Men's Boxers: What's The Hole For? It's Not Just For Peeing
Only one out of five men use it to pee. So, what else is it for?
By Tamara Jayne — 17 Aug 2023, 11:41 AM
You might think you know why most men's underwear have a hole in the front — to pee, right?
But turns out, there are multiple reasons.
Referred to as the 'fly', this special hole in men's underwear was created to make it easier for males to pee.
However, only 20% of men are said to use it for that purpose, as most would prefer to just pull their boxers or briefs down when using the restroom.
That's essentially only one in five men.
So, what are the other purposes for this hole, then?
While the original intent was for easy access, Sheath, an underwear company, explained that the fly design has evolved over time, and differs depending on the brand and style.
"In the past, this area used to be flat. This design does not give the man a natural way for his penis to be contoured. Thankfully, men today have a better option. New boxer briefs and men's briefs have a design that actually has a roomier pouch. This new pouch design gives the man more definition, comfort, support, and freedom," a spokesperson from Sheath explained.
Today, you might find that boxers or briefs either have a vertical opening with buttons, snaps, or a simple overlap of fabric, while others might have a horizontal opening or no hole at all
According to WAMA Underwear, another reason for the opening is for better air flow, as "overheating down there can lead to fertility loss. The ideal temperature for sperm to retain their motility and viability is 20ºC. [In] warm climates, it's very easy to surpass this temperature."
Essentially, if you want babies, it's best to free your member.
Thirdly, underwear with a double layer of fabric on the front can absorb any leakage, which, let's be honest, may happen after peeing if you didn't shake it off enough or just got a bit excited, WAMA Underwear added.
The opening also makes underwear easier to wash, similar to why we leave buttoned shirts open when doing the laundry.
Essentially, an open fly is meant to help men feel freer and provide easier access when on the go
Although most males don't use the hole for peeing, the fly serves other practical purposes, such as breathability, comfort, and hygiene.
But at the end of the day, even if you find the hole pesky, there are plenty of no-fly underwear options today.
To each their own!
