Mens Underwear Versus High Street Chain Underwear

Mens designer underwear has increased in popularity following high profile advertising campaigns from the likes of Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani. Although they represent a fashionable alternative to the High Street Chains, is the extra cost worth it for a pair of underwear?

For many years most men have considered their underwear little more than a functional item that should require little thought and expense. This attitude has been changing over the past 20 years as the designer brands have raised the profile of mens underwear with sexy advertising. Successful advertising campaigns include the Mark Wahlberg campaign for Calvin Klein and David Beckham for Emporio Armani. Whilst this has raised interest in fashionable underwear, most men still wear high street chains such as Marks and Spencer. Although its a much cheaper option, the designer brands offer a more unique and fashionable product. Is it worth paying more for an item of clothing that is rarely seen?

Firstly, mens designer underwear simply looks better. They are designed with a more flattering cut that follows the contours of your body, and very often with a more body hugging fit. The feeling of wearing a very well fitting pair of underwear can give you a general sense of well being and extra confidence. In addition, designer underwear has a wide branded waistband which gives a more masculine look. If ever your underwear band shows over your jeans (which for some people is actually desirable), at least you will do so in style.

Designer underwear offers much more choice in fashionable styles and patterns. For most men the different styles end with boxer shorts, briefs and boxer briefs but the designer brands offer subtleties within this. For example Calvin Klein underwear offers a basic trunk, a low rise trunk, a body stretch trunk and a pro stretch trunk. All these styles have a different look, offering you the choice of selecting the one that best suits you. Some of these different styles are designed to be worn for more active lifestyles (including sport) or colder and warmer climates. You also get a lot more choice in colours and patterns, making it in general a more fashion item that you can have some fun with (rather than always going for white, grey or black).

Its all good and well that designer underwear looks great, but whats the point if no-one ever sees it. Thats not strictly true though, as your partner or spouse will often see you in your underwear. Whilst its debatable how important it is if you have been married for many years, it is very important when embarking a new relationship. Perhaps this would suggest that designer underwear is more suited to the younger generation.

Looking good is not the only criteria when judging mens underwear, as comfort is also of great importance. Firstly, designer underwear has a superior shape and fit which is more comfortable, giving you greater feeling of confidence. They are also designed specifically not to lose their shape throughout the day (usually containing added lycra) which avoids any embarrassing baggy pants issues as well as offering a greater degree of comfort. The designer brands also use a superior type of cotton that feels much softer against the skin.

Clearly the biggest disadvantage of buying designer underwear is that it can cost three times the amount you would pay at a high street chain. On the other hand, designer underwear offers a greater cut, more comfort and choice. Whilst for some men this is not very important, for others (particularly the younger generation) it is. I think that the best solution is to have a mix of high street and designer underwear, saving your favourite pairs for special occasions, or just to ring the changes.