The initial concept of men's lingerie - yes, it's a real term - may be ever so slightly emasculating. To many of us, "lingerie" evokes visions of sultry, scantily clad Victoria's Secret models. (A brief history lesson: This immensely successful company probably got its name from a custom of the 1800s. Doctors would treat female "hysteria" - physical or emotional pain - with intense genital massages. As it was the Victorian Era, this came to be known as "Victoria's Secret." Now you know the secret! †) But why is lingerie usually equated with femininity? The word "lingerie" stems from the Latin word "lineus," which merely means "made of linen."†† And in modern-day Français, "lingerie" refers to both men's and women's underwear. Call it what you will, it's a venue worth investigating. I haven't gotten word of "Victor's Secret" just yet, but intimate menswear happens to be a burgeoning industry.

Are you still skeptical? Countless major retail stores have now exacerbated that eternal question, "Boxers or briefs?" Banana Republic diversifies in patterns - from stripes and plaid to frisky animal prints - and in form - with waistbands and a "notched leg for mobility." J. Crew boasts two pack boxer briefs with fine rib cotton. Abercrombie & Fitch runs the gamut by touting low rise trunks, shorts, briefs and boxers in various colors and textures. Shall I go on? Hell, even the Mormons have their own specialized underwear. Though not exactly fashionable, these "temple garments" strengthen one's relationship with God. You don't have to have this sort of bond with your undergarments, but you can invest a little time in shopping for them.

Why is there such a large market for men's underwear, especially when it's dubious that you guys even change your underwear every day? Sure, during the holiday season, it's a quick solution for girlfriends (and creepy, overbearing mothers). But more importantly, it's a great way for men to feel confident in their own skin, from the inside out. You may not have the body of that Abercrombie model, but the Abercrombie boxers may flatter one aspect of your body. Or conversely, they may serve to minimize certain features you feel self-conscious about. And this is just the beginning of the possibilities of men's underwear - true proof of the beauty of capitalism! You could buy a patterned pair that triggers flirtatious conversation, such that "You like rhinoceroses?" or aptly halts it with a single utterance of "Sexy." So why not put some effort into finding something that suits you? If nothing else, attractive underwear will suggest to your mate that you've taken some initiative to better yourself in the southern hemisphere. And that's not such a bad launching point, right?
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Sources:
( http://www.explorehistoricalif.com/hysteria.html )†
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_underwear )††