Lenny Kravitz’s leather pants famously split open during a 2015 concert in Stockholm, exposing him to the audience. The incident, while widely discussed, has sparked a renewed, if somewhat unusual, interest in the practice of going without underwear.
The question of whether or not to wear underwear is not new, but recent coverage of the Kravitz incident has brought it back into public conversation. A 2023 YouGov poll indicates that 7% of Americans always forgo underwear, with an additional 10% doing so “often.” Medical professionals suggest the decision is largely a matter of personal comfort, though certain considerations apply.
Dr. Kyle Brenda, a family physician at Whitman-Walker Health in Washington D.C., notes that there is “limited research directly comparing health outcomes between wearing and not wearing underwear.” However, experts do offer guidance on the types of underwear that may be most beneficial. For men, urologist Dr. Justin Dubin of Baptist Health South Florida recommends boxers, boxer-briefs, or briefs as suitable options. A 2018 study found that men who wore boxers had a 25% higher sperm concentration and a 17% higher sperm count compared to those wearing tighter underwear, potentially due to the cooler temperature afforded by looser fitting garments. Dubin cautioned, however, that these findings are unlikely to significantly impact the fertility of most men.
For women, fabric choice is paramount. Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician in Phoenix, Arizona, advises wearing cotton underwear due to its breathability. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of yeast infections or jock itch. Proper fit is also important; underwear that is too tight can cause ingrown hairs or irritation.
Going commando can be safe for healthy individuals and may even reduce exposure to irritants found in underwear and detergents, according to Dr. Brenda. It can also improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup, particularly after swimming or bathing, Bhuyan added. However, underwear is recommended during exercise to reduce friction and provide support. Dubin suggests tighter underwear and a protective cup for men participating in contact sports like soccer, baseball, or hockey.
Specific underwear types can also be helpful in certain medical situations. Following procedures like a vasectomy, briefs, jock straps, or tight athletic boxer-briefs are often recommended for post-operative support and comfort, Dubin stated. Similarly, stretchy mesh underwear with pads is commonly used by women in the postpartum period after a vaginal delivery, according to Bhuyan.
the decision of whether or not to wear underwear and what type, often comes down to personal preference and situational appropriateness. As Dubin wryly observed, certain social situations – such as musical performances in Stockholm – may necessitate a more considered approach.
