Alan Ilagan

My virgin brush with the UK Publication Attitude came in 1997 when I was visiting London for the first time. Finding this magazine in the midst of my coming out process was a fortuitous bit of timing and destiny. Since then I usually check it out whenever I find it at a newstand, mostly for its eye candy and cheeky British writing.

This month’s issue features Harry Judd. I have no idea who Harry Judd is, nor does it really matter. He’s in his tighty-whities. Enough said.

Most guys (straight guys at least) don’t change their underwear style too often. They find something that they like and stick with it – forever. I’m not that way. I’ve been known to change up my underwear hourly if the situation arises (don’t ask). In the last few years, though, I have seen subtle patterns in my underwear-wearing emerge, mostly due to the seasonal variations of the Northeast. I hadn’t really noticed until I started getting into the boxer briefs this week and then it dawned on me. From now until the winter, there will be a gentle transition from briefs to boxer briefs to regular boxers.

The main difference between briefs and boxers is a delicate differentiation in comfort and temperature. I liken it to the distinction between gloves and mittens. Gloves, while form-fitting and tight to the skin, are actually less warm than mittens in the winter. The same principle seems to apply to briefs – which seems at odds with what most people might think. I find that boxers – like mittens – are a bit warmer. Body heat and humidity get to move around a bit, instead of being whisked away by the capillary action of fabric fibers close to the skin.

Yes, this is a shoddy bit of science, probably none of it true – but mind over matter. And, as always, style over substance. As long as my underwear matches my outfit, I’m happy. Onward to the boxers!

A day late, perhaps, but one can never go wrong with Ben Cohen in briefs. [Click image to make bigger - you know you want to...]

According to the Bearer of All Important News (FreshPair.com), today is National Underwear Day, so here are a couple of shots of me in my skivvies. They are especially fitting, as I’ve been on a London kick of late, and these pics were taken the last time I was in that glorious city.

Aside from his role as male model, I’m not sure what Chad White has ever done.

But let’s face it, this is his greatest, his only, role.

For some reason I always get confused between Chad White and Channing Tatum. And Kellan Lutz. For all intents and purposes they’re pretty interchangeable, no?

That’s normally a horrid thing to say about someone, but if I were told I was interchangeable with one of these guys I think I’d be okay with it.

Instead I’m mistaken for the evil queen in Snow White. Such is my lot in life.