Freeballing, going commando, letting loose—if you’re a guy, you’ve likely had just one piece of fabric between you and the outside world at some point.
Maybe your flatulence was generous. Perhaps your drawer was fresh out of fresh drawers. It could be your little secret between you and yourself, and wondering if people know provides a whole day of internalized giggles.
Listen, I’m not here to judge. I can confidently speak for all men why I say that we’ve experienced one of those three scenarios.
One of my last embarrassingly long Reddit binges took me down the freeballing rabbit hole, and to my surprise, a staggering amount of men subscribe to the anti-undie school of thought.
My goal isn’t to be some internet missionary spreading the good word of blessed boxers.
I’ve become an undergarment expert on the matter during my time here at The Adult Man, so whether you’re going commando because of a low supply or it’s purely an act of defiance, my spiel on how underwear benefits the male experience might make you take them seriously again.
Keeps the Family Jewels Fresh and Clean
Underwear serves as the first line of defense against sweat, dirt, and other unmentionables that accumulate throughout the day.
By providing a barrier between your skin and your pants, it helps to keep the nether regions fresher and more hygienic.
Think of your underwear as a trusty ally in the daily battle against sweat and grime. Without it, you’re essentially inviting a host of bacteria to make themselves at home in some very sensitive areas. Depending on your personal biology, some materials stave off odor, sweat, and bacteria better than others, which is why it’s essential to consider your own lifestyle and what works best.
In my own experience, a long day of work or a sweaty workout can leave me feeling less than fresh. Cotton underwear has always been my go-to, particularly briefs with a solid waistband like the PSD Standard Length Cotton briefs.
This boxer hits all the marks of what I look for in underwear: support, a solid waistband, and soft cotton fabric. Anti-chafe flatlock seams are also a bonus any time the temperature rises and I'm at risk of chafing.
This is ultimately a matter of lifestyle and preference. I prefer cotton’s natural softness and odor control, but synthetic blends might be preferable if you work out more days than you don’t as they’re often lighter and smoother to prevent chafing. Your results may vary, but I’ve noticed more odor even if I haven’t performed cardio in a pair of synthetic briefs.
I was 22 when I experienced my first case of jock itch, and let me tell you, I thought I had contracted a flesh-eating bacteria—a palm-sized rash on both inner thighs. What was I wearing at that time? Cheap value-pack boxers that provided no airflow.
If I contracted it wearing low-quality underwear every day, imagine how easy it is to catch a case with skin-to-pant contact. Who wants to wash their pants every day?
No Chafing and Irritation
Going commando might seem liberating until you’re dealing with the very real possibility of chafing and irritation.
How guys can go commando in jeans or cargo pants is beyond me—certainly a valiant act.
The whole reason underwear came to be was to reduce friction around our most sensitive bits, and the fabric technology we’re blessed to live with couldn’t be better at it.
As I mentioned before, the difference might only be noticeable depending on day-to-day activities.
Cotton is my preferred general-purpose fabric. Modal, bamboo, or any microfiber blend have smaller, smoother fibers that don’t cling to each other as easily—mainly when thighs are up close and personal during walks or runs.
Freeballing just can’t compete with wearing a pair of boxer briefs like the PSD Modal Solids for staving off groin discomfort—for a few reasons.
Even the silkiest pair of briefs can cause friction if the inseam is too short. With 7 inches of coverage, every part of the inner thigh that touches the opposite is protected. Soft modal fabric and flatlock seams provide even more comfort in an area that senses everything.
Running, biking, or even just walking can lead to significant chafing if you’re not wearing the right gear. Temperature and humidity can add insult to injury, too. Flat seams and soft fabrics weren’t invented for funsies. They work.
Keeps Everything in Place
One of the primary functions of underwear is to provide support. Without it, you’re leaving your most sensitive parts to fend for themselves, leading to potential discomfort and even injury.
Fellas, going commando in zippered pants? You might as well be tap dancing blindfolded in front of a woodchipper.
Think of your underwear as a sports bra for your nether regions. It’s there to hold everything in place, reducing movement and providing stabilization for our free-spirited anatomy. For men, especially those who are physically active, this support is crucial. Activities like running, jumping, or even walking can lead to painful jostling without something to herd things down there.
Maybe you’ve noticed that these days, most premium underwear features a specialized compartment. It can go by many names—”ball hammock,” “comfort cradle,” you get the gist.
Some are more complex than others. I’ve seen designs that have a whole panel to keep the twigs and berries partitioned, but I think a round, stretchy pouch like the PSD Solids Standard Length’s design. A whole piece of fabric right up in my grill is the definition of going overboard.
I like the standard 7” length because most boxer briefs seem to look more like the short, old-school briefs than the actual compression shorts that they are. As an avid weight lifter, the extra support down the leg is welcomed alongside the fabric's silky texture.
Let’s face it, there are no pants on the market with the kind of support that would warrant a no-undies outfit. Even the slightest nudge can send a jolt of pain into the pit of a man’s stomach. Allowing things to reign free is no different than driving without a seatbelt.
Avoids Embarrassing Moments
I don’t make the rules, but there’s a certain level of modesty that comes with wearing underwear. It acts as an additional layer between you and the world, preventing any unwanted exposures.
I once made the mistake of going commando in a pair of loose-fitting shorts in a game of pickup. One fateful crossover sent me hurtling forward. My shorts stayed behind, and the next thing I knew, my friends all had their phones out like they were filming the eclipse. Well, I suppose they caught half of it.
Underwear is dignity insurance. Whether you trust your belt with your life or you simply don’t care, wearing something under your pants is an extra life.
Enhances Your Outfit
Believe it or not, the right underwear can enhance your overall outfit, but not in ways that might seem obvious.
Think of underwear as the foundation of your outfit. Just like a well-fitted suit needs a good shirt, your pants and shorts benefit from the right underwear. Without a barrier to “smoothen” things out down under, polyester dress pants, running shorts, or nylon joggers are thing enough to create a shrink-wrap effect, making a spectacle out of the goods.
Be it in the office or wedding, you don’t want that anywhere dress pants are the norm.
The second way might sound crazy, but it’s the waistband. When a boxer’s waistband sticks out just above the waistline of pants, it can look pretty stylish. You’ll often see this trend on athletes, pro surfers, or style icons who go for a cropped look with their tops.
Yes, maybe not for everybody, but you might as well have a sleek waistband than one with rips, tears, or discoloration if it happens to make an appearance. I’ve always liked a branded waistband similar to the PSD Cool Mesh briefs.
The last thing I’ll say is this: don’t be surprised if you get a raised eyebrow from a lady when the drawers come down with no underwear in sight. If anything, this is why it’s totally valid to spring for a cool print or color on the fabric itself.
To wrap things up, whether you’re a die-hard freeballer or a staunch supporter of underwear, both have their own fanatics that can argue why their way is the right way.
While going commando can feel liberating and convenient, wearing the right pair of underwear provides, in my opinion, solid benefits that outweigh whatever benefits come from ditching the undergarment altogether.
Keeping things fresh, preventing chafing, offering support, and avoiding those cringe-worthy moments—who doesn’t want that kind of mental peace? Plus, let’s not forget the stylish touch a well-chosen design can add to your fit.
Ultimately, it boils down to how you operate. Every man can freeball in a free country. Considering these points might make you appreciate the humble undergarment a bit more. So next time you’re reaching for your pants, maybe think twice about what’s underneath—they might just be the unsung hero of your wardrobe.
