Tight clothing (including tops, bottoms and underwear) have often been considered trendy among men, with many saying it gives them a smarter look and a more confident feel. Tight clothing is also worn during sporting activities for support and stability, as well as aerodynamics. However, there are also health effects that should be considered in wearing such clothing.
For example, studies have found that men who often wear tight underwear generally have more fragmented DNA and abnormal sperm health, compared to those who do not. This is because the underwear excessively increases the temperature of the scrotum, with the same effect as going into a hot tub or placing a laptop on your lap for long. Such high temperature has negative effects on sperm count, morphology, and vitality. This is why the scrotum is located outside the body in order to remain cooler than the rest of the body. For this reason, experts advise that wearing boxer briefs (which are relatively non-clingy) may be a better choice for those trying to have children in the nearest future.
Also, in a survey of 2,000 men by TENA (a Swedish-based company that specialises in products for adults with urinary or fecal incontinence), it was found that tight-fitting jeans can cause urinary tract infections, twisted testicles, bladder weakness and long-term health consequences in men. Results from the survey indicated that 50 per cent of men of the affected men experienced groin discomfort, more than 25 per cent suffered bladder problems, while one in five of rhw men experienced a twisted testicle.
Dr Hilary Jones, TENA brand ambassador and campaign spokesperson, explained further:
“Men who wear tight or ill-fitting trousers or underwear which is restrictive around the groin area could be damaging their health. Wearing tight-fitting clothing over a prolonged period of time can lead to urinary tract infections leading to over-activity of the bladder- a type of bladder weakness as well as a low sperm count and fungal infections.
“I have seen several cases of men who have twisted their testicles due to wearing jeans that are far too tight. My advice would be to make sure you leave plenty of room around the groin area and that your pants and trousers feel comfortable so you’re not being restricted in any way. Please don’t put style before health.”
Additionally, an expert clinical dietician, Michelle Rauch, has revealed that tight clothing, including neckties, can worsen gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to her, “Tight-fitting clothes have the capacity, when ‘too tight,’ to put additional stress on the stomach and intestines.” She added that this can worsen symptoms, like acid reflux and heartburn, stressing that, over the long term, repeated acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions, like oesophagitis, which can make swallowing painful and difficult.
Generally, the negative effects of tight clothing on men include:
Circulation problems. Tight clothing can restrict blood flow, leading to numbness and tingling in extremities.
Fungal infections. Tight clothing produced using synthetic fibres which do not alow for free airflow can create a warm atmosphere, giving rise to fungi growth leading to infections such as jock foot or athlete’s foot. The tightness of the clothing restricts airflow to the body which causes heavy perspiration around the groin.
Varicoceles. Tight-fitting clothing can contribute to the development or exacerbation of varicoceles which are swollen veins in the scrotum. It can also impact on the production, quality of sperm further affecting male fertility.
Urinary tract issues. This can also constitute pressure on the urinary tract infections or frequent urination. It leads to over-activity or weakness of the bladder.
Lower sperm count. This can happen as the testicles twist or lack breathing room to function properly.
Irritation and chafing. Tight clothing can rub against the skin, causing irritation and chafing, especially in areas where the skin rubs together such as inner thighs, under arms.
Impaired physical activity and general health. Tight clothing leads to difficulty in different activities (walking, jogging, and working). It can cause numbness, blood clotting, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation and so on.
It should be noted that occasionally wearing tight-fitting clothing will likely lead to serious health effects but wearing them repeatedly can lead to more negative and lasting effects.
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