Does Underwear Define the Man?

Jockeys, Boxers, Commando or Briefs

You’ll notice bikinis got left off that shortlist. I’m just going to let you work out that visual on your own so you can think about it.

Even though I have a husband and two sons, I’m by no means an expert on men’s underwear. The guys in my life seem to go after what feels comfortable to them. I’m pretty sure none of them care about my opinion on their taste. (In fact, I’m definitely sure it would disturb at least two of them to think I might even have one.) Fair’s fair, however. I don’t consult them when I buy my underwear either. It all sort of lands in the laundry basket and nobody comments.

But I’m talking about what my fictional characters wear here, and find I do have opinions when it comes to them.

So here goes.

When I was creating the heroes for my upcoming Demon Outlaws series, I had to dress them, but never really thought about what they had on under their clothes. Then I wondered (because yes, I’m like that). And I discovered each of my heroes wears something specific to him.

The Demon Outlaws series takes place on a dystopian Earth. While it’s futuristic, there’s a throwback feel to the frontier and the Wild West. The characters dress in period clothes, but with no real sense of style. They spend a lot of time fighting. They’re more interested in convenience.

Hunter, the Demon Slayer from Book 1, The Demon’s Daughter, is a boxer-sporting guy. He’s freedom loving, but still, he doesn’t like to be caught with his pants down. He hunts demons, after all. He likes to be prepared and no one wants to be fighting demons with their dingle dangle dangling a little too wildly. Those demons are dirty fighters. Come to think of it, so is Hunter.

Next up is Blade. He’s an assassin with a cameo role in The Demon’s Daughter, but gets a starring role in Book 2, Black Widow Demon. He’s definitely practical, tightie-whitie, but not so much uptight as he is self-contained.  He doesn’t show his emotions to the world. He’s not really into showing the world anything else, either. He saves it all for the heroine.

Last but far from least we have Creed, a half demon assassin and the hero of the third book in the Demon Outlaws series, The Demon Creed.  Creed is commando. He’s a hulking guy with a shaved and tattooed head. He’s also really, really beautiful. I’m working on his story right now so his character is still under construction, but there’s no doubt about the commando thing. He’s also the nicest of all the heroes in the series. He’s kinder and gentler, although the demon in him enjoys the occasional good fight. He’d be the guy you’d find walking naked from the shower to the kitchen because he discovers he’s thirsty, and doesn’t care there’s a party going on. Nudist. Totally. To him, underwear’s superfluous. I foresee some awkward moments for the heroine, who’s shaping up to be a bit more reserved.

All of this surprises me. I would have thought there’d be at least one guy who wears jockeys. The next time I plan a series, I’ll need to give this more thought.

So tell me. What do you think a hero should wear?

And really. Who wears bikinis?

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