Karley Sciortino writes "Breathless," for Vogue.com, a column about sex and relationships.
I’ve always found the pseudo-empowerment idea that women should wear sexy underwear “for themselves” really ridiculous. It’s like when people claim they wear makeup for themselves. As if I’m going to bring my liquid eyeliner and corset to a deserted island. When I’m home alone, I exclusively wear hideous, beige granny panties, and I feel amazing(ly comfortable). Lingerie has a very specific purpose, which is to enhance the erotic experience. It’s worn to be seen by another person—or persons, as the case may be—and there’s just no way around that, in my opinion. However, that’s not to say lingerie doesn’t equally benefit everyone involved.
Wearing something sexy makes you feel sexier. When I’m in beautiful lingerie and everything’s been sufficiently pushed and squeezed, I become more confident and aroused, which is of course makes the sexual experience better for my partner too. Excitement and inhibition in the bedroom are contagious. The opposite is also true. Like, we’ve all been in that situation where you hook up with someone unexpectedly, only to realize you’re wearing the underwear you normally save for when you’re on your period—tragic. It instantly throws you off your game. Valentine’s Day, however, is a chance to indulge in cheesy, overly planned sexual encounters. On no other day of the year is it more appropriate to match your headband to your nail polish to your thong. But different types of lingerie create different effects. And if you choose the wrong lingerie, you will die alone.
Karley Sciortino writes the blog Slutever.
