A fly is a stock feature on men’s boxers. Boxer briefs and trunks will almost always have a brief style fly treatment. When you think about it this makes sense considering that they both are made in a knit.
Since the 1950s, horizontal fly underwear has been offering men everywhere a lot of benefits that other types of underwear lack. Also known as the H-fly or Quick Draw fly, it’s one of the three most common pouches for men’s underwear.
In the wonderful world of men’s underwear, you’ll find two other types of construction. One is the vertical fly. As its name suggests, it has a vertical opening in front of the underwear.
The second kind is the no-fly which has no opening but is shaped to form a contour pouch. The H-fly has a horizontal opening in the front of the underwear with two flaps. This genius design allows underwear to function on another level.
Yet, there are some not so pleasant features of the H-fly. In this article, you’ll get the rundown on the pros and cons of horizontal fly underwear so that you know exactly what your package is getting into.
The Pros of Horizontal Fly Underwear
Effortless Access
A top flap keeps the opening closed. You won’t find this feature with the vertical fly. Some might bring out the fact that the vertical fly has overlapping laps to keep the opening closed.
That’s a valid point. But for some reason, the laps have a tendency to open up - much to the embarrassment of its wearers. Plus, an escaped member is more likely to get caught in a zipper which is never a fun experience.
Many men who would rather don underwear with a horizontal fly do so to correct that problem. They’ve found that the horizontal fly stays permanently closed. Yet, it stretches open quickly, allowing the wearer to reach in and pull the Johnson out with ease.
Taking a whiz just became a lot easier. With this idiot-proof design, your package can come out and get back in with minimum effort.
It’ll be as easy as falling off a log. Try making a mad dash to the restroom after a few beers with a vertical fly.
You’ll find it’s a bit more difficult to get around that over-lapping construction. When you have to go, you don’t have time to fiddle around.
Another great perk is that the horizontal fly’s construction works for left-handed men as well as it does for right-handed men. This equal opportunity design is unlike a traditional Y-front fly that favors right-handed men.
You may have found that boxer shorts also have an opening that’s biased to righties. However, the horizontal fly gives equal access to the kielbasa.
Comfortable Construction
Another incredible perk of the horizontal fly is that it keeps the crown jewels nice and cool. Heat escapes from the top of the fly so you can experience comfort all day long.
If you’ve worn vertical fly skivvies you know that the thin fabric in the front tends to get a little damp from sweat and perhaps some other fluids. Underwear with a horizontal fly prevents this from happening so you can avoid sticky situations that leave you feeling like a hot mess.
Plus, the straightforward design affords more room up front. Also, the ridges and seams are positioned to avoid rubbing and irritation.
They run across the man bits, leaving the area less likely to be aggravated by friction. If you’re an active man who enjoys working out, playing sports, and moving around in general, this can feel like a life-saving feature.
Definition for Days
A horizontal fly has a lower pouch that’s been contoured to give you a well-defined look while also providing the support you need. The vertical fly doesn’t give the same level of reinforcement.
The horizontal fly’s contour pouch is superior in the way it supports your manhood. It gives a gentleman the definition and confidence he craves. The subtle support will make you feel more secure.
Concealment
You get a level of privacy with the horizontal fly that makes you feel secure. It gives you total control of how your pouch opens and closes.
Gravity does an excellent job of holding the top flap in place over the under flap. Forget about embarrassing moments of exposing yourself.
Plus, you’ll appreciate how the contoured pouch at the bottom of the fly will keep things smooth and show-free.
Uniform Friendly
In most cases, when you're not wearing a belt and your shirt isn't tucked, it's much easier and quicker to go "over the top." But wearing a belt is a necessary accessory with a lot of military uniforms since being structured is a huge part of military life.
Military uniforms require that several things all come together at the belt buckle. The tip of the belt and the buckle have to match up in a certain way. Also, the button placket of the shirt has to line up exactly with the fly placket of the trousers and the belt buckle.
To be seen as properly dressed, the seam of the uniform shirt, belt buckle, and uniform trouser fly-seam should align to form a straight line down the front of a person's body. This is called the gig line.
If you’re in the military and your gig line has to be on point, it's much easier to use the fly of both the trousers and underwear and leave the belt and trouser button fastened and undisturbed.
You’ll be able to reach through the fly of the trousers and pull the front shirt tails down tight to present a neater appearance before you zip up the fly.
The Cons of Horizontal Fly Underwear
Restrictive
Some find that the fly can be too restrictive or worry that their male organs may get entangled somehow. Also, for guys who change shape and size over the course of the day, a fly can be uncomfortable.
Another downside to the horizontal fly is that it takes some getting used to. Plus, it can be a little tedious to access with tucked-in shirts. It also lacks a smooth front.
Storage
Let’s say you’re minding your business and relaxing at the house in just your underwear and manage to drop something. You look all over for that missing object in utter confusion as to where it could have disappeared.
Now you’re frustrated that you can’t find it to save your life. You’re absolutely mystified as to where it could have gone. Then, lo and behold, later that day you find it.
Somehow it ended up in the pouch of your underwear without you realizing it. Given that there are two layers of fabric involved in fashioning the fly, the pouch it creates could accidentally turn into a storage compartment.
Then again, that may not be such a bad thing. You’ll always have a secure place to put your spare key.
Why Horizontal Fly Underwear May Suit You
If easy access is your thing then you should give the horizontal fly a try. It’ll make unsheathing Excalibur feel like a walk in the park.
The comfortable construction will leave you feeling cool and well-supported. If you’re like some men who are wary of contour pouches because of the uncomfortable seam then you’ll appreciate that the ridges and seams of horizontal fly underwear don’t create irritation.
The appeal doesn’t stop there. A lower pouch provides enough support and definition to give you the security you need.
Plus, you’ll be able to maintain your privacy since you’re in complete control over how the flap opens and closes. The horizontal fly works very well with military uniforms.
It provides ease of use while allowing a busy serviceman to remain neatly dressed. However, the horizontal fly does have a couple of drawbacks.
Why Horizontal Fly Underwear May Not Suit You
Some guys may find that it's weird having to navigate the vertical fly of their pants and then a horizontal fly for their underwear.
Plus, the horizontal fly lacks a smooth front and can feel restrictive for men as their size and shape changes throughout the day. Also, the pouch can accidentally catch items that you drop.
But this can be easily avoided as long as you don’t spend the day lounging around in your underwear. Another con is that the fly may not line up with the rise of your pants.
Some men find the flaps to be annoying and utterly useless. These no muss no fuss gents would rather pull the underwear waistband down, do their business, and get the job done.
But for those guys out there who love the appeal of comfortable, form-defining underwear with an easy access fly that provides privacy, the horizontal fly front is the way to go.
A great option to try is Jockey Men's Pouch Underwear. It’s a full rise and full coverage boxer brief with a horizontal-fly design that’s super comfortable so you can feel cool and confident all day. This might end up being your man bits new best buddy.
