  LEFT: HOM, HO1 Light Max brief with patented horizontal fly, full contour pouch, flat lock seaming and vertical shape defining centre back seam. Fits waist sizes 28- to 42-inches, $46. Matching shirt, $89. In solids and prints.
RIGHT: R.E.D (91927) boxer brief in lightweight, breathable pique micro-poly/Lycra with maximum shape retention, $28. Fits waist sizes 28- to 42-inches. In white or black with red trim. At Sears (Eaton Centre), Out on the Street, Casa Lanalgo, The Stag Shop, The Pony Club, also Per Lui and La Fata in Woodbridge.
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Who wears boxers or briefs? Who cares.
The underwear market sailed passed this tired debate long ago to chart a new course for innovative design and technology in skivvies.
Whether you wear tighty-whities or let it all hang loose, the most important decisions men must make these days are based on providing a comfortable and suitable home for "the boys."
"Up until 15 years ago, men had very little choice when it came to underwear and, frankly, they didn't expect much. That's all changed now," says Robert Battah, president of JM Intimode, a Montreal company specializing in men's underwear. Growing interest in fashion has extended beyond designer suits to what's underneath.
Now flat fronts and horizontal flys are replacing classic vertical openings, first patented by Cooper's Inc. in the '30s. Different pouch designs address minimum or maximum frontage. Flat interlock seams reduce friction, longer legs combat chaffing and contour seaming lifts and shapes -- in a similar fashion to what a Playtex Cross Your Heart bra does for breasts.
"Everthing starts with the fabric," says JM Intimode head designer Denis Cossette. "The stretch, the fibre, the texture, colour and softness."
New organic fabrics are springing up and synthetics and blends have become so sophisticated in how they feel and perform they're even converting cotton purists.
For sports guys, there are technical fabrics that do everything from wick moisture, provide thermal qualities to keep you hot or cool and help reduce friction.
But the overwhelming variety makes the decision-making as confusing to men as buying a bra is to women.
