Just what is the mesh underwear in guys shorts for?

This is one of those quirky things that has been bothering the hell out of me. A lot of guys active shorts and swimwear have mesh underwear built in. Built in as in non-removable. Why? What does it do? It’s not comfortable. It doesn’t prevent spiders, scorpions, or other creepy crawlies from scurrying up into things where you’d rather not have a scorpion stick its tail. It’s not supportive (unless your 80 and your friends hang down at your knees). It is quick drying — but when is the last time you wore a mesh pair of underwear? I can tell you, I’ve NEVER worn mesh underwear. So what gives?I think the mesh still exists from an era where men didn’t wear boxers. Kind of like Quailman. If you think I’m joking, put on a swimsuit or a pair of shorts with that mesh while still wearing your boxers and you’ll know what I’m talking about.I don’t know about anyone else but I’ll continue being a proponent of cutting the mesh out of these types of clothing. Anyone enjoy or have valuable insight into the mesh underwear phenomenon?

About this entry

You’re currently reading “Just what is the mesh underwear in guys shorts for?,” an entry on Jason Lancaster

Published:: 10.09.07 / 11pm

Category:: Outdoors

Tags:: boxers, clothing, mesh underwear, Oddities, quailman

Previous entry:: Time off in Shreveport
Next entry:: Climbing in Rocks State Park

About

I have three passions: Dancing, climbing, and technology.

I am a Lindy Hopper, a style of dance that began in the early 1920’s. I dance with Charm City Swing, Baltimore’s premier swing dancing venue. You will find me EVERY Monday night on the dance floor.

I live to climb things. It took me 25 years to figure this out but I can’t imagine life without it. I primarily enjoy bouldering — For me, the lack of ropes and freedom take bouldering to purest level of climbing.

I founded and work at Fusion Bay, a web application development firm with Adam Douglass. We program cool things for clients and ourselves, like the popular Wordabble iPhone application and GiftListIt.

Christopher M. 10.10.07 / 9am

This is an interesting topic. I have a pair of running shorts that have a mesh liner. I usually wear them in really hot conditions as I want to get rid of the heat and perspiration as quickly as possible and not let it build up and impact my performance. Occasionally, Iâ€™ll get a bit of chafing which is why Iâ€™m not getting another pair. Modern synthetic quick-dry materials have replaced the benefits offered by mesh and are more comfortable.

I also have a pair of swimming trunks that are made up of a couple of layers of mesh. The purpose of the mesh is to cause the water to flow through the holes creating drag which slows you down and gives you a harder workout. Some of it is psychological as when you change into briefs at a swim meet you swim faster.
(http://www.mamashealth.com/swimap/dsuit.asp)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competitive_swimwear) [drag suit]

alan 10.23.07 / 9am

the mesh holes let water through them allowing your “friends” to feel the water, much like a dog sticking its head out a window.

ok..not really.
if you’re diving, it does give a bit of additional support, but its not just for the tighty whitey generation, boxer briefs offer similar support.

Additionally, if you sit in the ground with your legs apart, without that mesh, sometimes you inadvertently see more than you would like to as you walk by somebody. It helps with modesty.

Jason Lancaster

Just what is the mesh underwear in guys shorts for?

About this entry

2 Comments

Have your say

About

Recently

Pages

Categories