skirtcafe.org

I am glad there is agreement on people not having to justify what they wear In response to Ralph asking about bralettes, well, going by the British definition (apparently), that is, a tight-fitting crop top with thin straps, then I do find them useful for wearing under a top that I feel the 'V' is cut a bit low, as in the photo below: Similarly they can be worn under something one might consider a bit too see-through. Being elasticated and snug fitting it doesn't move around like a t-shirt might, also it has a lower neckline, so there are certain potential fashion advantages in some instances.

There's been some discussion of why we may or may not want to wear a bra.

One Sunday I was informed in a very insistent manner of yet another reason that I don't think made it into this thread yet; suppressing one's nipples. As I've said a number of times, no one needs an anatomy lesson from us.

So I've generally worn sufficient "intimates" to accomplish that goal.

Once I got started down that path I realized a) I prefer lace undergarments to plain and b) while I didn't want to look like I was trying out for the Miss America Contest, my dresses would drape better if I made the most of what little I had.

This is an interesting discussion going in a few different directions, namely: 1) traditional women's wear items are being redesigned and marketed toward men, in this case undies; 2) critique of the linked Moot catalog items; and 3) what undergarments we enjoy wearing, including bras.

My thoughts: 1) As we have seen for skirts, redesigning "feminine" or "women's" clothes for men are only marginally successful as the designers seem to have strange ideas about what men would want to wear. Convincing men to wear skirts is one thing, but how many men would purchase the bizarre overpriced numbers that are occasionally released as some couturier's new line? As for underwear, many years ago manufacturers began offering bikini briefs, or at least briefs smaller than the traditional Y-fronts. There is much more variety now than there used to be. And various offerings have been made to men in catalogs such as Fredericks of Hollywood over the years. Now the Moot company is taking such feminine elements as straps, lace, and transparent fabrics and offering lots of things, from thongs to body suits, to men. Will this catch on? I guess those intimates were designed with particular attention to male anatomy and body shapes, so the company might be justified in supplying a small niche market. But many men have no problem wearing undergarments designed for women, so it will be a limited market.

2) Personally, none of the catalog items are appealing to me. They do seem slanted toward the fetish market, and are clearly meant to be seen. They seem impractical and fragile as everyday undergarments. But, "whatever floats your boat" applies, and I have nothing against those who would get satisfaction from underdressing with these items. (I can't resist saying that for me, that is a Moot point!)

3) I don't think a wide-ranging discussion about what undergarments we wear is too helpful to the SkirtCafe, and I'm surprised that the Mods have let the thread evolve as it has. Maybe SkirtCafe has evolved... I've been out of touch for a few years.

-----Henry

skirtingtheissue wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:32 pm

3) I don't think a wide-ranging discussion about what undergarments we wear is too helpful to the SkirtCafe, and I'm surprised that the Mods have let the thread evolve as it has. Maybe SkirtCafe has evolved... I've been out of touch for a few years.

It's a bit of a "science experiment". I'm trying to ascertain whether a balance can be struck between a practical question that occasionally crops up and the "Iron Fist" rule.

Styles have definitely changed over the years, and I don't really think for the better. It's dovetailed with what I've witnessed in the political/sociological context over the past several decades as well.

The main thing is that I do not want to see the "discussion" either go off on a wild fantasy tangent or take over the forum -- and I have seen the topic rip apart USENET groups in the past. Neither of those outcomes would be good for The Skirt Cafe.

Though I'm not personally distressed by a discussion of lingerie; and I suspect many on this forum hold a very tolerant view of what other's wear is their own dang business, I'm still not sure the topic enhances the role of SK as a body to help more men get into skirts.

I suspect many a 'new-comer' to this site may be struggling a bit with their desires to wear skirts in public, and still worried that it may be 'pervy' -- so bumping up against discussions of flimsy lace underwear; nipple suppression or expression, and such may keep them at bay. On the flip side, it may tend to bring in elements more interested in underwear/lingerie fetishes rather than just guys wanting to wear skirts.

All of these things may be useful and have their place, but I'm not sure SK is the forum -- I'm inclined to think we should restrain our clothing discussions to the basics of outward appearances when men incorporate styles more commonly thought to be the exclusive domain of women.

skirtingtheissue wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:32 pm

many years ago manufacturers began offering bikini briefs, or at least briefs smaller than the traditional Y-fronts.

-----Henry

I think I'm right in saying they were more popular in Europe, Germany in particular. They tend to call them "slips" just to confuse the issue.

It's a bit of a "science experiment". I'm trying to ascertain whether a balance can be struck between a practical question that occasionally crops up and the "Iron Fist" rule.

Styles have definitely changed over the years, and I don't really think for the better. It's dovetailed with what I've witnessed in the political/sociological context over the past several decades as well.

The main thing is that I do not want to see the "discussion" either go off on a wild fantasy tangent or take over the forum -- and I have seen the topic rip apart USENET groups in the past. Neither of those outcomes would be good for The Skirt Cafe.

Thank you Carl! I feel what you are doing IS timely and the way you are doing it is just right.

My comments were meant to point out how lingerie can assist one in keeping his outward appearance modest, discreet and acceptable.

So, as Carl was suggesting, if anyone else has any additional thoughts on the practical applications of lingerie, they're probably germane and acceptable. Just keep them clean.

by Pdxfashionpioneer » Fri Sep 17, 2021 5:20 am

So, as Carl was suggesting, if anyone else has any additional thoughts on the practical applications of lingerie, they're probably germane and acceptable. Just keep them clean.

Dave, no antecedent to 'them' -- a notoriously bad double entendre; echoes of our Mothers, or our own comments?

Faldaguy wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:49 am

by Pdxfashionpioneer » Fri Sep 17, 2021 5:20 am

So, as Carl was suggesting, if anyone else has any additional thoughts on the practical applications of lingerie, they're probably germane and acceptable. Just keep them clean.

Dave, no antecedent to 'them' -- a notoriously bad double entendre; echoes of our Mothers, or our own comments?

"Them" clearly refers to "thoughts" to completely justifiable. Still a double entendre though.

rivegauche wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 18, 2021 10:45 am

"Them" clearly refers to "thoughts" to completely justifiable. Still a double entendre though.

Well played, too!