Men in their Underwear

WARNING: The following post deals with adolescent themes.  Anyone over the age of 18 should be accompanied by a child.
Friends, on this cold winter Sunday, rather than talk about the serious topic of sequined pantsuits, I thought I'd discuss something lighter, skimpier -- practically bare.



How do you feel about the gratuitous display of men in their underwear in advertisements?  Do you care at all?  Are you of the opinion that what's good for the goose is good for the gander or some such poultry-related adage? 

Do you think these ads target women who shop for men, men who shop for themselves, or something else entirely?



Late last week, I looked north out of my living room window and discovered this brand new painted billboard just blocks from my apartment.



Let's have a closer look.





I certainly wasn't shocked (it replaced another ad for H&M, a woman in her bra), but I did have a moment of Oh.  Not Oh as in Wow but rather Oh as in Uh huh.  Can you hear the difference?

Two things.  Haven't we already seen David Beckham in his underwear recently, for Armani?  If those briefs were good enough for him then, why is he hawking his own line now? 





Also, $14.95 for a pair of underwear is not cheap by any means, especially for a store like H&M.  I once owned a pair of H&M underwear and while they were cute (colorful boy-style briefs), the Spandex in them made me sweat.  Spandex in underwear may be flattering on a billboard ad or in the locker room, but in real life it's hot. 

Parenthetically, I recently stumbled upon this vintage pattern, Simplicity 5417, on Etsy, and I thought to myself, Who was sewing men's bodysuits in the Seventies?  I mean, a jumpsuit I get; this I don't get.  Why would anyone want snaps down there.  Can't you just tuck your shirt in your pants and call it day? 



Speaking of days, I must get on with mine, but I would love to know the following:

In general, do you like to look at men in their underwear?  Do these kinds of ads make you want to purchase underwear for a loved one or -- if you're a guy -- for yourself?

On some level are you thinking maybe in David Beckham's underwear, Somebody might look a little more like David Beckham (or at least David Beckham photoshopped to porn star perfection)? Isn't that the point?

Finally, Spandex in underwear: Too hot and clammy for the nether regions?

Enquiring minds want to know!

Ka-Ching!