Sitting comfortably against the cushioned interior of my seat, I listened as the conversation about my friend's cousin passed over my ears. However, when he started talking about her ideas for the fashion world, I was intrigued. "She's decided that if she's going to break into the fashion industry, she's gotta have a niche. She's got two already. The first is lingerie for men—" "What?" the voice from the back of the car said, expressing all the surprise in my head.
"Lingerie for men—she thinks men should have lingerie too."
"Um. I'd have to agree," the voice said, "I would want my man to wear lingerie..."
Lingerie for men. Hmm, let me think. Yes, yes, okay. There is no way I would want my guy wearing lingerie. Joe Boxers, of course. Silk, even. But lingerie, the word itself implies femininity. Especially because I have a soft spot for men who work out, I think "The Game" in a pink baby doll with white ruffles. For some, that might do it. But, somehow, that just doesn't work for me.
Though I'm sure she's got something different in mind, I think she'll lose a majority of this gender-oriented society in the sales pitch.
Of course, all for social change. I suppose I could see how having a man in lingerie could be empowering. Letting the man look his best, setting the mood. Still, somehow, with the gender roles so affixed in my head, I can't see desiring to see a man in much of anything, remotely "nightly fashionable," beyond silk pajamas.
I have little problem in seeing a man in a skirt. As a columnist for my school's paper pointed out, logistically, it makes more sense for men to wear the freer skirts, and let the woman wear the pants, so to speak. However, if we start wanting men in lingerie, we have to ask ourselves, what next? Tummy-tucking pantyhose?
Perhaps this is because I've never had a relationship where I was in the position of trying to make myself sexually appealing, or wanting the other person to oblige me. Still, maybe if I was, I could see it. I did find Kevin Costner hot as Robin Hood, in those cute little green leggings...
Men's fashion has evolved significantly over the years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global men's underwear market size was valued at USD 10.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2021 to 2028 [^1^]. This growth indicates a rising interest in diverse and unique fashion choices for men, including lingerie.
Historically, men have worn garments that today might be considered feminine. For instance, in the 16th century, men wore tights and garters as part of their everyday attire. This historical context shows that fashion norms are fluid and can change over time.
The future of men's lingerie is uncertain but promising. With the rise of gender-neutral fashion and the breaking down of traditional gender roles, there is potential for men's lingerie to become more mainstream. According to a survey by YouGov, 12% of men in the UK have worn women's underwear at some point in their lives [^2^]. This statistic suggests that there is already a market for men's lingerie, even if it is currently niche.
While the idea of men's lingerie may seem unconventional to some, it represents a broader trend towards inclusivity and breaking down gender norms in fashion. As society continues to evolve, so too will our perceptions of what is acceptable and desirable in men's fashion.
[^1^]: Grand View Research - Men's Underwear Market Size [^2^]: YouGov - Men's Underwear Survey
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