The Unexpected Health Debate Behind Going Commando
A surprising number of people—roughly 17% of Americans, according to recent data—regularly choose to forgo underwear, a practice sparked into the public consciousness by incidents like Lenny Kravitz’s now-infamous wardrobe malfunction during a 2015 performance in Stockholm. But beyond the momentary shock value, this raises a legitimate question: is it actually healthier to go without?
The question isn’t easily answered. “There is limited research directly comparing health outcomes between wearing and not wearing underwear,” explains a board-certified family physician at Whitman-Walker health. “The primary consideration should really be the comfort of the individual.” However, experts agree that the type of underwear worn, and even the absence of it, can have implications for both men and women.
The Male Perspective: Boxers vs. Briefs and Sperm Count
For men, the debate often centers around the impact of different underwear styles on reproductive health. A 2018 study revealed a correlation between underwear type and sperm count, finding that men who wore boxers had a 25% higher sperm concentration and a 17% higher overall sperm count compared to those who favored tighter-fitting underwear.
This difference, according to a urologist and director of men’s sexual health at Baptist Health South Florida, may be due to temperature. Tight underwear can hold testicles closer to the body, potentially increasing testicular temperature and creating “a less favorable environment for sperm to develop.” However, he cautions against a wholesale abandonment of briefs. “Fertility is not likely going to be compromised by what underwear you wear,” he states. “But if you want to do everything you can to have the best swimmers, wear boxers or boxer-briefs.”
Women’s Underwear: Fabric and Fit Matter
For women, the focus shifts to fabric and fit. A family physician in Phoenix, Arizona, emphasizes the importance of breathable materials. “It’s ideal to wear cotton underwear since it’s breathable,” she says. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, on the other hand, can trap heat and moisture, “increasing the risk of things like yeast infection or tinea cruris (jock itch).”
Fit is equally crucial. “Underwear that is too tight can cause ingrown hairs or irritation from the friction,” she adds.
Is Going Commando Actually Healthier?
For healthy individuals, skipping underwear is generally considered safe and may even offer benefits. One expert suggests it can “reduce exposure to potential irritants found in underwear and detergents.” Furthermore, allowing for better airflow to the genitals can prevent moisture buildup, particularly important after swimming or bathing. “You want to ensure you are dry first,” she advises.
However, there are situations where underwear is recommended. Experts universally agree that underwear should be worn during exercise to minimize friction and provide support. For men participating in contact sports like soccer, baseball, or hockey, tighter underwear and a protective cup are advised to reduce the risk of injury.
Specific medical conditions also warrant underwear use. Following scrotal surgery, such as a vasectomy, “we often recommend briefs, jock straps, or tight athletic boxer-briefs as they provide more support and comfort after surgery,” one urologist explains. Similarly, women recovering from a vaginal delivery often benefit from wearing stretchy mesh underwear with pads.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear underwear often comes down to social context. As one expert wryly notes, “certain social situations where wearing underwear might be deemed more appropriate” exist. Apparently, a musical performance in Stockholm does not necessarily qualify, at least not according to Mr. Kravitz.
