Superhero Underwear

Superheroes wear their underwear on the outside. I mean, seriously, look at that line-up. Have you ever wondered why?

Here’s the classic answer…

OK, makes sense. But I have a new answer…

Superheroes are brave outwardly, putting their most intimate of intimates as the outer layer, as if intimacy and vulnerability are the most powerful armor of all.

Allow Brené to explain.

Vulnerability is not about winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up even when you can’t control the outcome.”

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.

Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.

– Brené Brown

OK, so I realize Brené is talking about emotional vulnerability, but, darn it all, doesn’t the thought of walking around in just your underwear make you feel vulnerable and exposed in a similar way? In fact, wearing a bikini swimsuit feels less vulnerable even though it is typically skimpier than underwear.

Does the fabric make the difference? The amount of skin we show? Or is it the label we give it? Isn’t it funny?

It isn’t the exposure of our bodies that brings the vulnerability, but rather that simple layer of underwear, a symbol of vulnerability and courage.

Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in moments where the daring and sharing is the most important part, not the reception or response, is true superhero stuff. It is wearing underwear on the outside.

Spider-Man Masks

Did you ever wear underwear on your head like a Spider-Man mask? You put a pair on your head with the leg holes lined up as giant eye holes. Looks like Spider-Man. This:

Vulnerability at its greatest! My boys used to do this when they were little, when vulnerability was easier. I hope that turned on vacuum cleaner is part of this boy’s fantasy!

On a related note…

#ItWasNeverADress

I first ran across this several years ago and now think of it every time I see a women’s restroom sign. I love it! We can all wear our underpants on the outside and be superheroes, but women have secret superpowers that, in silhouette, look like a dress. Light her from the front, see who she really is, and you’ll see that it was never a dress.

The other day I was in a women’s room at IKEA and there was a young mom in there with three young kids. She had her badass cape on as she wrangled an infant on the changing table, asking the oldest daughter to help her get a diaper and supplies, the other child dancing around. I have to think she was also wearing invisible underwear on the outside, it was one of those “holy crap you’re AMAZING” moments!

Maybe we should all start a movement of wearing our underwear on the outside, a move of solidarity in being more vulnerable, wearing the armor of courage and showing up?

Here’s my offering – I marched my booty through the hospital a couple hours after my second PAO in my magical unicorn underwear.

David and I showed up to a Tough Mudder with underwear on the outside, creating our own unique brand of superweirdo superhero.

Now it’s YOUR turn! Show me your Underwear On The Outside moment! Can you do it?

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