Fashion for your fannie: What to wear under there

Fashionab-Lee

What do your unmentionables look like? Talk of underwear is taboo, yet it is an essential fashion item that we often take for granted. Since our undies are covered by clothing most of the time, we tend to feel that we can wear whatever we like, since usually no one sees them, whether one prefers sexy lingerie, granny panties or his favorite seventh-grade boxers.

Underwear has evolved into a booming industry. From bloomers to knickerbockers to the bikini brief, women’s underwear has slowly — but surely — gotten more bearable and glamorous.

Despite the obvious skimpiness of underwear these days, the reign of thongs appears to be coming to an end. It all began in 1999 with Sisqo’s smash hit, "Thong Song." Scantily clad females in thongs turned up in music videos, shocking women and enticing men everywhere. Thongs still serve their purpose when you don’t want panty lines, but wearing one 24/7 is not comfy.

Rumor has it that men prefer a tanga (a sexier boy short) to a thong. Remember what your mom always told you — leave a little something to the imagination.

I recently discovered "peekaboo" underwear in Victoria’s Secret. This next-to-nothing panty lacks a crucial part, if you catch my drift. I shudder at the thought. Other lingerie — such as corsets, merrywidows and teddies — still are sold, although they obviously can’t be worn "under" much. However, they remain fun gifts for bachelorette parties.

As for the boys, are you a boxers or briefs kind of guy? There are three basic types of men’s underwear: boxers, briefs and the combo, boxer briefs. A men’s underwear survey found 29 percent of men surveyed prefer boxers, 28 percent prefer briefs and 23 percent prefer boxer briefs, while the other 20 percent preferred thongs or going commando.

Keep in mind men’s underwear has other important functions when it comes to sports. Support is something to look for. This is similar to the women’s sports bra — without it, jogging would darn near kill some of us.

I am a firm believer in both the functionality and beauty of underwear. Some may argue that men’s undergarments aren’t beautiful, but the right pair can make the man look and feel better — and confidence is a beautiful thing. Underwear is the foundation for your clothing. If you’re feeling hot, then leave your Bridget Jones enormous granny panties at home.

In the end, whatever the reason you wear them — for comfort, sex appeal, support or to prevent chafing — celebrate your skivvies, because they’ve come a long way, baby.