Underwear didn't even get invented until the 1800s. Though it's known by names like "skivvies" now, the first pairs of underwear were nicknamed "unmentionables" and even "unwhisperables." That's right, you couldn't even whisper about your underwear! But today we see them on the racks at stores, packaged together in plastic in the super-stores, on billboard ads with HOT models, and riding high above the top of the pants on teenagers (we'll get in to the whole sagger fashion some other day - just can not go there right now).

Do you remember when a young Brooke Shields said that nothing comes between her and her Calvins? Well here's hoping that at least a hot pair of underwear did!

Underwear does provide support, chafing protection, and perspiration absorption, and helps keep outerwear free of smells and stains from...well...strays. According to Elaine Benson and John Esten's book, Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear, undies — especially for women — were developed, in part, as a Victorian attempt to control and hide genitalia and physique. All the baby talk nicknames that are still substituted for underwear — scanties, snuggles, skivvies, and undies, to name a few more — are another indication of our ongoing discomfort with the contents of our underclothes.

So whether you are comfortable talking about it or it gives you the shivers to bring it up in public - besides the occasional "commando styling" (great for specific times but let's face it, sometimes you just need a little more support than gravity is going to provide!).

So first the age-old question:  boxers or briefs?  A study in the October 1998 Journal of Urology, for example, concluded that underwear type is unlikely to have a significant effect on male fertility.  So if you are a die-hard briefs guy - put them on with confidence!  

When was the last time you tried a new brand?  Men are likely to hang on to the same pair (usually for years and until they literally fall off) and women tend to be more open to trying new ones in pursuit of comfort but let's face it - a great pair of underwear can make you FEEL really good and pretty sexy at the same time.  As our bodies change through the years sometimes its ok to admit to yourself that you need some extra support.  And a little support down under can go a LONG way in helping your other wardrobe fit nicer and for fabrics to flow easier.

Cameron Diaz rocked it in her Spiderman undies in Charlie's Angels.  Heidi Klum in her Risky Business rendition for Guitar Hero is PRICELESS.  Of course, a young Tom Cruise sliding across the floor was many a teenagers sweaty dream...and let's give it up for Madonna who is the high priestess of rockin it on stage in all sorts of intimate wear.  It's because dancing in your underwear is the best feeling in the world.  You can't hide behind anything.  It's you and the music.  You don't hold back.   No one sees you (make sure the blinds are closed all the way!).  You FEEL sexy, you FEEL fit and let's face it - ignorance CAN be bliss!

Underwear is art.  It should express passion while enhancing your awareness of composition.  And it should always exercise good taste.