Wives and girlfriends, it’s time to take a hint from the newly minted Mrs. Jay-Z. In “Upgrade U,” Beyonce offers to introduce her boyfriend to the finer things in life – Audemars Piguet watches, Purple Label ties, Hermes briefcase. …

But we’re going to start on the inside: Underwear.

I got a press release last week that included the fact that 11 percent of guys have underwear that’s at more than 10 years old. Think about it: They’re holding onto skivvies that saw Bill Clinton as president. Here’s why: Most of us think about underwear exactly once a day - when we’re getting dressed. And it’s a pretty mundane moment — especially if the drawers in the drawer are all the same.

But step outside “the same” for a moment. Manufacturers are making styles in new fabrics and cuts — like the 2(x)ist Varsity Trunk at below left, which is cotton with a little modal rayon for softness and lycra for comfort. Even Jockey, below right, has gotten into the act with its 3D-Innovations line, with stretch and a plush-back waistband.

The extra-comfortable waistband is something I first saw in a brand called C-IN2, which makes everything from traditional cotton briefs, below left, to tight trunks. And If the idea of a smooth, stretchy fabric in underwear creeps him out, opt for something in a luxurious Pima cotton, which tends to feel better against skin. Ralph Lauren even makes them in traditional boxers, below right.

There’s also the question of what he’s wearing them under: Boxers work well under dress slacks, for example, but are harder to cram into jeans, which usually fit a little tighter. Find the right ones, and he’ll want to wear them — and toss out those 10-year-olds.

(Note: Because of the next-to-naked connotations of underwear, it’s not a good gift to come from the kids. Instead, consider it an “I think you’ll look so hot in these that I might want to MAKE some more kids with you” sort of gift.)

Everyone from Diesel to Emporio Armani is making underwear, so there’s a huge selection to pick from. Right now a half-dozen or so brands –Calvin Klein to Paul Frank — are 25 percent off at Fresh Pair, a web site that sells only underwear.

Pretty much all department stores have underwear on their web sites now. Some brand-specific web sites to check out: Papi (ay, papi!); 2(x)ist; C-IN2; Ginch Gonch. For more playful and sometimes scary stuff: Top Drawers; Undergear (which used to be International Male); Skiviez. (And for all of the sites, an added bonus is that you get to look at guys in their underwear!)

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 6/11/08
The shirt: T-shirt by Howe (hand-me-down from roommate, who discovered he had bought two of the exact same shirt)
The pants: “Relax” jeans by Seven for All Mankind (Last Chance)
The shoes: Flip-flops by Quiksilver
The scent: Helmut Lang eau de cologne

sammit

Posted in: Gift guide |

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