Many people have worn boxer shorts for years without ever questioning a common design feature—the hole in the front. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s there, you’re not alone! This seemingly minor detail has left people puzzled for decades. Despite being a simple feature, the fly in men’s boxers has sparked debates, curiosity, and even humor. Some people have always used it, while others completely ignore it, leading to different perspectives on its relevance in modern times. Understanding its purpose requires taking a look at the history of boxer shorts and how they have evolved over the years.

The Origin of Boxer Shorts – A 100-Year-Old Legacy

The first-ever boxer shorts made their debut 100 years ago, thanks to Jacob Golomb, the founder of the well-known sports brand Everlast. Originally, boxers were designed for professional athletes, particularly boxers, who needed flexible and breathable undergarments for better movement. The elastic waistband revolutionized men’s underwear, making boxers a preferred choice over traditional briefs. While boxers have evolved in design and material, the “fly” (as it is technically called) has remained a constant feature. The design of boxer shorts has changed drastically over the decades, incorporating better fabrics, snug fits, and stylish prints, but the fly has persisted as a practical yet underutilized feature.

People have raised questions about the hole in men’s boxers (**Getty Stock**)

Even after a century, many people still have no idea what this front-opening flap is actually meant for. Some assume it’s a simple decorative element, while others believe it serves a more practical purpose. What was once considered an essential feature now seems to be a design choice that most men overlook. Despite this, the fly continues to be a standard inclusion in most boxers, ensuring that those who prefer using it still have access to its convenience.

Why Is There a Hole in Men’s Boxers? The Answer May Surprise You!

For those who wear boxers regularly, you may have noticed the small, pocket-like slit at the front. The question remains: what is it for? And more importantly, do people actually use it? This is one of those age-old mysteries that seem to baffle many, as most men don’t consciously think about it while putting on their underwear. The practical use of the fly might have been more relevant in earlier decades when men wore more structured and layered clothing, making it a necessity.

Sheath Underwear once addressed this mystery in a blog post published in 2021.

“From penis holes, air holes, and pee holes, there are many names for the hole in the front of your boxer shorts,” Sheath Underwear wrote.

“Others call them Y-holes. Some simply refer to them as just ‘holes.’ However, the actual term is ‘fly,’ similar to the fly on your pants.”

The True Purpose of the Fly

As expected, the fly on men’s boxers is designed for convenience. The intention behind it is simple—it allows men to urinate without having to fully pull down their underwear. The fly is meant to be a functional design feature that makes restroom visits quicker and easier, particularly when wearing pants that require more effort to adjust.

According to Sheath Underwear:

“The purpose of the fly is to make it easier for you to pee while wearing boxers.”

However, an interesting statistic reveals that only about 20% of men actually use this feature. The majority of men prefer to pull their boxers down or lift them over the waistband instead when using the restroom. This raises the question of whether the fly is even necessary in modern-day underwear or if it’s just a legacy feature from a bygone era. Many men who avoid using the fly claim that it is inconvenient, difficult to maneuver, or just unnecessary when there’s a simpler alternative.

Apparently a lot of men just lift their manhood over their waistband (**Getty Stock**)

Social Media Reacts – Do Men Actually Use the Fly?

With the fly’s functionality in question, social media users have taken to online discussions to share their thoughts. The debate about the fly has resurfaced multiple times, sparking conversations across different platforms. Many have shared their preferences, personal habits, and even humorous takes on the feature.

On Reddit, a recent thread posed a simple yet thought-provoking question:

“Do you use the hole in your boxers, or do you just pull the waistband down?”

The responses were as divided as you might expect. Some men swear by the fly, arguing that it’s the most efficient way to go, while others consider it outdated and pointless.

Do you use the hole in your boxers or briefs, or do you pull the waist band below your junk when you pee?
byu/tripplescizors1 inAskMen

🔹 One Reddit user pointed out the difference in outfit choices:

“Does it not just depend on your outfit? If I’m at home in pajama pants or basketball shorts, I just flip it over the waistband. If I’m at work with a dress shirt, pants, and a belt, I go through the hole.”

🔹 Another user disagreed, claiming the fly is simply inconvenient:

“I pull the waistband down. Always seemed easier and less awkward than trying to use that hole.”

🔹 A third user admitted he never uses the fly, no matter what:

“I’ve always been an over guy no matter how many layers I’m wearing.”

Clearly, the fly isn’t as widely used as its original purpose intended! Some men argue that since the fly remains a standard design feature, manufacturers should consider redesigning boxer shorts to eliminate it altogether. Others believe it serves a niche but useful function for those who prefer using it.

Why Do So Many Men Ignore the Fly?

Since only 1 in 5 men actually use the fly, why do most men avoid it? There are a few possible reasons:

✅ Habit – Many men grew up simply pulling their underwear down, and the habit sticks. It’s easier to continue doing what feels natural rather than learning to use the fly.
✅ Convenience – Lifting over the waistband is often quicker and easier, reducing the need to fumble with an extra layer.
✅ Awkward Positioning – The fly can sometimes be misaligned or difficult to maneuver, making it more of a hassle than a convenience.
✅ Outfit Factors – Depending on the pants being worn (jeans vs. shorts), the fly might be more practical or less useful. For example, dress pants and belts make it more reasonable to use the fly, whereas looser clothing eliminates the need for it.

Boxers vs. Briefs – Do They Have the Same Fly Design?

For those who prefer briefs, the design is often slightly different. While many boxer briefs and tighty-whities still include a fly, some modern designs eliminate it entirely due to low usage rates. The shift in design trends reflects changing consumer preferences, with many men preferring comfort and fit over traditional features.

A growing number of underwear brands are now offering fly-free designs, prioritizing comfort and fit over the traditional fly function. This adaptation acknowledges that the majority of men find no real use for the fly and would rather have an improved fit and material.

Conclusion – Should You Use the Fly?

At the end of the day, the fly in men’s boxers was designed for convenience, but not everyone finds it useful. With only 20% of men actually using it, the debate over its necessity continues. Whether or not you choose to use it is entirely based on personal preference, but it’s clear that the majority of men have moved away from using the fly in favor of simpler alternatives.

So, the next time you put on a pair of boxers, take a moment to decide—are you a “through-the-fly” person, or an “over-the-top” kind of guy? Let us know in the comments or join the debate on social media!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images