see it as a matter of personal choice. For healthy individuals, going without underwear is typically safe and might even “reduce exposure to potential irritants found in underwear and detergents,” says Dr. Brenda.

Moreover, depending on your clothing, skipping underwear can enhance airflow and help prevent moisture buildup. Bhuyan even suggests going without underwear right after swimming or bathing to ensure that everything stays dry.

However, there are occasions when experts recommend wearing underwear, such as during exercise, to minimize friction and provide support. Dubin advises men to opt for tighter underwear and possibly a cup during contact sports to lessen the risk of injury.

In specific medical scenarios, certain types of underwear can also be beneficial. For instance, after scrotal surgery like a vasectomy, it’s often advisable to wear briefs or jock straps for better support and comfort. Women who have recently given birth might find loose, stretchy mesh underwear with pads a practical choice.

Lastly, there are also some social situations where wearing underwear may seem more fitting, as Dubin mentions.

Does this include high-energy musical performances in places like Stockholm? Well, it seems Lenny Kravitz might argue otherwise!