There has been an unwritten rule in buyers’ heads on what exactly is men’s underwear. It has to conform to these rules; if it deviates, those aren’t for “real men.”
- Underwear is made from certain fabrics – Cotton, some spandex, but nothing wild like mesh, lace, or satin.
- Men’s underwear should perform a function rather than fashion, such as compression gear for the gym and cotton undies for everyday wear.
- There should be no bold colors. It should only be “masculine” colors—white, black, Navy, possibly burgundy, but nothing too wild.
- They should pass the gym test. The gym test is to change in the locker room and have no one raise an eyebrow about what you are wearing. Do not draw attention to yourself.
- Significant other test – The underwear should never raise a question about your sexuality. You never want your partner to question if you play for the other team.
- There are only a few acceptable styles – The only acceptable styles for most guys are boxers and boxer briefs. Briefs are a maybe, but nothing else.
These rules are aimed at the general public across the sexual spectrum. Since the 90s, we have put men in a box and said, “These are your options.” The only change to that is now it’s acceptable to wear UA gear to the gym.
You may be asking yourself, why are we posting these? Because we are experiencing a shift in the world of men’s underwear. I have been contacted by more straight men rejecting those rules and wearing what they want.
Guys across the sexual spectrum are fed up with only a few options when women have had so many options for feeling sexy, working out, and just relaxing at home. Thongs are rising in popularity, not just regular thongs, made out of the non-masculine materials of lace, silk, and satin.
It’s time we have no rules for men’s underwear and let other guys wear what they want without judgment. We all have things we don’t like, but we shouldn’t shame or look down on those who wear those things. We need to support one another and encourage those who step out of their box.
