Boxers or briefs? Cotton or lace? (I don't want to leave the boys out of this topic, so we'll let them answer the boxers or briefs question. Unless they have some trashy undergarments of their own they'd like to discuss.)

Are you a Victoria's Secret addict? Or do you swear by Jockey for Her? Do you buy your bras on hangers or in boxes? Would you ever wear any undergarment with more than three hook and eye closures? Got any vinyl underwear hanging out in the back of your closet?

I will absolutely not wear anything uncomfortable, but as long as it's comfortable, I prefer that it be pretty. As I've said before, I wouldn't be caught dead in satin or lace outerwear, but I am addicted to pretty underwear. I'm less addicted to trashy undergarments, much to Jeremy's chagrin.

Own anything really trashy? Tell us all about it.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Answers

Boxers or briefs? Those longer briefs that go to a quarter of the way down your thigh, but give you more room than briefs...sort of a nice compromise between the two.

--Al, Nova Notes.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I like mine as plain as possible actually and WITHOUT underwire. That's the real challenge you see -- finding something that is simple yet elegant and doesn't depend on underwire to hold me up. Also must not be "vinylized" -- so many times I've bought "100% cotton" bras from a catalog but when they arrive they've got this rubbery feel to them that is very unpleasant against skin. I also love front closing bras and in fact prefer them over rear-closing ones, but it's even harder to find a front-closer that is comfy, non underwired and still kinda classy.

I'd found the perfect bra at onehanesplace.com, from the Playtex Support Can be beautiful collection, but it's been phased out. Thankfully I stocked up big time and have enough unmentionables to last for a while, but some of the first ones I picked up are starting to fray.

It's a fairly simple, standard style with a little silk bow and a touch of lace, but mostly stretchy satiny cotton with adjustable straps.

I'm boring, I always buy white or black. I have no interest in buying other colors. Mostly because I think that most colored bras are ugly as sin. And I never ever buy beige if I can help it. Always white and if the same bra has a version in black, then black as well.

Underwear is always Jockey for Her, 100% cotton full-cut briefs, in gray, black, off-white or white.

I used to have a set of purple, pink and blue as well, my mom bought those, but they were such ugly shades that I stopped buying them when I moved out on my own.

I'd LOVE to be able to wear the Jockey for Her bras that match my undies, because they look so darn comfy. But unfortunately they only go up to a C-cup so until I lose 100 lbs and a cup size, I'm stuck with the Iron Maiden bras.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

You know, it sounds ridiculous, but I just can't stand cotton underwear. It's always uncomfortable. I think it tends to shrink, too. I haven't worn a non-underwire bra (other than a sports bra) since I was about 16. I can't stand bras without underwires.

Other things I hate: super narrow straps that are set too far apart, and lace. Some lace is okay, if it's stretchy, soft, and used only as trim, but in general lace itches and I can't abide it. I also don't like high cut underwear of any type; I'd rather wear a thong.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Plain old cotton everything.

I have been wearing the same type of plain sports-type bra for years, and Just My Size cotton panties that come in bright colors.

I can't stand lace or underwires or slick fabrics. I'm too aware of them all the time. What I want from underwear is that it hold everything in place in such a way that I'm not aware of it.

I'm amused by the bras that one sees that basically have no function except ornamental. I'm not knocking them, you understand - my partner and I enjoy going to San Francisco on a chilly day and pointing out, um, specimens to each other - but they would never work for me since I became a full figured gal.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I swing both ways when it comes to underwear.

I have a penchant for overwrought La Perla confections-- lovely lacy bras and matching panties. My underwear has to match or I get a headache.

On the other hand, when I go to the gym or I'll be lazing around on the weekends, I like plain cotton Hanro.

Underwire for me is a prospect fraught with peril, as I have a sixteen-inch scar bisecting me right where my bra band lays. Going _without_ underwire is a Bad Thing, so sometimes if it's really bad, I insert cotton balls between the underwire and my skin. I keep waiting to have one fall out in the middle of a business metting or something eqaully wonderful.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Panties and bra have to match and they have to be pretty. I'm not addicted to any one brand or material as long as they meet those two requirements. I like lace, satin or cotton. Underwire or not. I don't care. Underwire is not required, if you get my drift. I need more white sets. It seems whenever I have a white T-shirt or top to wear, all I have is leopard print, turquoise, red, or floral sets. Oh yeah, I also try to match my undergarments with whatever I am wearing that day, or if I'm wearing jeans and a red T-shirt, I'll wear blue panties and a red bra, but I prefer to wear the set.

