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January 2010

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How did you get started in the Men’s Underwear business?

12 years ago while on holiday we read an article in a tabloid magazine which mentioned that David Beckham liked to wear Victoria’s underwear around the house sometimes because the fabric felt so nice, we laughed at the time but then both thought ‘why isn’t there anything available for men like that’. So we started to do some investigations and realised that men’s underwear was really quite boring and functional, & that no one had really done anything to cover the fashion, or sexy side for men’s underwear.

We spent quite a long time doing research and speaking to lots of guys as to what they were after in fit and comfort and 3 years before we launched we started doing testing with lots of different fabrics and styles.

You have some interesting styles, what is your inspiration for designing?

The inspiration behind our designs comes from wanting to use really beautiful, soft, tactile fabrics and make them into men’s underwear which is masculine & sexy.

When we launched the range in 2008 we tried to get just the right mix of sexiness and comfort, we tried all the fabrics in the 6 different styles (from slim side brief to Long Boxer Short), to see what fabric worked best in the different styles and changed the fit according to what ooked good on the body. All our styles are wear tested because it is not just about what looks good, but also about standing the test of time.

The underwear you make is very sexy, what has been the feed back from your customers on the lines?

Guys are absolutely loving the fabrics and styling we are offering because it is so different from what is presently available & with 6 different styles to choose from our range covers the needs of every guy.

Our soft covered waistband has proved to be a real winner, with the feedback we are getting that it is unbelievably comfortable, especially compared to the high branded waistbands that tend to dig into you especially if you have put on a few pounds.

Tell us about your your new swimwear line, when did the line come out?

When we first launched a lot of guys thought that some of our underwear looked like swimwear because of the refined styling & funky prints and after customers were constantly asking us if we were going to do swimwear we decided to do a range which we launched in September 2009 and the response so far has been fantastic, guys seem to really be loving our vibrant funky prints and comfortable supportive fit.

The theme this year with our swimwear is ‘Hawaiian Holiday’, so we had prints done that reflected that summer feel. All our prints have been done by a heat transfer printing process (in Australia) for an incredibly vibrant & soft finish & to make our swimwear a bit more unique a lot of the styles have been hand cut for the perfect placement of the prints.

What are your favorite pairs you sell currently?

Bettina : My favourite pair of underwear is the Black Devore Short Boxer, because the fabric looks amazing on and is beautiful to touch as the pattern is in velvet (very lush).

My favourite pair of swimwear is the Hibiscus Swim Short, with a White background & vibrant Orange, Red & Yellow Hibiscus it just looks amazing and remind me of summer & the little short style just looks fantastic on (if you have got it why not flaunt it).

Tony : My favourite pair of underwear would have to be the Devore Short Boxer, the fabric feels incredibly soft on the skin and I love the styling of the short boxer with the shaped leg as I find it very comfortable.

The NEW Palm and the Modal / Spandex are also a winner with me as they are incredibly soft fabrics and feel great to wear.

We said Australian companies are starting to make a big influence on the men’s underwear market around the world, why do you think that is?

Australian companies in general are renowned for their quality and ingenuity and this is very evident in the men’s underwear market. TRIBE is 100% Australian designed & made and that gives us an advantage in quality control and being able to act quickly to the needs of our customers. Australia is regarded as a very masculine country with our outdoor lifestyle with Surf Lifesavers, Football player’s and The Outback and as such breeds a ‘can do’ attitude, this is entrenched in our business ethics and a belief that we can compete with anyone on the world stage, also our distance from the rest of the world, means we are less influenced by European and American trends and as such tend to set our own trends which the rest of the world have started to follow.

Any plans for the future you can share with us?

We are currently working on a new range of underwear and swimwear with exciting new fabrics and colours which will be released in mid 2010 so keep your eyes peeled for that !!

We are getting a lot of sales and enquiries Internationally, so in 2010 we will be looking for Retail opportunities in America & Europe.

Check out the Website www.tribeunderwear.com.au or www.tribeswimwear.com.au and for wholesale enquiries contact tony@tribeunderwear.com.au

24% Off Coupon Details: Purchase Style: 9085 Pro Lifeguard Brief in the next 24 hours on AndrewChristianShop.com and receive 24% off this style only. Does not apply to any other items. Enter code: 24DAY9085 during checkout for the discount.

Offer expires: Jan. 25, 2010 at 11:59PM PST. May not be combined with any other coupons or offers. While supplies last. Offer subject to change at any time without notice.

Click to Start Shopping Now!

