First it was earrings. Then cornrows, shaved eyebrows and tight pants. Now girls are waiting on much 'a-do' men to go under the dryer.

Guys are putting the 'beau' in beauty, sexing up their image and giving girls a run for their money. Males are slithering into mantyhose and squeezing into the male girdle, or mirdle. Today, Saturday Life is kicking off the manties.

Manties, the male version of panties, are the new craze for men bored with monotony of boxers and traditional briefs, preferring to go bling in string or up the pace with lace.

Websites like MANties.com market and sell frilly, silk underwear for men that imitate traditionally female-type panties that are, uh, strong enough for the hardware.

"Once you try a pair, you will wonder why you never tried them before. Panties are for the gals. MANties are for the guys," the website reads.

Jackie Chen, sales rep at a adult novelty store in Kingston told Saturday Life that Jamaican men are shaking off conservative underwear and are becoming more willing to explore their 'softer' side.

"Men tired of having to adjust themselves for lack of space in their briefs may have been given the new answer - manties.

"If you wear them all the time, or if you wear them only for a little fun, you will find that these were made for you with the comfort that you want," she continued.

comfy

A manty wearer and regular client of the store, Mickey Phillips (not his real name), confirmed Chen's conclusions.

"You can choose to wear them every day because they are the most comfortable and softest underwear a man could ever have."

"They make a great gift for any guy," he added.

Chen said the racy underwear were popular fare for stag parties, but shoppers also pick up the teeny-weenies for anniversary gifts, retirement parties and honeymoon vacations.

detractors

However, the fact that most interviewees preferred to use aliases indicates that Jamaicans are still shy about going public with assessments below the waist.

Some women are not thrilled about the competition.

Helen Benjamindisagrees with the growing trend.

"I'm not so sure about my man surprising me by ripping off his trousers and revealing a set of pink manties. I would not jump for joy."

Gal pal Stacy Cunninghamstood by her like a true friend, breaking into irrepressible Creole.

"Hell no! My man coulda neva come near me inna dat. You mad? Sexiness dem way deh a fi me. Mek me do de stringing up and de lace up and de ray-ray, nuh him," she said.

Names changed upon request to protect identity.

randy.bowman@gleanerjm.com