From what I can see, wearing briefs vs. boxers is pretty much just a stylistic fad.
It seems to switch about every generation, when teen-age boys rebel against wearing what their fathers wear.
I know that in the 60’s I wore briefs, because boxers were ‘grandpa underwear’. A more recent generation wore boxers, and made fun of old guys’ ‘tighty whities’. Now the trend for young people seems to be in the process of switching back to briefs (and like most mens wear fashions, gays seem to be the leading edge of it, like bienville & others noted). No doubt when these young people have teen-age boys of their own, they will express their individuality by switching back to boxers!
And to respond to the OP, each of these generations seems to do well enough in reproducing itself, so any effect on sperm count seems to be insignificant.
Hmmm… I know I shouldn’t ask for a cite about young people switching back to briefs, but if you can provide one…
It would make sense, given the tight-seated, low-rise jeans that are currently popular with guys (and girls). But I have to say, from my lockerroom observations (I’ve got a thread in the Pit about that right now, but not about underwear) that it’s pretty much boxer-briefs all the way for guys. You can squeeze into tight pants wearing boxer-briefs; you just have to do some adjusting once you’ve got the pants mostly on, in order to get the bottom of the BBs to “unbunch” and stay on the thigh.
Now, of course, just giving in and wearing some low-rise briefs would make all of this much easier, but ew, they’re briefs, they’re gross and faggy!
Anyway, briefs have never really gone out of style among gay men, but every gay guy I’ve seen in briefs wears “upscale” ones like 2xist or cK or Hilfiger.
I still haven’t worn them in 12 years, and I still have no intention to switch back.
Other: 8%
from here, which doesn’t distinguish by age nor have anycomparison to past years. Nor am I certain of the reliability of their figures, being an online self-selected respondant group.
Real data would be sales figures over the years for the various types, but I doubt any of the manufacturers would be willing to give out such info.
i like my women in thongs, and my men in boxer-briefs. i hardly wear underwear but when i know im gonna go out and will be sleeping anywhere but my bed (whether its a couch or another persons bed) i wear boxer briefs.
