There’s a quiet rebellion happening in men’s wardrobes. It’s not about suits getting slimmer or sneakers replacing dress shoes. No, this is far more personal. It’s happening beneath the layers you can’t see. And for some men, it’s about stripping away the one item they’ve been told is non-negotiable: underwear.
You’ve heard the whispers. “Underwear’s overrated.” It’s said casually, like a joke, but behind it is a conviction that makes you wonder if they’re onto something. Because when you peel away the social rules, what’s left is a question we almost never ask: Is underwear something we truly want, or something we’ve been trained to accept without thinking?
For the men who’ve abandoned it, the answer is easy. No more fabric clinging to your skin. No waistbands digging in. There is no unnecessary heat where heat is the enemy. They talk about freedom like they’ve just escaped a prison they didn’t know they were in. It’s minimalism in its purest form, less laundry, less friction, and less compromise.
Watch: Charles Born on Why Underwear is Overrated
In this candid clip, Charles Born lays out his unapologetic stance on going commando, breaking down why he believes underwear is more habit than necessity. His perspective adds another layer to the debate, one that challenges not just what we wear but why we wear it.
But here’s where the tension comes in. Underwear isn’t just a habit; it’s a safety net. It keeps your outer clothes cleaner, your body supported, and your public appearances… less risky. Tossing it aside isn’t just a fashion choice. It’s a calculated gamble. Not everyone is built for that gamble.
Still, the idea gnaws at you. What if they’re right? What if you’ve been buying, wearing, and washing underwear your whole life simply because that’s what you were told “real men” do? What if it’s less about hygiene and more about conformity? And if you’re willing to question this one tiny piece of fabric, what else in your life have you been wearing without thinking?
The debate isn’t really about underwear. It’s about agency. About whether you dress for comfort, for culture, or for the invisible rules you’ve never questioned. Because once you start asking “Do I actually need this?” You might find the answer unsettling.
And maybe… that’s the point.
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