The definition of double standard is, “a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups.” If you are reading this blog, chances are you are a cross dresser (let’s just refer to CD) or an ally. Assuming that to be correct, you know a great deal about double standards. We present to the word outside as male while at the same time presenting to ourselves and, if truly fortunate, to our significant other, as the blended person we know ourselves to be. Women can dress as men, but the same standard isn’t applied to us; quite the opposite.
One of those double standards is in the advertising industry. Think about it – women’s lingerie is abundantly advertised in television and print media. What might have been once considered shocking, if not downright pornographic is common today – women appearing in television ads in bra and panties; the printed posters in the mall (in the windows facing out to the mall) from women’s lingerie stores showing women in scant lingerie. Do you see any men’s underwear advertised on television or at the mall in such a manner? If you do, let me know, because to date I’ve never seen such a thing.
That makes me wonder – what is the message here? Is it that women’s bodies are more highly prized than men’s or is it the sexualizing of women and the preserving of the superiority of men? In my perfect world, men would be free to explore the wonder of lingerie. When I put on my first pair of panties, I knew I was done with traditional men’s underwear. Let’s see – heavy scratchy and sweaty, or light, tender to the skin and airy? Duh – I’ll go for panties! Let’s not stop there – let’s go with bras and camisoles. Why should a man not enjoy these wonderful tactile delicacies? The only underwear I have seen publicly displayed on men in the media is boxer shorts. Out of curiosity, I tried a pair of boxer shorts many years ago and they immediately went into the donation bag. If you want something like boxer shorts, why not something elegant like tap pants?
Why not have publicized ads for things like the Xdress Glistening Satin & Lace bra and panty set? They are far from pornographic and are quite pretty. Their design very nicely complements the male form without being inappropriate. Or how about the Xdress Satin High Waist Tricot Panty? These are very conservative panties, and anyone who thinks they are pornographic has a serious problem. Just looking at them, you know they have to be comfortable. Why could these not be advertised? Oh, I forgot – only women’s bodies can be displayed in intimate underclothing. While I’m creating my perfect world, let’s also have general public advertising for the Xdress Lace & Satin Whisper Bralette (a personal favorite of mine) and the very pretty Secret Satin Camisole. Why keep it secret – the media should celebrate such an attractive, comfy garment.
I could go on and on, but I want to pose the question to you – what does this difference in advertising say to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Angie, Guest Blogger
21 comments
I hate the double standard. Why cant men wear something sexy under it all? Or wear whatever they want in public? I think society is getting more accepting on this front but selection in men’s underwear is very boring. It has gotten a little better over the years, XDress and Body Aware offer great products! Xdress is a little more frilly and offers more feminine styling which I love. Body Aware is more masculine but with more sex appeal. Both look great on the male body. Embrace your curves and wear stylish undergarments!
I love being a crossdreser .Hard to find place to shop for things a man shop for feman garment .I have find a place near my home where I am welcome to shop. She likes it sent I am. In her store we can talk about the I like to wear thank you kelp up blog
Hi Keri,
Thank you so much for your reply. You and I must be sisters under the skin! Like you, my wife was afraid I wanted to either switch sexual preference, or become a woman. The answers were “no” and “no”. I just like the feminine side of who I am. To read further, please refer to Getting the Wife Onboard at https://xdress.com/blogs/news/getting-the-wife-onboard
I’m glad you mentioned the use of traditionally women’s body products – things like moisturizer, body wash, body spray, facial conditioner and foundation makeup. Why can’t men enjoy such luxurious treasures as these? My wife has introduced me to all these sensual and wonderful things, and my shower each morning is an adventure in feminine delights! Next, getting dressed is even more fun, thanks to Xdress and Body Aware – the panties, the bras, the camis! Life is good, dear friend. I’m glad (and very jealous) that you have a guy friend to go shopping with you. What fun that would be. Be sure to do some online shopping together at Xdress and Body Aware. You speak rightly in thanking Xdress for furthering the acceptability of men’s lingerie. About time!
Kindest regards,
Angie
Love this topic. So spot on. I have worn panties most of my life. I have also worn bras and other lingerie as well as used women’s body products. I am a male but have a strong feminine side which I enjoy. My wife was so sure in the beginning as she thought I wanted to be a woman. Not so. Today she has become much more understanding and at times in fun we joke she has a girlfriend as well as a husband. Back and forth if that makes sense. Call me a crossdresser or what ever the current description is these days but it doesn’t change anything.
As far as society is concerned it has always bothered me that we men can’t be as open about what we wear, how we think, how we act etc etc as women can. It is ridiculous that men are not accepted in magazines, on TV or what ever media your use wearing pretty things in any color without a label. Panties, bras, dresses, skirts and on and on are all just articles of clothing. I have one male friend that is of the same thinking. He wears panties and more. If the subject of men wearing lingerie is taboo try shopping with another guy for panties or bras. Frankly we were both very nervous about the idea initially but after a few times and some awkward stares we sort of have become comfortable. Yet two women shopping for men undies is perfectly acceptable.
Thank you XDress for being there and helping this become more acceptable. I am an older mature male and wish you had been there when I was much younger.
Keri
Steve, thank you so much for your thoughtful post. I went to your Tumblr account and read with interest. It is so nice to discover like-minded men who wear lingerie without apology. Thank you also for your kind words on your blog post, regarding my guest-blog posts here at Xdress. The Xdress folks are the best kind of folks!
Angie