The Brief Truth: Hidden Health Risks in Men's Underwear
Featuring Gotchies
Recent research shows that synthetic underwear can affect circulation, temperature regulation, testosterone levels, and, especially, fertility. Here’s what men should know.
P.S., Scroll to the end for a non-toxic men’s underwear brand recommendation.
The Toxic Impacts of Underwear
Polyester Does *What* To Sperm?
Over 60% of the clothing produced worldwide is made from synthetic fibers — mainly petrochemical-based (aka plastic-based) — with underwear typically comprising polyester and added spandex to provide the necessary stretch.
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Wearing plastic is just as unattractive as it sounds, but did you know polyester has even been tested as a male contraceptive?
Two buzzy studies causing discourse in the sustainable fashion space recently focus on polyester as a contraceptive and its impact on sperm health (sounds crazy, right? Keep reading).
In the first study, 14 men wore a polyester sling (similar to wearing polyester underwear) for 12 months.
The findings showed:
- All men in the study were temporarily infertile
- Sperm levels lowered to 0
- Testicular shrinkage
- No pregnancies
However, once they stopped wearing this polyester piece, sperm levels went back up to their pre-test levels.
The findings suggest:
- The polyester sling created an electrostatic field across the body, causing friction, potentially disrupting testicular function
- Polyester blocks airflow, resulting in a disordered ability to regulate temperature (aka increasing temperature), impairing sperm production
The second study divided 21 men into 3 equal groups wearing underpants made of 100% polyester, 100% cotton, and a 50:50% polyester: cotton mixture, and measured electrostatic potentials generated on the surface of the underwear area.
No electrostatic potentials were detected on the cotton underpants. The polyester pants showed the highest potentials, while the mixed polyester-cotton pants produced less than half the levels of 100% polyester. The researchers concluded that the accumulated electrostatic charges on the pants were due to the friction of the pants with the skin, and that “eventually, an ‘electrostatic field’ is produced traversing the scrotal contents and may disturb the testicles and/or epididymis leading to disordered spermatogenesis”. Translation: this study also suggests a correlation between an electrostatic potential and decreased sperm health (and therefore, fertility).
Both studies warrant further investigation and replication; however, the correlation between negative male health and polyester is not one to be ignored. If polyester can do this to sperm count, health, and testicular size, how else is it harming your body?
Deeper Health Risks
Photo by Hans Reniers on Unsplash
Fabric type is just the first layer in the horror story of modern boxers. The problem is enhanced by the chemicals needed to turn fossil fuels into fiber.
These chemicals range from plasticizers like Bisphenol-A (BPA) and topical additives like per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), both of which are linked to a variety of negative health implications.
To start, BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical, is used in clothing development to improve their lifespan, provide moisture-wicking and anti-static properties, and help fix dyes to the fabric. As an endocrine disruptor, BPA has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various cancers (such as prostate and colon), decreased fertility, decreased testosterone, and erectile dysfunction.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down in nature and will remain present in the human body. This chemical treatment is used to process fibers to be water- and stain-resistant. Studies have shown that PFAS may interfere with the body’s natural hormones, reduce immune responses (including reduced response to vaccines), increase the risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, disrupt lipid regulation, which leads to an increase in cholesterol levels, and have negative reproductive effects such as decreased fertility. A new study even shows that PFAS can be absorbed through human skin.
If only toxin-treated clothing came with a disclaimer!
A Healthy Alternative
Organic Cotton Sets the New Standard
Photo by Marianne Krohn on Unsplash
Needless to say, it is time to ditch polyester underwear soaked in toxins. Instead, opt for certified organic, plant-based fibers such as cotton treated with low-impact dyes and treatments.
Organic cotton is superior to polyester in multiple ways.
Polyester is hydrophobic, pushing moisture away from the fabric closer to the skin, providing an environment for bacteria to grow. This can increase breakouts and odor. Cotton is hydrophilic, meaning it naturally absorbs moisture, pulling moisture away from the skin.
Polyester is tightly woven, trapping heat. Cotton is highly breathable, allowing for air flow and circulation. This makes it a great choice for sensitive skin (and sensitive areas, such as underwear).
Polyester is plastic-based and needs toxic chemicals (discussed above) to make it into a fabric. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and (of course) does not need plasticizers in processing.
Organic cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic, removing the risk of allergic reactions to the fabric. It is a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, making it perfect for exercise and daily movement, as it allows the body to stay cool.
The use of organic cotton is a healthier option for the planet. Compared to conventional cotton, organic farming practices lower water usage, focus on soil health, and decrease the environmental pollution that artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides can cause in the soil, water, and air.
Lastly, organic cotton is a high-quality fiber, meaning that it will last for years to come in your wardrobe, posing a positive benefit both monetarily and in lowering the waste pollution associated with frequent clothing disposal.
Read more about organic cotton here.
Gotchies is Pioneering Healthy Underwear
This is where Gotchies comes in. Gotchies is a healthy underwear brand that designs organic cotton underwear for men.
What makes them different from other brands? They hold the OEKO-TEX Standard-100 certification (the gold standard for non-toxicity in the industry), which means the dyes and treatments used are certified non-toxic. Their cotton is certified organic by GOTS, and their pieces include a (highly rated!) organic cotton-wrapped waistband for optimized comfort.
You can pick from two styles: boxers or briefs.
Gotchies Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs are made from 95% GOTS certified organic cotton and 5% BPA-free elastane (for stretch). Their design is optimized for everything from lounging to lifting, without bunching or riding up. Unlike most brands, their waistband is wrapped in organic cotton for maximum comfort and health. The briefs come in three colors: black, blue, or gray.
They also have a no-fly option.
Gotchies Organic Cotton Boxers are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, with their signature organic cotton wrapped waistband, and come in black. Simple, comfortable, non-toxic.
Not sure which to try out first? Check out their Closet Clean Out Pack for an easy overhaul of your top drawer.
The Gotchies’ mission is simple: challenge the industry, prioritize health, and provide a better choice for everyone.
Underwear is one of the simplest switches to make in your health journey, with huge impacts. It’s a great place to start! Join the community and see more about Gotchies here. Check out their site to shop and socials @getgotchies to join the mission of healthy fashion. And (bonus!) enjoy 15% off your order with codes LYDIA15 or LYDIADUPREE.