Benefits of Going Commando for Men
Einführung
“Going commando” refers to not wearing any underwear beneath one’s clothing [1].
Though sometimes viewed as taboo, surveys show many men skip underwear at least occasionally.
A Vanity Fair / 60 Minutes poll (2014) found that about 25 % of Americans admitted to doing so [2].
By 2023, about 10 % said they “often” and 7 % said they “always” go commando [3][4] — with men under 45, especially in Western regions, being the most likely.
This analysis examines the health, psychological, and cultural aspects of not wearing underwear, supported by scientific studies and social data, and compares outcomes between men who do and don’t wear underwear.
Health Aspects of Not Wearing Underwear
Genital Skin Health and Hygiene
Without underwear, the groin area gains greater air circulation, helping it stay cool and dry [5][6].
This ventilation may lower the risk of fungal infections such as tinea cruris (jock itch) [7].
Tight, non-breathable underwear traps sweat and moisture — creating a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria [6][8].
Going commando, particularly in loose-fitting pants, allows sweat to evaporate and can reduce both odor and infection risk [7][9].
Skipping underwear also removes one layer of potentially irritating fabric.
Synthetic or dyed blends sometimes cause contact dermatitis [10].
Some men report less chafing under soft trousers since there are no seams or elastics rubbing the skin [11].
Less irritation means fewer small cuts or rashes, and thus fewer secondary infections [12].
However, results depend on hygiene and clothing choice.
Tight jeans or coarse fabrics can still cause friction [13][14].
Dermatologists caution that rough seams or zippers can pinch skin [15].
Choose gentle fabrics, use baby powder or petroleum jelly on friction points, and wash outer clothing after each wear [16][17].
When practiced hygienically, going commando keeps the groin drier and healthier.
Temperature Regulation and Testicular Health
A key biological reason to skip underwear is keeping the testes cooler, which supports sperm production.
The testes hang outside the body because they must remain several degrees below core temperature (~34.4 °C / 94 °F) [18].
Tight briefs raise scrotal temperature, causing testicular hyperthermia [19], which can reduce sperm count and fertility [20].
Evidence from Studies
A 2018 Harvard study of 656 men found that those wearing loose boxers had:
25 % higher sperm concentration
17 % higher total sperm count
33 % more motile sperm [21–23]
They also had 14 % lower FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) [24][25], showing less strain on hormone regulation [26][27].
Looser underwear — or none at all — helps maintain ideal temperature, whereas tight briefs impair fertility markers [28][29].
A U.S. NICHD study of 500 men found those who wore boxers by day and slept nude had 25 % less sperm DNA damage [30–32].
Occupations or habits that heat the groin (hot tubs, high-heat work) correlate with lower semen quality [33].
As fertility researchers note, “switching to looser underwear is a simple, low-risk change that may benefit would-be fathers.” [34][35]
Although correlation doesn’t prove causation — boxer wearers were slightly younger and slimmer [36][37] — the biological mechanism is proven:
cooler testes = better sperm health [28][29].
For men seeking conception, going commando or wearing boxers can boost reproductive potential [26][39][40].
Comfort and Physical Well-Being
Many men cite comfort as their main reason.
Without underwear there’s no tight waistband or bunching fabric.
Surveys show men enjoy the freedom of movement and “breathable breeze” [41].
In hot weather, it reduces heat and prevents crotch rash.
From a medical view, there is no requirement for underwear support.
“There isn’t any medical reason that states you need underwear for support,” explains urologist Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt [42].
Tight underwear can compress genitalia and cause irritation.
Athletes often wear gear designed to replace underwear — cycling shorts, running liners — to prevent seams and friction.
Comfort is subjective: some prefer the “security” of underwear; others feel more confident without it.
Men should take simple precautions:
Be careful with zippers [15].
Those who sweat heavily may use breathable fabrics or absorbent liners [43].
When managed responsibly, going commando offers comfort, reduced irritation, and no proven health downside.
Health Comparison: Going Commando vs Wearing Underwear
Sperm Health and Fertility
Going Commando: Keeps testicles cooler, improving sperm count and motility [21][22].
Wearing Underwear: Tight briefs raise temperature, slightly reducing sperm quality [28][29].
Skin and Infection Risk
Going Commando: Improves ventilation, keeps groin dry, lowers fungal and bacterial growth [7].
Wearing Underwear: Non-breathable fabrics trap moisture and heat, encouraging rashes [6][9].
Comfort and Chafing
Going Commando: Provides freedom of movement, no tight waistband, fewer friction points [11][13].
Wearing Underwear: Offers support but can cause chafing or fabric bunching.
Temperature Regulation
Going Commando: Allows better air circulation; cooler in hot climates [19][28].
Wearing Underwear: Extra layer can trap heat, especially if synthetic or tight.
Protection and Support
Going Commando: No fabric buffer—requires care with zippers and hygiene [15].
Wearing Underwear: Catches sweat or minor leaks and provides light support when needed.
Overall
Both choices can be healthy if hygiene is maintained, but going commando aligns more closely with the body’s natural cooling and comfort systems.
Psychological and Lifestyle Perspectives
Feelings of Freedom and Confidence
A major reported benefit of going commando is the psychological lift it brings.
Many men describe a pleasant sense of lightness and freedom. Without the pressure of waistbands or seams, movement feels natural and unrestrained.