I can't believe I'm discussing my underwear with perfect strangers.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

you know, when i was living in canada, it was a complete bitch to find anything in a 32B. here, it's not so bad. but of course, out of the 10 or 12 bras i try on, maybe 1 fits just right. if i'm lucky.

and up until now i've been a 100% cotton girl. i still LOVE cotton. the main reason i don't do synthetics, is that nothing breathes. and that can't be good in terms of bacteria and yeast. they just adore that sort of environment.

but lately i've been getting into underwear. ooo except for thongs. i just bought one, and i wore it for about 1/2 hour, and then it was across the room. anyway - i'm really digging nice underwear. and i'm usually a total underwire fan; your boobs get just the right shape and support and sit so nicely. but this ralph lauren thing i found - it's stretchy and has no clasps at all and kind of flattens you out a bit but it's this fabulous colour - what do they call it... graphite. sort of a purpley/grey. and wow - it is THE most comfortable thing! no bounce either and i feel so sleek when i wear it. of course the only matching underwear they had was a thong. we're not getting along at all. but then i discovered that this random pair of guess underwear i got on sale match perfectly! woohoo!

i just got paid yesterday and i can hardly wait to go and pick up some more new undies :)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Heh, I'd just written a screed on the agonies of buying bras - I hate it. I hadn't realised how saggy and icky all my old bras were until I wore new ones for two days - my back and neck are all twitchy and sore. Back to sports bras for a few days!

And another thing - when will bra-manufacturers get it that bras should be made out of non-scratchy material? Hardly a huge leap of intuition there, methinks.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I used to wear Hanes her Way bikini panties. They were recommended by one of my college roommates, and they were the first panties I ever wore that didn't give me constant wedgies. However, they recently changed the design or cut or SOMETHING because all the new ones I've bought have ridden up the way their old design never did. The new ones can be told apart by their script writing on the waistband (as opposed to printing). I miss the old design.

Bras are nice if they match, but I seldom worry about it. I have a few matching sets for special times, but I expect lovers to get used to cotton undies after awhile. My bras are always nicer than my panties - I prefer Vicoria Secret's Second Skin Satin (38B). They're comfy, beautiful and they have nice, wide straps that don't dig into your shoulders. I wear underwires (have since age 17), but I'm on a constant search for those comfy cotton bras that support without the wires, as every underwire bra will eventually poke out and bite you. If I can get away with it, I prefer braless to anything else (that is, 3 weeks out of the month).

Are all jog bras horribly tight and constricting? It just seems to me they could give support without binding your boobs flat against your body.

On men, I like those long-legged brief hybrids - is there anything sexier? Tighty-whities make me giggle, and silk boxers seem a little...out of date, I guess. They can certainly make a guy look like he's trying too hard.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

The thing I hate the most about Victoria's Secrets is there's nothing for TALL people. No way will one of their teddies do... yank it up, yank it down, ow ow ow... dammit.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

My usual used to be whatever I could find at a reasonable price for a 44E. Basically your 4-hook Viking opera-singer leather and steel jobs! Oooo, how sexy! Since the surgery, and the swelling isn't all the way gone yet, (I hope) I weigh in at 42D. (hopehopehopehopehope) It will be exciting to get all sorts of prettys, stuff I haven't been able to get for years. I want matching unders! I want lace and satin! I want 'em, dammit!

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I own exactly one set of matching undies, and that was an accident. The rest of my stuff vaguely matches, but only because 99% of my undergarments are black.

I like my bras demi-cup and push-up, but they have to be comfortable. My panties are only required to be comfortable and not put weird lumps in my clothing.

I have discovered the most comfortable panties in the world. At Wal-Mart, no less. They don't appear to actually have a brand name, but the tag says "The most comfortable underwear you'll ever wear...guaranteed...or your money back!" The thongs are heaven (not all thongs are hideous wedgies, I've learned, you have to watch out for the ones with too-thick elastic in the wedgie bit), and the boy-cut panties are extremely comfortable as well. They're cotton, to boot.

I really want Fredrick's Ultimate corset and Renaissance corset. I have no use for corsets anymore, I never go anywhere where I'd wear one now that I'm old and decrepid, but I want them anyway. I'm probably going to use Hallowe'en as an excuse to buy one of them.

I aspire to trashy clothes. Now if only I could find an excuse and my figure...

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

My bra situation is getting dire. One has all but self destructed, two more are fraying, and of the three everyday ones I have left, two are Not Comfy.

I usually end up with bras with three or four hooks, simply because you can't find anything else in my size. This was a bit disconcerting to my bf the first time we got nekkid together, but I think he's getting used to the idea. *grin* But no matter how saggy I get, I avoid underwires like the plague.

Mostly I have white bras, but I do own a beige and a black one. The beige one needs to be thrown out, and the black one is too small and scratchy to boot.

