Men’s Lingerie
It’s not just women who like to feel sexy, desirable, sophisticated and elegant. Men do too. While men like to call men’s lingerie “underwear”, the distinction is not unlike calling dolls designed for boys “action figures.” Men want to be sexy while avoiding being perceived as soft and effeminate (contrary to popular perception, this often applies to gay men also), thus the name change. However, underwear for show is basically lingerie, and any male secure in his manhood won’t be afraid to call it that.
There are still old fashioned, Gary-Cooper-types who only buy their under-things once a year, or whenever they get holes in them, or when the elastic is stretched out too much. There are also men who still wait to get a three pack of tighty whities in their Christmas stocking, and leave it at that. Yet many perfectly manly men are buying luxury lingerie for themselves these days. These men know that what matters is how they look to someone they’re trying to seduce.
Men’s lingerie comes in many styles, ranging from boxers, briefs, Y-fronts to thongs; it’s a personal choice—both for the man, and the object of their desire.
Boxer Shorts
Boxer shorts generally are designed for men, although women occasionally raid their man’s underwear drawer. When women raid the underwear drawer, generally they prefer boxers to briefs, although there are exceptions. Boxer shorts are, basically, shorts with elastic all around the top. They look like the shorts worn by professional boxers, thus the name.
Boxers typically are available in solid colors, but also come in a variety of patterns and prints, including amusing prints played for comedic effect. TV programs, when they have to show a man in his undies, prefer to show him wearing boxers rather than other types of underwear because they are less revealing, and look more like outerwear.
Briefs
Briefs are the most common type of men’s lingerie (or ‘underwear,’ if you must). The classic “tighty whities” don’t exactly sweep up the style points, but they have many advantages over boxers. They keep the masculine ornaments from dangling, they won’t bunch up when worn under pants, the legs have elastic, thus preventing ‘wardrobe malfunction,’ they provide support, and they won’t ride up. They look good, too—but only if you’re in great shape. It’s not all advantages, though. The so-called fly is next to useless, and by using the side exit you stretch the leg elastic, thus increasing chance of ‘wardrobe malfunction,’ and they are most definitely not acceptable for lounging around the house.
Beyond the Basics
For the men looking beyond the basics, with an eye toward fun in the bedroom, consider more risqué styles such as thongs and pouches. Also investigate erotic materials, such as silk, leather, fishet, sheer, furry, rubber. Or you could play it for comedy, and get boxers with an amusing print pattern.
Men’s lingerie was once a matter of only necessity and practicality. Today it’s more about style and fashion. Designers like Calvin Klein have paved the way in men’s lingerie allowing men to feel sexually attractive, too. Many other top designers have followed Klein’s lead, including HOM, Versace and Moschino.
