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
Hey Paul-Paulena- Well said. I am just me. I want to live with integrity, and authenticity. Comfortable clothes help. Cheers. Matt
I have purchased from XDress and partner BodyAware several times over the years. I ‘transitioned’ from underwear made for men, to those made for women, (including panties and lingerie made for men) about 14 years ago. I encourage Angie to read my blog at https://www.tumblr.com/blog/meninbows
I hope Angie, and other readers of this blog, will find useful information there for men who have a PREFERENCE FOR PANTIES, whether they are made or men, or women.
On the subject of what we call ourselves, CROSS DRESSERS just won’t do. That subject is also addressed in my blog on Tumblr. Men who wear panties (lets just call them panties, whether they are made for a woman, or styled and cut to fit a man’s physique) AND ONLY PANTIES (with the occasional foray into bras, hose, a body suit or other UNDERGARMENTS), and who are not interested in wearing other feminine attire such as dresses, or wearing wigs and make-up, or ‘dressing to pass’ are not, be definition of Tri-Ess, a crossdresser.
We need to coin and promote a new word, acronym or phrase. Maybe MEL (Men Experiencing Lingerie). Experiencing is more neutral than ENJOYING, which sounds too pleasurable, or sexual. If the acronym SPELLS something, and can be spoken as a word, it will receive wider acceptance.
Please read my blog at https://www.tumblr.com/blog/meninbows Contribute to the dialogue. Ask questions. Thanks.
And thanks for starting this conversation. It is important, and has value.
Cross dresser, gender fluid, it’s just a name. I am “ME”, a man who enjoys wearing feminine clothing.
I many feminine attributes and many masculine attributes. Those are the things in my makeup. ME I am ME! Call it what you wish, but I call it “ME”
We all know women have breasts. It accepted that the protrude from the body. And for many women, it seems, the bigger the better. ( just watch a Real Housewives episode)
It is accepted for women to comment on another woman’s breast, even grabbing them. A line from the John Hughes movie 16 Candles, the grandmother looks at Molly Ringeald as says to her husband, " look Fred, she’s got boobies!", and then places her hands on them.
Now, as I said, women have breast, so they can be covered in lovely silk, satin and lace. Of course matching panties are a necessity.
Men, however, are supposed to be content with underwear that is strictly ulitarian hidden. After all ( other than the gay community) it is not acceptable for a man to go up to another man and grab his crotch or and exclaim “nice package!” That might cause excitement, and men are not supposed to have excitement visible in their underwear!
I say “BS”! Men, we deserve soft, sexy, lace, silk underwear . Men, be bold, be excited!
I enjoy wearing panties as matter of fact I no longer have any male panties. One of the benefits of wearing panties it makes you want to be thin and no hair on body at all.