Designers Abby Sugar and Sylvie Lardeux wanted to create "lesbian-inspired, gender-neutral," underwear for women.
So they took a page from the traditional men's boxer brief and created Play Out, a collection of cute boxer briefs that can be worn by everyone.
Play Out, they say, is for men, women, and anybody who identifies as in between.
Designing gender-neutral, or androgynous, underwear was a way to break out of a constrictive gender binary, the pair say.
"Most underwear on the market for women is extremely feminine, with flowers, pastel colors, and lace," said Sugar and Lardeux. "Or, if it’s cut in a ‘boyshort’ it tends to be boring solid colors. We wanted to bring the design aesthetic of men’s underwear – the bold colors, fun graphics and the shape, including the wide waistband—to a style that would fit and flatter a woman’s body."
Thus far, Play Out's mostly marketed itself to the gender queer community.
But, they say, ultimately, "our ideal consumer is someone looking for comfort and style, with a tomboy aesthetic and a desire to stand out sometimes and be different."
