Truth be told, most guys don’t overthink their underwear. But the wrong pair can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even infections. From suffocating your boys to wearing decade-old briefs, here are men's biggest underwear mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Squeezing Into Small Sizes
🚫The Mistake:
Tight underwear = crushed confidence (and crushed circulation). Snug briefs can overheat your groin, restrict blood flow, and even contribute to fertility issues over time.
✅ The Fix:
Opt for a snug but not constricting fit. If your waistband leaves marks or your boys feel "packed in," size up.
2. Wearing Worn-Out Pairs
🚫 The Mistake:
That stretched-out waistband? The threadbare fabric? Yeah, it’s time to let go. Old underwear loses support, traps bacteria, and can cause chafing.
✅ The Fix:
Replace your underwear every 6–12 months (or sooner if they’re sagging). Pro tip: If they’re older than your phone, toss ’em.
3. Ignoring Fabric Choice
🚫 The Mistake:
Synthetic fabrics (like polyester) trap in heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
✅ The Fix:
Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or performance blends (especially for workouts).
4. Skipping Post-Workout Changes
🚫 The Mistake:
Sitting in sweaty underwear after the gym = a recipe for irritation, jock itch, or worse.
✅ The Fix:
Always change ASAP after sweating. Better yet, pack a fresh pair in your gym bag. We recommend packing our Timeless Boxers which has more room when and where you need it.
5. Washing in Cold Water (And Skipping the Dryer)
🚫 The Mistake:
Bacteria and fungi can survive a cold wash, leading to lingering odors and infections.
✅ The Fix:
Wash underwear in hot water (or use antibacterial detergent) and dry it thoroughly; heat kills germs.
6. Sleeping in Tight Underwear
🚫 The Mistake:
Nighttime is recovery time. Tight underwear restricts airflow, increasing heat and moisture.
✅ The Fix:
Go commando or wear loose cotton boxers to let everything breathe.
7. Using Harsh Detergents or Fabric Softeners
🚫 The Mistake:
Scented detergents and softeners can irritate sensitive skin down there.
✅ The Fix:
Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents. Pro-tip: a small amount of vinegar is a great bacteria-killing substitute for softener (and don't worry, it won't leave a vinegary smell).
8. Wearing the Same Style Every Day
🚫 The Mistake:
Boxers for workouts? Briefs for running? Wrong choices = discomfort and chafing.
✅ The Fix:
Match the style to the activity:
-
Boxer briefs → Daily wear (best support + coverage)
-
Performance underwear → Workouts (moisture-wicking + anti-chafe)
-
Loose boxers → Sleeping (max airflow)
Final Tip: Upgrade to Performance Underwear
If you’re still wearing the same old cotton briefs from college, it’s time for an upgrade. Performance underwear (like moisture-wicking, antimicrobial blends) will keep you dry, supported, and irritation-free, whether you’re at the gym, office, or just lounging.
Your underwear shouldn’t be an afterthought.
The right pair = better comfort, health, and confidence.
Here's to Comfort, Confidence, and Charisma 🥂
- Blog Alchemist at Macho Genie