Underwear: Have fun under there

Dear Cyn—

I'm 36, and my ten-year marriage ended last year. I'm getting ready to get back in the dating game, and I have a weird question: what kind of underwear should I wear? I've asked some female friends, and they're about evenly split between boxers and briefs. They told me to ask you what's hot on guys these days—and to ask if you have any tips for them (the women) while you're at it.

-Zach

Dear Zach,

A combo...boxer briefs! Since the vote is split in the middle. Seriously, those look both comfortable and attractive. Boxers are attractive, more fun-looking (I'm partial to plaid) and look really cute sticking out of jeans or when you're running around the kitchen making coffee and breakfast for the girl. Being looser they're likely comfortable and provide easy access. But if you prefer not to have the bulk of the extra material, boxer briefs are the way to go (in dark colors like navy or black). With the extra length in the legs, looking like biker shorts, they show off the upper thigh muscles—which is pretty hot, I think. And other stuff when the occasion arises. Ahem. So I say, as long as you don't go with run-of-the-mill Fruit-of-the-Loom tighty whities you're fine. And remember, if you really can't decide, or want to get wild, you can always just go commando!

Tips for women: First and foremost, what they feel comfortable in that accentuates their assets to the extent they're comfortable with. Matching underwear pretty much goes without saying. Not being paid for the following: Victoria's Secret is my store of choice for sexy underwear—it can be a bit more expensive, but worth it. The staff is great at helping with fitting bras, very important because sometimes they look good on the mannequin and then you find you can't wear it because it chafes or rides up of some other weird fit issue. Be adventurous and try a demi or a pushup bra: it's fun and surprising to get looks and reactions from the guys, and helps you feel good about how you look.

Regarding underwear, anything goes as long as it's comfortable and you feel you look good. But lean toward the cotton and avoid the nylon or silk except for occasionally, for breathability's sake. The Gap is a favorite of mine for good, fun underwear, maybe not quite as sexy as Vic's but more comfortable, colorful and fun for everyday, into the evening. Mostly I'd say, get wild and or creative with colors, or wear basic black or red for the most sexy look. Again, avoid the white, and if you anticipate being at various levels of undress with a guy, I'd avoid the basic everyday wear, and go with the sexy stuff, every time, just in case. Flamboyant is fun, and you'll carry what's beneath the surface outside in your attitude, trust me.

Have fun!

Cyn

Photo by Steve Rhodes (Creative Commons)

Cyn Collins

Cyn Collins (cynth@bitstream.net, Twitter @sophiacollins) is a Twin Cities freelance arts and culture writer.