From time to time, one of us spots a really good brand or item which is good for TVs. I have found such an item in Bali briefs.

Bali panties are sold at $8 each or 4 for $20 in the Leggs, Haynes, Bali factory discount malls across the country. A little high priced for underpants.

But the advantages are:

1) the widest crotch I have ever seen in a pair of panties -- very beneficial for those of us who have accoutrements that women don 't;

2) very well made;

3) two-way stretch knit which clings more closely than ordinary satin-knit panties;

4) the same "slick" feel you find in control pantyhose -- it must be Lycra.

Bali panties lack something in designer colors; they are beige, white, black, and one other non-endearing color. But the feel and fit (and comfort) can't be beaten.

Here is another product which I originally bought to help hold up knee high hosiery. It works so well that I have expanded my use of it to include holding my regular men's sox up, holding slip straps in place on my shoulders, and holding the flesh I want to stay up under my brassiere underwires. It's called

IT STAYS costs about $8 for a two-ounce bottle. Seems like a high price, but it lasts quite a while. And if you err in application, err in under application rather than putting on too much. A lot of times you can just hit two or three spots around your leg to hold up hose.

IT STAYS is sold in surgical and hospital supply stores. Why there? Because it is often used to hold bandages in place on the skin. I have never seen this product sold in any other type of store. But I think nearly all hospital supply outlets do sell it. Next to cosmetics, this is the best stuff you can put in your dress-up kit.

Allison Marsh