Mars vs Venus: Racy Lingerie

Men and women share thoughts on lingerie's stereotypical looks

Corsets, Garter Belts and High-Heeled Shoes  The very thought of lingerie brings a universe of theories to light.  From men's “classic fantasies” to women's “liberators” (camis and cotton briefs), what sizzles behind closed doors (or in some cases, the hotel balcony) may surprise you.  Learn the lowdown on what both sexes REALLY prefer:

Mars: The Skinny on Satin and Lace

It has been said that most males' 'sensory' stimulation, i.e. sensuality, is triggered by the full on sexy getup:  body-hugging corset in satin or silk, lacy underpinnings, stockings, garter belts and the omnipresent g-string.  To name a few.  Facts are, attention-grabbing choices range farther than women may think:  An editor for a well-known men's publication based in NY put it this way:  “While we love seeing you in your bra.. some bras are surely... more preferable than others”. 

While some men on our panel did appreciate frills, a surprising set looks at lacy getups as “simply cheesy”.  Clean lines and skimpy “cute pants”, aka boy shorts, score extremely high amongst males from all walks of life.  Stereotypical classics, such as the thigh-highs and teddy, received less interest; push-up brassiere with suspenders, no votes at all.  Simplicity, such as a bow-accented push-ups and matching thongs, were hailed as having the sexiest appeal.  While enhanced breasts (as in, padded and gel bras) were appreciated to a point, several labeled the pieces as “fraudulent”, stating that “a girl's breasts disappear once the bra comes off”.  Hmmm.

G-strings were appreciated by some, but also brushed off as “butt floss” and accused of leaving too little for imagination.  Overtly sexual Betty Paige-type costumes still bring irresistible boyhood fantasies to life.  However, several fantasy fans agreed that these looks are better kept on postcards (and those 1950s magazines).  As one fine stud put it, “I don't need my girlfriend's lingerie dominating me”.

Finally, nearly unanimous was these judges' agreement on two thoughts:  1. Males appreciate lingerie most when it is intentionally used as a special treat, a sweet gesture made for his enjoyment.  2.  Lingerie, any lingerie, only goes so far.  In the end, seeing her naked is still the #1 goal.

Venus:  From Luxe to Liberating

Womens' opinions and understanding of underthings cover an even broader spectrum than the male jury, no matter how testosterone-infused.  This is basically due to the fact that female bodies are the prototype used when companies dream up these fabulous frocks designed to push, lift, smooth and overall transform the bodies of womankind, using a little microfiber, hooks and some wire.

First (and possibly foremost), the brassieres.  It's no surprise that females favor more than one, as needed to work all of the aforementioned wonders and more.  Fit is the primary issue with bras, especially when designed with highly padded cups and straps that stretch to infinity.  Since bras are slightly less unique than womens' bodies, too-high backs or drooping fronts are common.  Underwire styles are coveted, mainly because this type of garment offers comfort and non-moving support for all figure types.  Also popular amongst the panel: smooth, lightweight “t-shirt” or seamless bras.  Easily obtainable labels like Gap Body  and  Victoria's Secret receive mass appeal in this category.  Both carry highly-campaigned seamless undergarments, with or without underwire.

Since Wonderbra's international success, padding is often looked at as commonplace in undergarments; a few women in our group confessed to not even realizing the (often removable) padding is there half the time.  Gel inserts were liked by some for the natural look and feel, while others thought the look was not proportioned well and felt slimy.   As for satiny corsets and thigh-high stockings, not many were opposed.  The corset's slimming silhouette was favored, while sexy nylons were seen as a fresh twist on ho-hum pantyhose and opaque tights (Our men actually favored neutral hose over thigh-highs).

Now, going lower...  this is where opinions get heated.  A few of our panel admitted to “not being able to live” without thongs, some saying they simply feel sexy, others citing comfort and reduced VPL (Visible Panty Line) as their reasoning for sporting tiny underthings.  However, those loyal to full-back bikinis or briefs were vicious in their attacks against the other side, not understanding HOW such a “brutally made” piece won't disappear into places unseen.  The pieces were also accused of being chauvenistic, enticing the classic comment “These must have been made to keep men happy!” 

Some pleasant surprises were the refreshingly un-cliche opinions given by our panel.  Several assumed stereotypes, as in the satin-and-lace theory, were put to rest.  Overall, both sides agreed on one thing:  Lingerie is fun for spicing things up, but underneath...  is what makes a difference.