Store

I never knew there were so many kinds of men's underwear until I visited Red Drawers. Styles include briefs, low-rise briefs, boy-short briefs, trunks, boxer briefs, boxers and the men's equivalent of a thong. Brand junkies will recognize names like Andrew Christian, JustUs Boyz, Unico, XXX, Ginch Gonch, DT from Australia and locally made undies from Daniel Webster.

Owner Travis Powell completely eschews "tighty-whiteys" in favor of color and pattern. You'll find lime green and bubblegum pink, as well as more demure neutrals like brown, black and sage.

A multitude of patterns is available, including skulls and crossbones, mainstream stripes, modern geometric prints, camouflage, patriotic prints with red, white and blue stars, and classy motifs like gold crowns and fleurs-de-lis on a black or white background. Choose from slinky jersey fabric, practical cotton or body-hugging spandex and cotton blends.

Look for "value-added" undies such as C-in2, which has a "built-in sling." The contraption stitched to the inside of the underwear enhances male profiles (oh my!). Play underwear discreetly folds up and fits into your back pocket, in case you suddenly feel the urge to take them off and transport them. Or opt for the Baskit briefs or trunks, which feature strategically placed contrasting colors.

Prices range from $15 to $32, but your best bet is to buy in bulk. Buy six and get one free: "One for each day of the week," points out Powell. End-of-season sales bring discounts of 10 to 20 percent off. While at the shop, join the e-mail list to get the scoop on sale-priced drawers.