In other words, I wouldn't wear these in the locker room.  But my girlfriend loves them, so I think they are worth the rather high cost.  The back is completely sheer, but the flimsy material provides great support, and they accentuate your package.  As other reviewers have stated, they run very small.  I have a 31" waist and sometimes wear a small in underwear, but the medium size is very snug on me.  Go up a full size.