# Underwear damage near taint area? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 8, 2013, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508 "2013-06-08T22:04:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Megatron400](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@Megatron400](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megatron400)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/1 "2013-06-08T22:04:43Z")
Let me start off by saying please keep this on a serious note, I am really wondering what is causing this. Anyways, i’ve come to notice that on many of my underwear (mainly boxer briefs) the fabric around the taint or Perineum area is really damaged and somewhat seethrough now. The rest of the underwear would be normal while that part is very thin and easy to tear. I have a feeling it is caused by too much sweat accumulating around the area and because of the hair there. I masturbate frequently so that also makes me believe it’s the sweat that’s damaging the fabric. Can anyone tell me what they think is the cause of this? and is anyone else experiencing this? I feel weird having this problem ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/2 "2013-06-08T22:14:44Z")
More likely the damage is caused by you scratching your arse. And welcome to the Dope. ---
**Author:** ![Megatron400](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@Megatron400](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megatron400)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/3 "2013-06-08T22:40:08Z")
I dont really scratch the area. and thank you ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/4 "2013-06-08T22:50:47Z")
When you walk, the fabric in this area is subjected to twisting and rubbing. ---
**Author:** ![stoplight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@stoplight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stoplight)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/5 "2013-06-08T23:06:53Z")
when you run do your boxers smolder and catch fire? ---
**Author:** ![Don\_t\_Panic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/don_t_panic/32/398_2.png) [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/6 "2013-06-08T23:11:18Z")
> [@Megatron400](#): > > I masturbate frequently so that also makes me believe it’s the sweat that’s damaging the fabric. Have you tried removing the underwear before engaging in masturbation? ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/7 "2013-06-08T23:17:12Z")
Could be any number of reasons: Cheap (as in poor quality in construction and fabric) underwear; too much bleach in the wash; wearing pants tight enough that they’re constantly abrading the area. ---
**Author:** ![Megatron400](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@Megatron400](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megatron400)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2013, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/8 "2013-06-08T23:32:36Z")
> [@moriah](#): > > Could be any number of reasons: Cheap (as in poor quality in construction and fabric) underwear; too much bleach in the wash; wearing pants tight enough that they’re constantly abrading the area. > [@Mangetout](#): > > When you walk, the fabric in this area is subjected to twisting and rubbing. Hmm, I think you guys got it. That makes sense. I workout a lot and my legs have gotten bigger ergo my pants fit tighter. Thanks. Still taking ideas though ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/9 "2013-06-09T00:00:41Z")
> [@Megatron400](#): > > Hmm, I think you guys got it. That makes sense. I workout a lot and my legs have gotten bigger ergo my pants fit tighter. > > Thanks. Still taking ideas though I’m with them. It’s the area subject to the most twisting, stretching, and abrasion, both from your “nether region” and from the pants you’re wearing over them. Plus, given what you said here you may need a size larger now. ---
**Author:** ![slowlearner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@slowlearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slowlearner)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/10 "2013-06-09T00:15:11Z")
Treat your taint and your bag of groceries to a little unscented baby powder when you dress in the mornings, and maybe a little freshening at lunch. You’ll glide through your day with a lot more confidence. And be honest, what you really want is for someone to tell you it’s okay to masturbate all the time. And it is, and don’t worry, you’ll do it less as you get older. Shoot, I just turned 60 and I’m down to twice a day. ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/11 "2013-06-09T00:20:15Z")
Well, yeah, but you’re a slow learner… ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/12 "2013-06-09T02:29:57Z")
In our lab at work, we use disposable full-body clean-room suits. They are made of Tyvek and we typically use them for a few weeks, or until it’s torn. It’s always the groin (taint) area that tears first, usually when the wearer bends down, squats down or kneels down. Evidently that’s the part of clothing that’s subjected to the most stress (stretching). ---
