Down to their colorful skivvies in Times Square

By ROBERT BIESELIN
STAFF WRITER

This afternoon, you may see London, you may see France, but only in New York will you see an unapologetic parade of underpants. Transformed into a catwalk, Military Island in Times Square will play host to the suggestive festivities associated with National Underwear Day, a below-the-belt "holiday"/consumer fashion show organized by the folks at online underwear vendor freshpair.com.

Those bold enough to stare without diverting blushed glances will be in store for an eyeful. On the men's side, boxers, briefs, boxer briefs and perhaps a thong or two may be peeped amid the throng of scantily clad models. But those paying close attention to these garments also will notice another revealing trend in the realm of men's skivvies: a couture revolution.

"I think men are becoming more demanding, they're not just settling for black, white or gray anymore," said Michael Kleinmann, founder of National Underwear Day and president of freshpair.com, which peddles more than 100 brands of unmentionables. "These days, men are looking for underwear that's a little more fashionable."

"Boxers or briefs?" that was the question. No more. Gone are the days of tighty whities, as a growing number of men are abandoning black-and-white for color. Cuts are changing, too. Now the questions are: "Pink or patterned?" "Low-rise or sport-cut?" In some cases: "Silk or soy?"

Colors in demand

In a burgeoning market where anything goes, demand for inventive briefs is on the rise. According to market research firm NDP Group, men's underwear sales increased more than 5 percent from 2004 to 2006, a time frame which also saw leaps in sales of patterned and colored briefs and a significant decline in the sale of the white knits, which once ruled the market.

"A lot of colors and patterns are in," said Kleinmann."Every season we see more and more brands offering bright colors and designs. ... Lately we're seeing lower rise underwear to match low-rise jean trends."

As with any trend, with increased demand come higher prices. Andrew Christian, for example, offers sport-inspired briefs with lifeguard crosses and soccer uniform adornments for $29 apiece. Dolce and Gabbana camouflage-waisted boxer briefs will set you back $36. Playful (and colorful) Paul Frank cuts will run you upward of $30.

Multipack offerings

Even simplicity is inexplicably expensive. Plain Calvin Klein boxer briefs, like those made famous by the racy print ads of yesteryear, now retail for upward of $24 each. Hanes and Fruit of the Loom aren't exempt from the price hike either. Solid multipack offerings, which once retailed for under $8, are getting dragged along with the incoming price tide. Now three-pack boxer-brief sets rate around $15.

"With higher-priced pieces, you're getting different fabrications, more personalized cuts or expressive designs," said Kleinmann, who noted his best-selling brands were the pricey C-in2 and 2(x)ist lines. "You can also get alternative fabrics. ... Cotton is still No. 1, but we're seeing things like bamboo and soy compositions."

And that brings us to the ultimate underwear alternative, as it were – one you won't be seeing on National Underwear Day's catwalk. According to a 2004 poll by Kleinmann's freshpair .com, 9 percent of men regularly opt to go commando, or abandon underwear all together, a choice which Kleinmann respects but hopes to combat with his holiday.