I think it stands up to reason that recent years have been revolutionary in providing new designs and possibilities in underwear for men. Not too long ago you had to venture far off the beaten path to find more than just the basic boxers or briefs. Today thongs are commonplace and becoming more and more widely accepted for both gay and straight men, and microfiber fabrics have created entirely new palettes and options for all kinds of underwear designs.
Within this new mix of options is lace. While undoubtedly lace is becoming more common for men, it still seems to be cutting edge. What is it about lace? How did a fabric become gender-specific? And so charged with meaning? And why suddenly are men interested in wearing lace? Or have we been wearing it all along and just keeping it hidden?
A friend of mine, an artist, liked to add lace motifs to her paintings. When she spoke about her work, her fascination with lace stemmed from its complex contradiction; lace is both virginal and seductive, part of a white wedding dress and some of the sexiest lingerie. This has always been part of the attraction of lace for women, and I think provides some indication as to why men are interested in openly wearing it today.
I am really interested in how much more common lace is becoming for men. I do have lace undies in my drawer, and will probably be adding some soon (Body Aware has some great lace designs, I hope to see these continue and develop as part of their line!). I like that wearing lace feels a little edgy and yet also delicate. It’s the idea of lace that adds the edge – feeling a little transgressive beneath your jeans – and yet the light and delicate fabric is a great feeling against your skin. Recent years have seen a broad acceptance in new understandings of gender, beyond just traditional binary conceptions, and I do think this has something to do with men wearing lace. I personally feel proud to accept the feminine side of identity and gender self-conception.
What do you all think? Do any of you wear lace? What do you like about it?
Signing off!
-Brian
35 comments
I’ve worn things for so long now, I can’t even remember when I started! Love wearing them under BA’s semi sheer short shorts. My wife, lucky me, asked me to get some thong swimsuits! Well, she didn’t have to ask me twice! She and I absolutely love tan lines… and nothing sexier than a thong tan line! As for those who tend to “glance” a little too long? I could care less! I’m not here to please others, if they don’t like it, move on! We love it!
I have worn lace bikinis and briefs for many years. Have always found very sexy and my partners have always enjoyed them. Have also worn lace trimmed satin bikinis which are very seductive but also comfortable. Nothing wrong with men wearing lace.
This idea that men wearing lace is somehow a new concept is quite contrary to history. Prior to our modern times men often wear lace cuffs lace around the neck, it was a symbol of wealth and it in no way implied lack of masculinity.
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.
He’d a French cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin,
A coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of brown doe-skin.
They fitted with never a wrinkle. His boots were up to the thigh.
And he rode with a jewelled twinkle,
His pistol butts a-twinkle,
His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jewelled sky.
So to wear lace is nothing new it is merely a return to long gone days of old, If you were to wear (body aware) lace underwear all the time you would have to possess a small fortune to afford it so once again it would seem lace would be a status of wealth. So for those of us who do not possess such great wealth one nicely fashion lace piece is going to have to do.
Lace is phenomenal. I only wear lace thongs, got rid of all other types of underwear and I couldn’t be more pleased.
I love stretchy lace underwear, as its so light and airy as well as sexy. My wife love me in them too! I would love to see a lace tank top.