Why Women Hate Your Underwear

If you've only stocked up on "more of the same" recently, you're in for a shock next time you hit the underwear department of your local retailer.

Making a decision on what type of underwear to purchase is getting more complicated, thanks to an onslaught of new fits, fabrics and brands. The past year has seen a few trends that are entirely new (man-girdles or butt-lifters, anyone?) as well as the evolution of updated fits, bright colors and patterns, and performance fabrics.

The phrases found on underwear packaging today are decidedly different from the familiar terms from just a decade ago. And frankly, they share a lot of the same terminology found in women's undergarments: "shapewear" "enhancers" and "low-rise."

Although the purpose and function of men's and women's products differ, increasingly, the techonlogy is the same.

Men's underwear is in the midst of a revolution, says Michael Kleinman, founder of Freshpair.com. "The most prevalent element to hit even everyday underwear is the ability to do more than just be worn?it's all about underwear with function." The critical new categories gaining traction this year, he says, are styles geared toward shaping and enhancing. And they range from subtle to extreme.

Kleinman says the important thing to understand is that there's a product designed for every type of guy ? from conservative to fashion-forward, with fits and fabrics that address every possible daily activity.

Cotton basics ? boxers and briefs in neutral colors ? continue to sell well, but there's been a groundswell of newness in the market that, depending on how you like to shop, is either exciting or overwhelming. "Fits are tighter and the rise is lower," Kleinman says. "And we see customers are paying as much attention to how their underwear fits as they do their clothing."

Here, a few of the key trends for this year and next.

TREND: SHAPEWEAR
Women have worn garments to help compress their mid-section for centuries. It's now also the fastest-growing trend in men's underwear. From body-defining underwear to compression T-shirts, this category is rapidly growing, as men work to achieve the ideal shape (and conceal love handles). "It's a new generation of shaping garments," Kleinman says, "It's a stretch from the days of the girdle." He says the products resonate with men "because guys can't seem to get enough of them." Brands like Equmen, Ript Fusion, Spanx for Men, 2(x)ist, and Sculptees all offer garments that promise to help trim an inch or two from the waist, and ? in some cases -- help provide extra back and shoulder support.

Equmen Core Precision Tank Top ? This tank is designed like something an elite athlete might wear, with body-contouring technology that helps support the back while slimming the waist. The collection also includes short and long sleeve T-shirts, as well as several underwear styles.

Spanx for Men Compression Crew ? The brand originally designed for women is helping men, too. Look better, feel better, and thank women for asking the age-old question, "Does this make me look fat?" The collection also includes a tank and V-neck.

2(x)ist Form Trunk? A new body-slimming trunk with a high-rise waistband that provides a sleeker look to the midsection. The collection also includes a tank and brief.

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