Writers for Men’s Health call it “sweet freedom for your genitals after being cooped up all day” [47].
This subtle liberation can boost body confidence. Some men even find the experience mildly exhilarating — a private reminder that they’re breaking convention.
As one lifestyle journalist joked, it makes you feel “ready to go at any moment — without pesky undies in the way” [1].
Historical Roots of Masculine Confidence
History links the absence of underwear with fearlessness and virility.
Ancient Celts and Scots often fought without undergarments, sometimes entirely nude, as a show of courage and defiance [48][49].
Romans recorded that such warriors charged “openly and without forethought,” a tactic that projected raw confidence and unnerved opponents.
Modern men are unlikely to emulate those extremes, yet the symbolism endures: being unencumbered conveys ease and self-assurance.
Body Awareness and Self-Image
Not wearing underwear heightens body awareness.
Men report feeling more attuned to posture and movement; the body’s natural motion becomes noticeable again.
Over time this can foster a comfortable, accepting relationship with one’s physique — a subtle form of body acceptance that mirrors naturist values.
The key is personal comfort: anxiety or self-consciousness negates the benefit, but familiarity breeds relaxation.
Cultural Perceptions and Societal Norms
In many Western cultures, underwear has long symbolized cleanliness and modesty.
Skipping it may still be seen as eccentric or unhygienic, though surveys show opinion is shifting.
Roughly 40 % of Americans now consider going commando “usually or always acceptable,” while another 40 % still disapprove [50][51].
Younger men are far more open-minded, suggesting generational change.
Historically, underwear itself is a recent invention.
Ancient tunics, kilts, or robes were worn without underlayers.
The famous “true Scotsman” tradition of going regimental under the kilt continues: a YouGov poll found 38 % of kilt wearers still go commando [52-54].
Eighteenth-century Scottish regiments even required it for practicality [53].
Today, some Highland events insist on underwear for decorum [55] — a reminder that norms evolve, not absolutes.
The expression “going commando” itself likely arose from soldiers in Vietnam who avoided underwear to prevent infections [56].
The alternate origin — “ready for action” like a commando — captures the same meaning: unrestricted and prepared.
Demographic and Lifestyle Patterns
Age: Men under 45 are most likely to go commando [4]. Older generations, taught to “always wear clean underwear,” are less inclined.
Occupation: Athletes, outdoor workers, and travellers favor it for ventilation and fewer layers; office professionals may prefer underwear for polish and formality.
Activity Level: Endurance runners, cyclists, and yogis often skip underwear because their sportswear has built-in liners to prevent chafing.
Climate: Hot, humid regions encourage commando comfort; colder climates favor layering for warmth.
Culture: Relaxed societies (e.g., parts of Europe, Oceania) treat it as practical; conservative areas may see it as improper.
Across contexts, personal comfort and hygiene remain the deciding factors.
Schlussfolgerung
Research and expert opinion converge on one point:
Men have nothing to lose — except a bit of laundry — by going commando.
Health: Better airflow, cooler temperatures, fewer fungal issues, and potential improvements in sperm quality [7][21].
Comfort: Freedom of movement, less friction, and relief from tight waistbands [42].
Psychology: Enhanced confidence and bodily ease once social conditioning fades.
Culture: While underwear remains a convention, growing numbers of men worldwide break it for comfort, hygiene, or personal identity.
Medical experts consistently affirm that there is no biological requirement for underwear.
Tight, synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture — the very conditions that nature designed external genitals to avoid [56][6].
As one urologist summarized: “There’s no rule saying you must wear underwear. Choose what keeps you clean, cool, and comfortable.”
Ultimately, the choice is personal.
Whether a man wears boxers, briefs, or nothing at all, what matters is cleanliness, comfort, and self-confidence — principles perfectly aligned with naturist philosophy.
Complete Reference List
Healthline – Going Commando: Men and Women
https://www.healthline.com/health/going-commando-menVanity Fair / 60 Minutes Poll – 25 Percent of Americans Don’t Wear Underwear Sometimes
https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2014/04/60-minutes-poll-fashion-clothes
3–4. 96.3 KKLZ Radio Survey – How Many Americans Are Regularly Going Commando (2023)
https://963kklz.com/2023/09/19/how-many-americans-are-regularly-going-commando/
5, 13, 14, 17, 42, 47. Men’s Health – Going Commando: What You Should Know Before You Do
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19548550/going-commando-facts/
6, 8, 9, 15, 41, 43, 45, 46, 56. Business Insider – Going Commando: Pros and Cons
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/going-commando
21–27, 36–39. ScienceDaily – Underwear Type and Men’s Semen Quality (2018 Harvard Study)
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180808193651.htm
28–29, 40. Harvard Gazette – Boxers or Briefs? Prospective Dads Have an Easy Choice
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/newsplus/boxers-or-briefs-prospective-dads-have-an-easy-choice/
30–35, 44. ScienceAlert – Men Should Wear Boxers and Sleep Naked to Keep Sperm Healthy
https://www.sciencealert.com/men-should-wear-boxers-and-sleep-naked-to-keep-sperm-healthy-study-finds
48–49, 52–55. Real Men Real Style – Should Men Wear Underwear? 3 Benefits of Going Commando
https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/going-commando/