The Underwear Ultimatum: Boxers vs. Briefs, or Something Better?

It’s the age-old question—one whispered in locker rooms, dissected in dorm rooms, and argued over brunch with just the right amount of Bloody Mary-fueled bravado: boxers vs. briefs?

Once upon a time, these were your only two choices. You were either Team Boxer: breezy, laid-back, likely to own a lava lamp. Or Team Brief: snug, structured, possibly owning more than one leather belt. But as it turns out, your underwear allegiance isn’t just a personal vibe—it can actually affect your sperm count, testicular temperature, and overall reproductive health.

Yeah, your tighty-whities might be messing with your swimmers. Let’s unpack.

Short answer? Yep.

Long answer? Studies show that tight underwear like briefs can raise the temperature of the testicles, which may negatively impact sperm production. Why? Because your balls are basically Goldilocks—they need things just right temperature-wise. Too warm, and the sperm factory slows down. Too cold, and... well, shrinkage.

A 2018 Harvard study found that men who wore boxers had significantly higher sperm concentrations than those who wore tighter underwear. That doesn’t mean briefs are the enemy—but if fertility is top of mind, you might want to consider what you’re strapping your business into each day.

This is what we in the biz call “testicular health and underwear 101.”

Honestly? Fewer and fewer. Traditional boxers may be great for breathability, but they offer about as much support as a wet paper bag. Unless you enjoy the feeling of your goods freewheeling like they’re on the Tilt-A-Whirl, you’ve probably already gravitated toward something a bit more... secure.

Enter: the boxer brief.

It’s like boxers and briefs had a beautiful, stretchy baby. And that baby is beloved by Gen X dads, Millennial fitness bros, gay fashionistas, and pretty much everyone else who wants to feel supported without roasting their testicles.

It’s the ultimate compromise. Or, if you’re into cheeky analogies, the mullet of men’s underwear: business in the front, party in the back.

Boxer briefs combine the best of both worlds: the breathability of boxers with the support of briefs. And for those wondering about the boxer briefs advantages, here's a quick breakdown:

• Better support : No more awkward shifting or accidental thigh-slaps while walking.

• Contoured pouch designs : You get space where you need it, lift where you want it, and structure that keeps everything in place.

• Reduced chafing : Especially important if you’ve ever made the mistake of going on a long hike in cheap briefs.

• Breathable underwear fabrics : Good ones use materials like modal and micromodal, which are soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking.

• Testicle-friendly : Keeps the temperature regulated so your sperm can thrive.

In other words: boxer briefs are the people-pleasers of the underwear world. Supportive underwear for men doesn’t have to mean suffocating tightness—it just means holding your parts in place without turning them into a human sauna.

Let’s talk textiles. Not all underwear is created equal, especially when we’re talking about fertility-friendly materials. If your goal is to boost sperm health or even just stay cooler and drier down there, here’s what to look for:

1. Modal Fabric Underwear

Modal is the MVP of breathable underwear fabrics. It’s made from beech tree pulp, it’s luxuriously soft, and it breathes better than your 9th-grade asthma inhaler. Modal keeps your scrotal temperature in check, which helps your sperm stay chill—literally.

2. Mesh Mapping and Moisture-Wicking Zones

Brands are now building underwear with smart zones that target high-sweat areas like the lower back, inner thighs, and your not-so-little buddies. Say goodbye to swamp crotch. Say hello to airflow.

3. Anatomical Pouch Design

We’re not here to body-shame your ball shape, but every man deserves a contoured pouch that makes room for his goods. Whether you’re packing peaches or plums, the right pouch means no squishing, no sticking, and no awkward readjustments in public.

While we’re here for the science, we’re also not going to ignore the style factor. We’re living in the golden age of men's underwear styles. Your options aren’t limited to a sad three-pack from the drugstore anymore.

High-end brands now make fashion-forward underwear that offers a perfect mix of comfort, support, and aesthetics. From gender-neutral designs to bold colors to flattering cuts, there’s a style for every body—and every bedroom scenario.

Also, let’s be real: visible panty lines aren’t just for women. No one wants their undies showing through their tailored pants. Boxer briefs offer that seamless, streamlined look without sacrificing your fertility goals.

Here’s the deal: if you’re going to take care of your boys, do it right.

That means pairing the best underwear for sperm health with science-backed support from Popstar’s Volume + Taste Supplement. Our formula promotes semen volume, sperm health, and yep—even improves taste. Because when it comes to your load, size and flavor both matter.

Want to spice things up in the bedroom? Pair the supplement with our Delay Spray or Personal Lubricants for even better performance. Your underwear should support your balls, but Popstar’s here to support the rest of you.

Shop smarter. Support your sperm. Stay sexy.

So how do you find the perfect pair of drawers that are fertility-friendly, fashion-forward, and functionally fabulous?

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Prioritize breathable materials : Look for modal, cotton blends, or bamboo.

• Go for a contoured pouch : Comfort and airflow are key.

• Avoid tight, heat-trapping designs : Your sperm deserve better.

• Choose supportive cuts : Boxer briefs, trunks, or even jockstraps if you're feeling bold.

• Update old pairs : If they’re stretched out, they’re not doing you any favors.

Not sure where to start? Our friends at Underwear Expert have you covered—literally. Their men's underwear subscription makes it easy to explore different men's underwear styles and discover what works best for your body and lifestyle. From jockstraps to boxer briefs and everything in between, you can sample a range of fits and fabrics each month until you find the goldilocks zone for your goods.

Investing in your underwear is like upgrading your mattress. You spend a lot of time in it, so why settle for anything less than great?

Underwear isn’t just about what looks good in the mirror (although that matters too). It’s about comfort, health, and, if you’re trying to make a baby—or just make a good impression—giving your sperm their best shot.

So whether you're straight, gay, somewhere in between, married, dating, or flying solo with an impressive toy collection, your balls deserve breathable underwear, contoured pouches, and a little help from Popstar. Give them support. Give them space. Give them science.