I've had a sheltered life I think.:)

Bras are just bare chested pockets, and could be useful for carrying small light stuff, eg. credit card, small phone, medication, etc.

Panties - totally impractical!

There is obviously a difference in culture and what is acceptable depending on where we live. Asian, middle east, European, and America are all different especially when it comes to sexuality, feminism, and masculinity.

I suspect men started wearing long pants when it became practical to make them and they were more practical to protect the legs. I believe Levi Strauss had something to do with that during our gold rush. Women in the US adapted jeans or work pants during the world wars when they were needed in manufacturing. An equipment operator in a manufacturing environment in a dress didn't work out very well!

What I see here in the states is that women in the northern states tend to wear pants or jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer. In the southern states, some wear jeans in the winter while others wear long dresses and tights. In the summer, the normal wear is much more shorter dresses than shorts. I believe shorter skirts are more comfortable in hot weather.

You are right that the masculine ego plays a part in what is considered "normal" attire for men and to some extent what is expected of women. The judgement by women of what a man wears is also significant. Many expect a man to wear a shirt of some kind, preferably not a tank top. They also expect a man's shorts to be closer to the knee and loose fitting. A Speedo swim suit other than in competition is considered unacceptable by most women. They See the outline of a man's parts as offensive. Why should there be a judgemental difference between a woman in a bikini and a man in a Speedo??

If a man wore a bra or something similar, would that satisfy the requirement to wear a shirt in some establishments?

hahahahahahahahaha amen sista ;-)

I am Celtic origin.
Kilts are formal male attire in many circles.
Most of the women I have met, that were asked, seem to think a man in a kilt is sexy.
In my younger (better body days) I have worn different vests both with and without a shirt.
I did wear dad's kilt and a vest with no shirt to attend a river party in high school and was told I looked very sexy. My GF told me not to wear them like that anymore because too many girls 'eyes' were on me. She did love the easy access tho.

When I was working during the spring and fall, I would wear long john bottoms with cutoff jean shorts. Sandals with socks and always a tee shirt most cut just below the chest and sleeveless.
This is because it got pretty cold at night and I did a lot of work outside.
At work I wore a uniform.

I prefer to wear underwear. In my younger days, briefs but as I got older I slowly switched to boxers. I spent some time commando but I still prefer underwear. I sleep nude.

I've never really had the urge to dress in women's clothing.
Oh, I've grabbed the X's pants to go check a noise or get a drink at night but only in my own home and it was more of a grab what is available than a fashion or comfort issue. I tried walking in my mom's high heels when I was a kid and fell on my butt.

I'm not sure what causes cross dressing but I suspect the person has mommy or daddy issues. But hey, ya deal with life as you do because its your life.

Only if they match. And please only wear thongs if you're buff .

Jockstraps are useless to begin with. I'd like to know what wizard came up with that one.

People can wear what they like.

However I don't think it is REAL attractive look.

Just sayin'