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
Advertising is run by sexist companies who know that a cute woman is better to sell anything over men.
Sex sells. Plain and simple.
Lingerie is a thing that has made many designers very rich and from catalogues to web sites.
Men have been left out of the equation as they don’t have the same cute and cuddly bodies and society has deemed us as background noise to women.
Clothing for men is not fashion. It’s just a practical approach to covering us up. The suit is a great example as to how boring and conforming you can make men look.
Casual clothing is not fashionable like women nor the practicality of the light fresh dresses and skirts.
Lingerie for men is a wonderful way to ditch the dullness of the black and blues of the cotton and lycra blends of boxers and briefs. I actually think panties offer more room than mens undies ( they should be renamed as Blandies) and a hell of a lot more inviting.
We do see mens undies in the store front at the Bonds stores but they are always boxer style and singlets.
I would love to see store front for XDress and store male dummies dressed in lingerie. I would love to do it in stores like Macy’s as well. I also often look at the clothing stores when ever I go to a mall.
Men’s clothing is just so dull. I would love to see pantyhose added to the shorts looks and an open shirt with a cute bra on show.
It’s hard to be a man.
Now so far as seeing guys underwear in full view