Pro Lifeguard Brief

Dive into our new Pro Lifeguard Slim Fit Brief. Andrew Christian’s Pro Lifeguard Brief includes a body with a white “Lifeguard” and cross. Front also feature s a woven Andrew Christian cross logo by waistband. Features contrasting white binding around the pouch, legs and fly. Features low-cut brief styling.

These fine briefs are part of Andrew Christian’s newest collection with a new and improved fit and a softer, more conforming Andrew Christian “Anti-Muffin Top” elastic waistband to reduce the appearance of love handles.

Features:

  • 90% Cotton, 10% Spandex
  • Anti-Muffin Top Elastic – Minimizes appearance of love handles
  • Slim Fit
  • New Improved Fit
  • Made in the Andrew Christian Design Studio in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Specs:

  • Sides measure 4 1/2 inches from top of waistband to bottom hem
  • 1 1/4 inch contrast waistband
  • 1/2 inch foldover contrast rib trim at leg hem
  • Full bottom coverage
  • Regular Price $23.00
  • Sale price with coupon $17.48

Click to Start Shopping Now!

Schultz Jeans has been around for two years! They have integrated underwear into their line like few other companies has done to date. They have created a line of jeans with the patented Schultz Strap. It doesn’t stop there they went on to create a line of underwear with clever sayings on the waist band that just stick over the top of the jeans. The sayings include, “I want out”, “Handsfree”, “Coming Soon” and “Heat Seeker.

We don’t normally cover jeans but since the two go hand in hand we thought we would share about the jeans. You maybe asking what is the Schultz Strap? Well it’s a revolutionary concept that will bring an end to the belt. Their site says it better then we can:

Thanks to the unique and revolutionary new Schultz strap*, there’s a whole new way of wearing jeans. If you like your jeans low-slung the Schultz strap keeps your jeans on and your hands free from constantly hitching them up.

Designed to replace the traditional belt, the Schultz strap can be worn on the back or front of the jeans. Bringing to you flexibility of wear and making a fashion statement, no more for that belt anymore.

Two buttons on each side of the jeans on the rear waistband ‘cinch’ in the waist for a comfortable, belt-like snug fit, without a belt. Worn at the front on the inside of the jeans, the Schultz strap gives sufficient support allowing you to wear your Schultz jeans low slung, displaying your new designer Schultz underwear.

All Schultz jeans come with two straps. They’re interchangeable and even upgradeable! We will be introducing new designs constantly so you can change the whole look of your Schultz jeans by simply purchasing a new Schultz strap.

*International patent pending

If you want to show off your underwear and wear something that is designed to do that, please check out Schultz! You won’t be disappointed. We look forward to seeing more sayings for the underwear soon! Check out their website for more on the jeans and undies. I hope we see more companies integrating underwear in this way. Underwear is about fun and I think Schultz is doing a great job!

Top Drawers has one of the most interesting underwear companies in stock. That company is Undertoys. If you are not familiar with the line, it’s a line created by an Australian guy that wanted to make fun underwear for big kids! They use fun and colorful patterns with a nice roomy pouch. So they may look like underwear for kids but they are not. They are really fun and creative. I know it’s not the taste for everyone.

Undertoys Image

They are being sold in North America, before you could get them through the Undertoys website. The patterns above are the Skywars on the left and World Series on the right.  So, I’ll bet we’ll see these a lot more now. Just curious what everyone thinks of the line? Is it something you would wear?

Here are the Sales Breifs:

