Forgoing underwear, often termed “going commando,” changes how the body interacts with clothing. This choice removes a barrier that affects immediate physical comfort, long-term skin health, and physiological processes. Understanding the potential consequences involves examining how the absence of this layer impacts friction, moisture management, microbial balance, and testicular temperature regulation.
Immediate Physical Comfort and Friction
Skipping the underwear layer means the skin makes direct contact with the inner surfaces of outerwear, leading to immediate physical consequences. The most common issue is chafing, a painful irritation caused by the repetitive rubbing of skin against fabric during movement, especially when walking or running. Without the smooth, moisture-wicking material of underwear acting as a buffer, sensitive skin in the groin and inner thigh areas is exposed to the rougher textures of trousers or jeans.
External garments like denim contain seams, zippers, and rivets that are not gentle against delicate tissues. These structural components create localized pressure and abrasion, increasing the risk of painful skin breakdown. The protective cushion and support normally provided by underwear are removed, leaving the skin vulnerable to friction-related injury.
Hygiene and Dermatological Concerns
Underwear manages the natural moisture and microbial environment of the male groin area. The genital region produces sweat and moisture throughout the day, and without an absorbent layer, this moisture remains trapped against the skin by outerwear. This creates a warm, damp microclimate, which encourages the overgrowth of fungi and bacteria.
The increased moisture and poor ventilation raise the risk for fungal infections, such as Tinea Cruris, commonly known as jock itch. This infection flourishes in humid conditions and causes a red, itchy, and scaly rash. Underwear also acts as a critical barrier against the transfer of fecal matter and other bodily fluids onto outer clothing, which can harbor bacteria like E. coli. Skipping this layer allows bacteria to transfer directly to the skin, potentially increasing the risk of localized infections, especially if abrasions from chafing are present.
Effects on Testicular Temperature and Reproductive Health
The male reproductive system requires the testicles to maintain a temperature slightly cooler than the core body temperature for optimal sperm production, typically about 2 to 3 degrees Celsius lower. This physiological requirement is the reason the testicles are housed outside the body within the scrotum. Any elevation in temperature can negatively affect spermatogenesis, the process of generating sperm.
The debate surrounding clothing and fertility often centers on whether “going commando” promotes better thermoregulation than wearing tight-fitting briefs. Research consistently shows that men who wear loose-fitting underwear, such as boxers, tend to have a higher sperm concentration and total sperm count compared to those who wear tight briefs. This difference is attributed to tight clothing compressing the testicles against the body, which raises the local temperature.
While there is limited direct scientific data on the reproductive effects of “going commando,” the practice is theoretically similar to wearing loose-fitting boxers in terms of temperature regulation. By allowing the testicles to hang naturally and reducing the restrictive fabric layer, it may enhance airflow and help maintain the necessary cooler temperature. Therefore, wearing no underwear beneath loose-fitting trousers may offer a potential thermal advantage.