Men’s underwear has evolved over millennia, adapting over time to offer protection, comfort, and style. Get ready to travel through the ages, from Ancient Egypt to today, to discover how this “intimate” garment has evolved and why it has become a staple in men’s wardrobes.
- The history of men’s underwear
- The reasons for the success of men’s thongs
- The percentage of men who wear thongs
- The barriers to adopting men’s thongs
- How to choose men’s thongs
The first underwear: from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Rome
Men’s underwear has its origins in Ancient Egypt where men wore linen or woven cotton loincloths. These rudimentary garments provided protection against irritations while allowing for some freedom of movement. Gradually, this trend traveled to Greece and Rome, where men wore the subligaculum, a wrapped loincloth worn by athletes.
These loincloths laid the foundation for modern briefs, and from the Middle Ages, loose-fitting pants called braies became popular, solving hygiene problems. This style of clothing continued to evolve, culminating in the appearance of the codpiece in the late 15th century, which gave rise to more sophisticated designs.
| Epoch | Type of clothing | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Loincloth | Basic protection |
| Greece/Rome | Subligaculum | Wrapped loincloth, worn by athletes |
| Middle Ages | Braies | Loose-fitting pants, improving hygiene |
| Renaissance | Codpiece | Design advancement, eccentric fashion |
From briefs to the invention of men’s thongs
In the 20th century, a revolution occurred with the invention of briefs and boxers, offering unparalleled support and comfort. The more fitted briefs quickly became the preferred choice for those seeking both practicality and discretion under tight clothing. During the 1980s, new materials like lycra and nylon made underwear more comfortable.
However, it was in the 1990s that men’s thongs took center stage, initially worn by bold and eccentric men. This movement was brought back into the spotlight by renowned brands like Calvin Klein, who turned the thong into a symbol of seduction and comfort.
The reasons for the success of men’s thongs
The current trend of men’s thongs can be explained by several factors. First and foremost, comfort is undoubtedly the main reason why many men choose this type of underwear. The thong offers optimal freedom of movement without causing discomfort. It is also praised for its discretion when it comes to wearing tight clothing.
Additionally, the aesthetic and sexy aspect of the thong cannot be overlooked. By highlighting body shapes and buttock muscles, it becomes a real seduction weapon. Furthermore, the variety of models and materials available in the market helps attract a wider audience, ranging from cotton options to more graphic and bold designs offered by brands like Aussiebum and HOM.
- Comfort 🛌
- Discretion 👖
- Aesthetic and sexy 😍
- Variety of models and materials 🛍️
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Freedom of movement without discomfort |
| Discretion | Great under tight clothing |
| Aesthetic | Highlights the body |
| Varied choice | Various styles and materials |
The percentage of men who wear thongs: a rising trend
The wearing of thongs by men is a rapidly growing trend. According to recent studies, around 5 to 10% of men claim to have worn a thong at least once in their lives. This figure is particularly high in countries like France and Italy, known for their strong passion for fashion. However, these numbers are still relatively low in Anglo-Saxon countries.
Younger generations, on the other hand, are more inclined to adopt this trend, reflecting a shift in beauty and masculinity norms. Men from these generations are not afraid to turn to daring models, influenced by brands like Tommy Hilfiger and C-IN2 that offer modern and attractive designs.
Barriers to adopting men’s thongs
Despite the numerous advantages, men’s thongs remain a controversial choice. Several psychological and cultural barriers still hinder widespread adoption. On one hand, stigma and stereotypes persist. Wearing a thong could be seen as effeminate in some cultures, thus dissuading many men from taking the plunge.
On the other hand, the idea that thongs can be uncomfortable is also a significant barrier. Many men hesitate in exploring male lingerie, convinced that they will not be comfortable in such a thin piece of fabric. However, those who wear thongs regularly report that this discomfort quickly disappears. Additionally, the limited visibility of thongs in physical stores complicates their adoption, as the choice is usually dominated by more traditional models like boxers and briefs.
- Stigma and stereotypes 🚫
- Perceived discomfort 😨
- Lack of visibility in stores 🏬
| Barrier | Description |
|---|---|
| Stigma | Perceived as effeminate |
| Comfort | Fear of initial discomfort |
| Visibility | Low presence in stores |
How to choose men’s thongs
For those looking to try the experience, some tips can be helpful in making the right choice. It is essential to prioritize comfort, ensuring that the fabric is pleasant and the size is well-fitted to avoid any discomfort. There are a multitude of styles to explore, such as T-shaped, V-shaped, or string models, offering a great possibility of customization.
The design should also play a role in the choice. With many brands like Underwear by H&M and Sloggi offering various models, it is possible to express one’s personality through underwear. Allowing oneself to be tempted and explore different styles can bring a new dimension to one’s wardrobe.
- Prioritize comfort 👌
- Try different styles 🧑🤝🧑
- Choose a design you like 👍
| Selection criterion | Tips |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Pleasant to the touch, well-fitted size |
| Style | Various models suited to your body shape |
| Design | Emotions and personality in the choice |
FAQ about men’s thongs
1. What are the advantages of wearing a men’s thong?
The thong offers excellent comfort, discretion, and enhances the silhouette.
2. Where can men buy thongs?
They are available in most underwear stores, but also online on specialized websites.
3. Are thongs uncomfortable?
Perceptions of discomfort vary, but many users report quickly getting used to them.
4. What types of thongs are available?
There are many models: T-shaped, V-shaped, with or without strings, and in various materials.
5. Why are younger generations adopting thongs?
Youth are more open-minded and seek to express their individuality through their clothing style.
