TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2004
SEX ON THE HILL
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
5B
Not so grungy undies
BY ANNIE McENROE
Colorful underthings were sold at the Crossroads district in Kansas City, Mo., at a First Friday event. A bikini, ruffled bikini and thong style are shown from left to right. Kansan file poultry
correspondent@kansan.com
KANSAN CORRESPONDENT
Cole Smart is finally retiring his Spongeebob Squarepants boxer shorts.
Until the Topeka junior started dating his girlfriend three months ago, he had only himself to please when selecting his underwear. But all that has changed.
"I don't think she likes the Spongebob boxers," he said. "I'm going to donate them to my single roommates."
single roommates.
Smart joined the ranks of University of Kansas students who have definite preferences when it comes to their undergarments. Whether they choose boxers or briefs, bikinis or thongs, students find that the right pair of underwear can match their mood, express their style, or make them feel sexy, even when no one else knows what is underneath their jeans.
From skimpy thongs to rump-engulfing 'granny panties', the choices for women are vast.
the choices for Hannah Alldritt, Harper freshman, shops for underwear at Victoria's Secret.
at Victoria's Sec. "They have to be comfortable, but I'll only buy them if they're cute," Aldritt said of her underwear.
A new pair of tie-dyed bikinis and one with two colors of strings were among her current favorites.
According to Lawrence retailers, most KU women are like Alldritt, valuing fun and comfort most in lingerie.
Boy shorts are the latest trend that fit both of these criteria, according to Shannon Maloney, sales associate at Soap Momma, 735 Mass. St. Despite the name, the style can be just as feminine as thongs and bikinis. The store stocks lace boy shorts in a variety of colors for $10 per pair. Sportier boy shorts in a stretch material go for $5 per pair.
At Target, 3201 Iowa St. boy shorts and thongs in bright colors are selling well among college-aged women. The store offers underwear in bright pinks and turquoises, featuring familiar cartoon characters like Tinkerbell and
Hello Kitty. A set of two pairs usually costs $7.99. Most of the store's playful underwear comes in the 'hipster' style similar to men's briefs. Target also stocks form-fitting camisoles that coordinate with panties and matching tank tops and short sets.
tops are made. Andrea Bartrez, sales associate, said college-aged women shy away form pure cotton underwear, as they are more likely to show panty lines.
"People tend to go for the stretchy material," Bartrez said.
stretchy material. Barefoot Underwear with Spandex is an example.
an example.
Urban Outfitters, 1013 Mass. St., also offers the hipster style in a variety of prints, colors, and motifs. Briefs in bold colors with waistbands in contrasting colors sell for $8 per pair. In addition to characters from "School House Rock" and an assortment of fruit, the store also features briefs with edgier themes. A red pair of low-rider panties with black trim reads, "Boys wanted, inquire within." While most of its offerings are more sporty than sexy, the store also sells a selection of thongs and lacy panties, like a black thong trimmed with white lace — think a French maid's uniform, but skimpier — and a bra to match.
"There's definitely a time when
they're looking at stuff they want to be seen."
Shannon Maloney sales associate at Soap Momma
While Maloney said most of her customers at Soap Momma bought underwear to suit their own tastes, when they do buy pricier underwear it is usually with someone else in mind.
with sonic. "There's definitely a time when they're looking at stuff they want to be seen," she said.
And when it comes to women's underwear, Smart doesn't mind taking a peek. A big fan of boy shorts, he said he appreciates variety in his girlfriend's lingerie collection.
mrs. hage's message
"Then it's something you can
check on," said said. "I like to
be surprised."
be supervised. Although some underwear is bought to show off, KU women are careful to keep their underwear out of sight in most situations.
Thongs protect against panty lines showing up underneath tight pants and skirts. But they, too, can make an unwelcome appearance in certain situations.
I think it's trashy when you
see girls working out with thong panties," said Megan Wahl, Tulsa, Okla., junior. "It's tacky when you see a girl's thong hanging out of her pants."
hanging out to Lawrence retailers, the complex world of women's underwear isn't just for women. J.C. Penney has regular male customers who buy women's lingerie for themselves. And boyfriends of college women also try their hands at picking out intimate apparel for their girlfriends.
Maloney said her male customers are well-educated when they come in looking for gifts. Many are well-acquainted with their girlfriends' favorite brands and styles.
When it comes to buying underwear for themselves, men have fewer options, the choice doesn't always boil down to boxers or briefs. There are also the hybrid boxer-briefs, the inspiration of women's boy shorts.
shorts.
Since ditching Spongebob, Smart has sprung for a few pairs of these in different colors. But, he admits, it takes more than style to make underwear sexy. Hygiene also helps.
"Now that I have a girlfriend, I have to change them once a day." Smart said.
Edited by Steve Vockrodt
---
See our ad in Campus Coupons
935 Iowa·832-1238
kansan.com