AS COMFORTABLE as it promises to be, few of us have the privilege of going commando (not wearing underwear) because there is an ever looming threat that the zipper may bite you or that as you walk around or some body parts that are mostly hidden may get excited and embarrass you in public.

So to avoid the situation, we have a choice between boxers and briefs.  Boxers are thought to be grown men’s options while briefs are thought to be preferred by younger men or boys, but the truth is that real men, go commando. Real men prefer freedom, but real men are the last of a dying breed, so we limit our freedom.

Though they are hidden under the pants, boxers or briefs should not be of any colour especially very bright colours or with floral embellishments. You could easily lose your street credibility if anyone took a peak.  If you are not too sure of your hygiene down there, stay away from white underwear, it is not for everyone.

The fabric of the boxer or brief is as important as the underwear itself, you would rather go without one than wear underwear made from nylon or silk. These fabrics tend to suffocate some body parts. They retain heat and on a very bad day, they could see you register a lower semen/sperm count, according to research.  Not to mention the discomfort they are likely to cause.

If you are going to wear a boxer or a brief all day, wear one that is not tight. May you not be tempted by the cheaper price of smaller underwear that could lead you to walk around in overly tight underwear?

In the streets of Kigali, you are likely to come across numerous vendors claiming to sell you Gucci or Calvin Klein underwear, be wary, the prices are the first lead that they could be fake.

Second hand underwear is a no, it is not only unhealthy for your skin, it is also unhealthy for your ego, the thought that you are rocking underwear that has been passed down from a European guy who probably peed on himself, could easily choke your self esteem.

Most of all, try as much as possible without compromise to keep your underwear clean.