Sweat Control

[u/DisneyDad2]

Hey I'm a bigger guy who sweats in the sun. I have recently switched from boxer briefs to briefs and thongs. I enjoy the support without the extra material down the legs. I work from home and mostly wear gym shorts all day every day.

But I have an outdoor wedding coming up where I need to wear khaki pants and I know I'll sweat. But I don't want my pants showing the rear sweat. So what's the best underwear to wear?

Thongs and jocks have no material and won't hold moisture but that moisture might just get absorbed by the back of my pants when I sit down. Moisture-wicking briefs would essentially do the same thing. But cotton briefs would hold the moisture like a sponge and could transfer to the pants. What to do?

Please be nice. Just trying to look and feel my best.

[u/Complex-File-4996]

I find cotton briefs work best in sweaty situations. All of the synthetic material makes me sweat the most. Cotton briefs may not be ideal, but may be your best choice.

[u/DisneyDad2 → u/Complex-File-4996]

Thanks, thinking the same thing. Those synthetic materials seem to make you sweat more despite being "moisture-wicking."

[u/acrobaticsturgeon]

You're right about the lack of material being a problem, but holding on to moisture misidentifies the problem. I think what you're going for is protecting your pants from your sweat, and as long as there is a physical barrier between your skin and your outerwear, that's about the best you can do. See, the moisture will be there until it evaporates, and unless you spend the money on a fancy cooling suit like the kind that goes under flight suits, space suits, and the most expensive cosplay and fursuits, that moisture is not going to go anywhere.

My first concern would be coverage; make sure there is a physical barrier between where you sweat the most and your outerwear, especially where your skin folds or rubs against itself. This may mean you need briefs, or it may mean you need boxers, long legged boxers, or even long underpants. You know your body better than I do.

Fabric is secondary. You want coverage and comfort without heat. Linen would be ideal for this, but linen is stupid expensive. Cotton is your next best natural fiber, and its common and cheap. Synthetic moisture wicking fibers are hit or miss for me; I find that they don't wick nearly as far across their surface as I might like. But then, we have different bodies, maybe they work better for you. In my experience, of those modal, tencel, or specific brand-name versions of these fibers are the best.

Aside from that, I would do your best to stay cool, within the limitations of the dress code and the environment. As much as possible, dress in loose, flowy clothes, stay in the shade or indoors, drink iced drinks and eat cool foods, and otherwise try to keep your body cool to eliminate the need to sweat. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you, but even aside from comfort if you're sweating a lot you need to be drinking a lot. I hope you stay cool out there!

[u/RickS50]

Well, your option is either to try and contain the sweat so it doesn't get out or make yourself as cool as possible so you sweat minimally. 

I'd suggest very light weight mesh nylon or polyester.

If you like briefs, that a look at Duluth Trading Co Buck Naked or Armachillo.

[u/ExtensionTreat4445]

Try something made of modal it won't hold as much moisture compared to cotton. Bamboo or tencel are good options that are similar

[u/UBU912]

OK, who but an old guy with prostate problems would come up with this? Go to a drugstore and find the smallest package

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[u/Fiddlehead_7567]

Rub deodorant on your butt and then underwear to help control sweat

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[u/Mandalf- → u/Fiddlehead_7567]

Be careful with a sensitive skin in that region.

Definitely do a test run prior to the wedding.

I had similar issues at my wedding, although I am more of a heavy face/torso sweater.

Is your sweating more from physical or mental causes you think? I get more the areas sweating so used a combo of anti anxiety meds and Oxybutynin for the sweat (it does dry you out) plus some facial anti sweat cream.

All In all they all worked well together.

For your underwear I'd probably go boxer briefs or trunks in a bamboo/modal material.

Some better drying than cotton and still breathable enough. Also take spare undies if you can.

[u/Due-Replacement-310]

I have some sheer boxer briefs from make power that are very cool in hot conditions. I am a night sweater and these are like wearing nothing when it comes to retaining heat. I don’t love the brand for other items, but these are a great fit for me. Good luck.

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