Oh, and on a man? Boxers, definitly. Atara -she's actual size

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

Okay, I like Hanes Her Way or Fruit of the Loom bikinis. Preferably in bright jewel tones, or 'natural' colors. And black. And always cotton.
For bras I love underwires, especially the Dreamshaper ones from Playtex. Anyone who says they hate underwires might want to look at those, since the 'wire' area is very padded and soft and flexible. I used to like a Hanes 'Satin & Lace' bra, but I haven't gotten any of those in a while. Black, white, and red mostly, never ever beige. I did get one of those Frederick's 'Wench' corsets, in red. Wow... It's pretty comfortable, and definately cleavage city. I also have a black and blue ribbon corset (less comfy) and a black and red victorian corset I made, also pretty comfy (and what I wore for Halloween 2 years ago, over a black dress. But that's another topic).

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

bras have to be good quality and comfy. Victorias secret every other season or so has something good and not-itchy and i never buy enough. I never liked the feeling of thongs. But i like bright colors and patterns (but not floral) and i have a weakness for trashy--animal print mesh, hot pink.. but comfy is key. I like it when straps show if the fabric is fun, or of the strings of teh string bikini peek out of the waistband. i used to love mens tightwhite because they are the most confortable thing ever, I still think they're fun but haven't b bought'em in a while. And men should wear those boxer-brief thingies cuz they're damn fine.

http://i.s./troubleathome/

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

oh, totally boring. Cotton panties up to the waist... bras with a touch of lace....and I wear slips! and camisoles!! I won't go on!

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

I have a slightly different problem from Sara Astruc - I have a 3 ft. scar running down the middle of my back, so that back-close bras rub right on it and drive me insane. This is a problem for 2 reasons: the best fitting bras I have found lately (I'm a 34D, and finding anyone who actually stocks that is a challenge - there are always 12 36Ds and no 34's) all close in the back. Also, for some unfathomable reason the men I have been involved with cannot get the hang of opening front-close bras - they get very, very confused.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

This is off the subject, but I was telling my friend here at work about your waking up naked in the mornings. Her eyes got big and wide and she said, "Maybe she's being visited by an incubus!"

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

Ooh, maybe! I had a dream once wherein I was visited by a skeleton guy with a Mohawk ... mmm, that was a nice dream.

Back on topic, my lace bustier keeps riding up in back.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

What a great topic! Just reading all the answers is giving me a yearning to go out and buy some underwear... I've never yet bought anything from a catalogue, though a good friend with a similar build swears by Victoria's Secret. And I have to say, those bras look insanely tasty. In general, I always get underwires, prefer front closures, and like lacy and/or satiny things. The only caveat is that I HATE bras that have seamed cups. They look terrible under anything close-fitting, and leave weird marks on your boobs. I used to be a 38D but have gone down to a 36C, and find there's lots more choice. For one thing, I *could* get an uplift bra now. In the larger size, they're not available... guess the manufacturers think that big-built girls don't need any help. Everytime I buy a bra I like to get matching underwear, usually in high-cut bikinis, though there are a couple thongs in my wardrobe (which is mostly where they stay). And I do have one dress that is low-cut but, because of the width of the neckline on the shoulders, doesn't permit a bra to be worn without showing. The solution? Duct tape. No, I'm not kidding.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 1999

while i never buy any other clothing from them, right now i'm in love with express' mesh bras. they have them in my size, they fit, they're seamless, they're really cute, and now them come in not just white, gray, black and beige, but all sorts of pretty floral prints! the appropriate matching underwear, however, isn't quite so comfortable.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 1999

I am the ultimate underwear mangler - I bought $160 worth of fancy bras and panties back in the summer and already every one of the 4 pairs has now faded,gone grey, torn or shrunk. (I wash on 40c and seperate coloureds from whites and all but still it happens)

Is there a way round this - or do I have to handwash them all the time with lux and if so how do you girls find the time?!!!

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2000

Briefs. No boxers; I need the support, just like the ladies. And my stuff doesn't have to match anything, bwah hah hah.

I got a couple pairs of silk briefs and thongs from WinterSilks once; they were fun, but again, zero support. Bleagh. I also tried the combo bike short brief/boxer things; they had the lack of support of boxers combined with the thigh-strangling leggings! Woo hoo!

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2000

I don't hand wash anything because I hate it. Here's what I do: I use the delicate cycle, with cold water. I use lingerie bags. (You can buy them at Target -- little mesh bags to keep things from getting tangled and mangled.) Fasten your bras if you don't want them to snag on other garments. Then hang everything to dry.

This works pretty well for me, although there are occasional casualties. Putting an underwire or lace bra in the dryer is a great way to ruin it.