**Author:** ![Megatron400](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@Megatron400](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megatron400)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/13 "2013-06-09T03:11:42Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > In our lab at work, we use disposable full-body clean-room suits. They are made of Tyvek and we typically use them for a few weeks, or until it’s torn. It’s always the groin (taint) area that tears first, usually when the wearer bends down, squats down or kneels down. Evidently that’s the part of clothing that’s subjected to the most stress (stretching). This makes sense, since my workouts consist of squats and leg presses and such, but some of my boxers are relatively loose so i dont see how they would stretch. > [@slowlearner](#): > > Treat your taint and your bag of groceries to a little unscented baby powder when you dress in the mornings, and maybe a little freshening at lunch. You’ll glide through your day with a lot more confidence. And be honest, what you really want is for someone to tell you it’s okay to masturbate all the time. And it is, and don’t worry, you’ll do it less as you get older. Shoot, I just turned 60 and I’m down to twice a day. Eh, I used to do that because I was very self-concious about my taint and ass sweat, whenever i’d sit down in school there would be a stream of sweat. I don’t really care about that anymore, I even tell other people “Damn my ass is sweating a lot” if they see it > [@jz78817](#): > > I’m with them. It’s the area subject to the most twisting, stretching, and abrasion, both from your “nether region” and from the pants you’re wearing over them. Plus, given what you said here you may need a size larger now. Thanks, but it’s not the underwear that’s tight it’s the pants. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/14 "2013-06-09T03:34:05Z")
> [@](#): > > Thanks, but it’s not the underwear that’s tight it’s the pants. yes, and? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/15 "2013-06-09T03:43:42Z")
Thank you for not posting a picture. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/16 "2013-06-09T13:37:43Z")
> [@Megatron400](#): > > This makes sense, since my workouts consist of squats and leg presses and such, but some of my boxers are relatively loose so i dont see how they would stretch. Even loose clothing is stressed and abraded during physical motion. Put on a pair of your loose boxers and go into a squat. Is the fabric around the groin and buttocks still just hanging loose and relaxed, or is it taut against your skin in some places? If you want to figure this out experimentally, set aside some pairs of underwear to be worn only while working out, and designate some others to be worn only under regular clothing for non-athletic activities, and see if the exercise underwear deteriorates faster. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/17 "2013-06-09T14:40:24Z")
> [@Megatron400](#): > > This makes sense, since my workouts consist of squats and leg presses and such, but some of my boxers are relatively loose so i dont see how they would stretch. The cleanroom suits I mentioned look [like this](http://static.coleparmer.com/large_images/3368404.jpg). I’m sure they are looser than your boxers. They still tear under certain motions. ---
**Author:** ![Megatron400](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@Megatron400](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megatron400)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/18 "2013-06-09T17:18:07Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Thank you for not posting a picture. can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not, I was pretty describtive so I don’t think a pic would have been needed. > [@Kimstu](#): > > Even loose clothing is stressed and abraded during physical motion. Put on a pair of your loose boxers and go into a squat. Is the fabric around the groin and buttocks still just hanging loose and relaxed, or is it taut against your skin in some places? > > If you want to figure this out experimentally, set aside some pairs of underwear to be worn only while working out, and designate some others to be worn only under regular clothing for non-athletic activities, and see if the exercise underwear deteriorates faster. That’s pretty hard since I workout frequently, but I’l take that into consideration. > [@scr4](#): > > The cleanroom suits I mentioned look [like this](http://static.coleparmer.com/large_images/3368404.jpg). I’m sure they are looser than your boxers. They still tear under certain motions. Really? Those don’t look that stretchy ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2013, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/19 "2013-06-09T17:31:58Z")
> [@Megatron400](#): > > can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not, I was pretty describtive so I don’t think a pic would have been needed. Sarcasm? Moi?! No, y’all were plenty describtive, the mental image persists. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Downtown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508/20 "2013-06-10T00:33:27Z")
Are you a bicyclist? That’s what makes my tighty whities holy. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underwear-damage-near-taint-area/660508.md?page=2)