Men’s Health

Healthy Living
Choosing Mens Underwear: Boxers vs. Briefs
Men’s Health

Choosing men’s underwear

Boxers or briefs? It is as perplexing as the chicken-egg question. This men’s room debate came into open during 1992 MTV Rock the vote special, when a young lady flanked former President Bill Clinton with this question. Well, if you are guessing an answer, he is “usually” a brief guy.

But in spite of what Bill Clinton, Superman and Spiderman have in common, many men prefer boxers. They believe that nothing can beat the feeling of freedom. On the other hand, brief buffs bet on the sung feeling.

However, whether you belong to the “freedom” camp or "tighty whities" camp, there are some myth-busting facts you should know about man’s underwear.

• Women prefer men in boxers.

Men may love the idea of women banishing the bra – but women creed is intelligent enough to not consider it a reason enough for the bounce. Hope you got the hint!

• Boxers are sexier

May be, if it helps you camouflage your flab. Briefs are what many models prefer to strut their stuff.

• Potent power

Counting on your boxers for a better sperm count? A study done by the doctors from State University of New York at Stony Brook showed that underwear type didn’t affect semen quality or scrotal temperature, and did not affect fertility.

• Uncomfortable comfort

The looseness which makes boxer lovers go for them, can cause them to ride up. Now what’s so comfortable about your underwear halfway up your chest under your tight trousers? Also, the thick waistband boxers are adorned with often causes irritation.

• Boxers and health concerns

Not only boxers increase the chances of physical injury, lack of support down under is also linked to hernia.

• Briefs – the best bet?

Not really if you sit at one place for long periods of time. Wearing tight briefs can lead to moisture, warmth and friction between skin folds and your underwear causing problems of fungal infection, jock itch etc.

You can have best of both worlds

If you desire more room to breathe without sacrificing scrotal support, answer is boxer briefs. Shaped like briefs around the pelvis with legs like boxers, these are just firm enough to provide support without strangulation. Also, without giving up on the sex appeal of your bright, colourful boxers, you can wear briefs/boxer briefs underneath for the support.

Protect your possession

For athletics, briefs are necessary. But if you are a boxer fan, arm yourself with a high quality athletic cup and supporter. An athletic supporter prevents strain on delicate cords and muscles during periods of action.

The supporter pouch or a jockstrap also confines the genitals and protects them from external injuries. When choosing a jockstrap, look for a medium-tension pouch that is soft and roomy to allow for comfortable suspension

Hard cups are highly recommended for both football and baseball. Supporters with a narrow waistband are best for running and swimming. Many athletes choose to wear more than one pair of underwear at the same time for extra support.

Getting injured on a bike is very common. Wearing briefs or supporters helps. On the steps and on a bumpy surface you should walk your bike or stand up on the pedals to protect your groin.

In case of an injury, lie down and apply an ice pack for immediate relief. An anti-inflammatory like Tylenol or ibuprofen may also help. See a doctor as soon as possible. In case of dizziness, swollen testicle or persisting pain head to your nearest emergency room.

Remember, your underwear is not a fashion apparel, it’s a necessity.