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2000

Actually, I've an interesting twist to the whole undies. I'm an 18 year old male, and since I was 15 I've been wearing girls panties. My favorite is hanes her way, I find they're most consistant and most comfortable. Just recently I've expanded my interest in thongs, I find they're pretty comfortable. Most times it's kinda hard to shop for them, since I don't go around announcing about my little fettish, so I generally hit and miss order off the internet. Most of the panties I find comfortable are the high cut, and I find the colored ones cute. To be the right ones, it has to be just a little tight in the crotch, and wide enough to cover everything. Just thought I'd share my little tidbit with everyone.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2001

I'm a Republican. I get those big bags of Haynes cotton briefs at Walmart.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2001

I never associated G.O.P. membership with Wal-Mart shopping. Nieman Marcus, maybe. Wal-Mart, not so much.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2001

Don't let the dem spinmeisters fool ya! Publickans ain't all rich people. Many a time I have walked into a corner Wal-Mart MacDoanld's and felt a wave of republican righteousness hit me like a warm blast of smelly, bovine fece particled air on a hot summer's day at the county fair Four-H livestock exhibit.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2001

I mainly like to wear sexy satin panties.Right now Im wearing a thong, but I prefer the other.However when your best friend and his girlfriend who is also a good friend of mine walk in the room and catch you in a silk nighty, thigh high stockings, and satin panties when you are a boy, which just happened to me a couple of hours ago I go back to my hanes his way bikini briefs with waist band. I dont like plain white socks either.By the way my friend came back a little bit ago and told me my secret is safe with him but I had to give him a pair. Now I have a panty pal!!!!

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I am a guy and i like to wear underwear of all types, i have thongs which i wear when i do sporting activties or just when i feel sexy. I have string bikinis which i wear quite a bit, and when i am not wearing string bikinis i rotate between bikini briefs and Low-Risers. I like the hanes's bikinis the best because they fit tight around my uh, "equiptment" and never have ridden up my rear. I love all five of the thongs that i own, except somtimes this gold/sheer lace thong i have causes some itching. But i am so excited cause i just got the cutest pair of low-rise white calvin klien briefs, with a black waistband. I own many pairs of jockey sport briefs as well, white, grey, and black.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2001

I am a guy, and I like to wear thong underwear. They are very comfy. My girlfriend got me started wearing them, and she loves to see me in thongs. She is a devoted thong wearer herself.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

Okay, I admit it. I'm one of those guys who prefers women's panties. I used to think it was all weird too, but not anymore. Nothing compares to the soft silky-smooth feel of satin and nylon, and you just can't find that in men's underwear, or if you do it's insanely expensive. Yeah, there are silk boxers and maybe briefs, but after one wash they get ruined, and I'm way too lazy to wash things by hand. So for me it's Victoria's Secret second skin satin and Vanity Fair panties (and some more "trashy" underthings too ;-).

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

I am an 18 year old male. I only wear bikinis/briefs and thongs. I find them more comfortable and I look and feel better in them. I prefer whte and black, mostly cotton.

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001

I like to indulge in women's panties too. I found some great deals at Macy's sale rack. I only wear string panties with enough room in the front to accomodate me. I would like to buy more panties, but I end up feeling guilty and purge them and then go buy more. I wonder if thereare women out there who dont' mind seeing guys where women's underwear. Until then, we just keep it secret.

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2001

I am also a guy who wears women's panties. I'm 24, normal, even played college football. But underneath my clothes, I wear silk and satin panties, mostly pink, light purple, ya know, girlie colors. Feel free to email me if anybody wants to found out some more, or share your experiences!

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Do you like feet? Cuz my feet are really really big. Five toes on each one. Each night I rub coconut oil into my soles, all slow and smooth-like. And I own some panties. I hope you can answer if you are interested, if you have time after answering all the email pretty ladies will be sending you after your post.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Ugg... help?! Beth, get 'em off me! There's trolls everywhere!!

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

I'm 16 and female, and already i swear by victoria's secret and occassionally express. they've just come out with a new line of stretch sheer leopard print stuff that i'm in love with, but usually i'm pretty dedicated to the vicky's body bare line or the new V-logo collection. by the way , have you people seen their model for the V- logo stuff? her name is Karolin Kurkova and she's absolutely perfect! thing is she'd 17!anyway, i like underwires and love thongs as much as bikini brieffs. lace is about to be a new fetish. and on my guy i love the boxer/brief combo, 'specially in black.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001

my favorite memory has to be when I was 5, I fell in love with my sister's wonderwoman underoos. We use to have so much fun in them. It seemed like every girl in the neighborhood had wonderwoman underoos. My sister gave me hers when she outgrew them. That was the greatest.

-- Anonymous, August 10, 2001

I too am a guy who prefers womans panties. I love Victorias Secret Second Skin Satin high cut briefs. There is no other underwear that can match their comfort anywear. My wife knows and approves.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

I'm a guy and I have developed breasts from gynecomastia. It would be easier for me not to have to wear a bra but I'm not comfortable going without one. I started wearing a sports bra when exercise became uncomfortable. Now its more comfortable to wear one all the time even though it's difficult to find bras that aren't noticeable under my shirt.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001