Surprisingly, that opening serves more than just convenience during bathroom breaks.
You’re not alone in wondering about the function of the small slit at the front of your underwear.
At last, one company has revealed the real reason behind the gap in men’s boxers.
Let’s be honest—most men feel pretty confident about their bathroom habits.
Still, many would admit they’ve occasionally pondered why a hole exists in the front of their boxers, briefs, or trousers.
One underwear brand has revealed that there is more than one reason for the parting and it isn’t only to pee.Getty Images
You might assume the answer is straightforward, but it’s not that simple.
An underwear brand explains that the purpose extends beyond just convenience when urinating.
For years, platforms like Quora, Yelp, and Reddit have featured debates about the boxer hole—often called a flap or fly—and its true function.
Some men find the flap unnecessary, prompting many underwear manufacturers to design versions without it.
Still, since some men prefer boxers with a fly while others opt for ones without, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
That said, the underwear brand Sheath recently clarified: “The opening in your boxers is known as a fly.”
“Feel free to call it whatever you like, but its proper term remains ‘fly.’ And why is it there? You guessed it! Its main function is to make urinating more convenient while wearing boxers.”
Despite this, the company states that around 80% of men rarely use the fly when urinating.
Overall, simply pulling them down tends to be the more convenient option!
Some men see so little use in the flap that many underwear brands have started produce lines without it.Getty Images
Since only 20% of men actually use the boxer fly, there may be more to this feature than meets the eye.
Sheath’s website notes, “Modern underwear today is vastly different from what men wore just a few decades back.”
“The pouch area where the fly sits has undergone major changes. Previously, this section was flat, offering no natural contour to accommodate a man’s anatomy.”
“Thankfully, modern men have a better choice. Today’s boxer briefs and men’s briefs feature a roomier pouch,” the brand explained.
“This innovative pouch design provides better support, enhanced comfort, and greater freedom of movement.”
It seems a good pair of briefs should prioritize definition, comfort, support, and flexibility.
However, some Reddit users argue that the fly is unnecessary, as they prefer more secure underwear that minimizes the risk of any accidental exposure.