Underwear optional? Health pros and cons of going commando

In 2015, during a high-energy performance in Stockholm, Lenny Kravitz split a pair of leather pants, exposing himself on stage. The incident raises a simple question: how many people, rock stars or otherwise, go without underwear in public? A 2023 YouGov poll found 7% of Americans say they always go commando and another 10% say they often do.

Research directly comparing health outcomes for wearing versus not wearing underwear is limited, says Dr Kyle Brenda of Whitman-Walker health, who adds that comfort should be the primary consideration. For men, Dr Justin Dubin recommends boxers, boxer-briefs or briefs for regular wear.

A 2018 study found men who wore boxers had a 25% higher sperm concentration and a 17% higher sperm count than those in tighter underwear, possibly because tight underwear keeps testicles closer to the body and raises temperature. Dubin says fertility for most healthy men is unlikely to be compromised, but those trying to optimise sperm quality may prefer boxers or boxer-briefs.

United States, Stockholm

underwear, commando, lenny kravitz, yougov, sperm concentration, sperm count, boxers, boxer briefs, tight underwear, fertility