  • 10 Percent.com is giving you 10% off support and enhancement styles. They include Andrew Christian, Gregg Homme, Joe Snyder, Extreme Collection, Gia, Rufskin, Bodytech and Sculptees.  The sale ends Jan. 23rd!
  • Mensuas is having a warehouse moving sale. You can save up to 80% off selected items. 40% off all Unico Underwear, 15% off all Speedo and a lot more is on sale. Check out all the deals at their site
  • Dead Good Undies has new Sloggi and HOM in stock. They have the new Sloggi Madison, available in short and brief. Then they have the new HOM Black Addict Deep hipster UP! They also have some great micro, maxi and the e.Go hipster! Check out all the HOM.
  • Planet Undies has four new amazing brands they are now selling. Barcode, Schultz, Dietz and Bumgear. Barcode as we profileed has some great jocks. Schultz does really great low rise briefs with great sayings on them. BumGear is for you if you love sheer or mesh underwear and Dietz has some really body conscious fun styles you will love.
  • Wyzman has Candyman Underwear. They have them just in time for Valentines Day. They are a mix of underwear and costumes. You can get a cowboy, prisoner, maid and more. As they say “its created for the playful side of your ego..”
  • His Room is giving you 25% off Man Silk. Which is prefect for Valentines day coming up. You can get some silk boxer or something else made of silk. You can also still check out the sell on Obviously and you get your money back if you don’t like them.
  • Cocksox is giving you 10 to 30% off the Cocksox range from now till Midnight February 1st, this is in honor of Australia Day. On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Australia with a bunch of ships full of horny convicts and sailors who hadn’t touched dry land or alcohol for months. They got ashore, tapped the kegs and got seriously hammered at Sydney’s first beach party. What a way to start a country! To keep the convict party spirit alive, we’re celebrating our nation’s founding by giving you the chance to RIP US OFF! That’s right! We’ve ripped 10 – 30% off prices across the Cocksox® range so you can get your own Australia Day Party seriously started.
  • UnderGear is continuing their Winter Sale. Saving have been 50% and now they are giving you up to 60% off! The new reductions have been taken. While you are there you can still get a Calendar, the 12 Months of Perfection if you spend $50 or more!
  • Are you a fan of C-IN2. Do you need to stock up? If so if you buy 6 pairs you get two pairs free. You can buy any of the great styles they have, but know the free styles are chosen by random by CIN2U. The sale ends January 29, 2010.
  • NuWear is having a BIG SALE. You can save up to 50% off selected items from Triple XXX, JM, N2N Bodywear, C-IN2, Male Power, Punto Blanco, Go Softwear, Gonch Gonch and Greg Homme. You can choose some of the best styles.

Beyond Big Branding is a new company formed by Jason Sutherland and Brian Edgar. You may know Jason who formerly owned Ginch Gonch and now is developing the Piss & Vinegar brand. Where as, Brian is a former executive from Tommy Hilfiger. They have teamed up for form an innovative new company that will address the under-served metro-sexual male consumer group

“Building and maintaining a single brand requires as much time and effort as developing a host of brands,” explained Mr. Edgar, formerly executive vice president at Tommy Hilfiger Retail Canada Inc., at this morning’s announcement.   “Beyond Big Branding will unite similar-minded active wear companies and co-brand them with one another.

“Synergy is key for us,” said Mr. Sutherland.   Mr. Sutherland is widely heralded as the designer who, with his Ginch Gonch line, helped to inject fun — or, as he calls it, cheekiness — into the men’s undergarment industry. “Our brands share services across the board: from design, to accounting, collections, customers, sales, support staff, web design, IT support, printing, photo-shoots, public relations, and even online media.”

“Beyond Big Branding offers advantages to buyers as well”, he continued.  “We aim to be a one-stop shop, providing products of the highest quality with brands that cover virtually all price points, from mass market to exclusive boutique.”

As we have said the first brand they have launched is Piss & Vinegar. It was released at the end of last year. The most memorable pair is the Jesus brief, which was one of the most controversial pairs of last year.

The company will bring to the American market Expose and Dick & Jane. Expose is a line based out of Columbia. While Dick & Jane was originally founded in Russia and a favorite with the young urban market.

“The men’s underwear and loungewear market is still in its early stages of development,” said Mr. Edgar.  “Beyond Big Branding aims to take the industry to the next level by buying, licensing, and partnering with exciting brands and manufacturers throughout the world.

“We are aggressively seeking additional partnerships with brands and investors,” he adds.  “Through synergy, our Beyond Big Branding companies are finally able to compete against the big boys.”

We look forward to seeing some great stuff from Beyond Big Branding, we are trying to get them on a podcast to talk further about their plans for the men’s underwear market.

New at Planet Undies is the underwear company based out of Berlin called Barcode Berlin. You may not be familiar with the brand, they are for the jockstrap lover! They have introduced 4 new jocks in their collection. he brand concentrates on this type of sexy underwear and gives a very detailed attention on refinement, the detail and the quality of manufacture.

The Four Styles are (from left to right, click to see the larger picture):

  • Jockstrap Sergey – is very similar to the regular jock. It has classical styling but comes in non-classical and modern colors. It comes in black, white, red, blue and yellow.
  • Jockstrap Alexander – is a Lace-up jock. There is like a football pants type lace up front. It gives a fun twist to a traditional jock. It comes in the same colors as the Sergey jock.
  • Jockstrap Igor – At first glance you may think this is the same as the Alexander Jock but it not only lace up in the front but also from the back. So from behind it has a very distinctive look. The colors are white, black and red
  • Jockstrap Anton – last is a new take on the classic jock. Its a very modern fashion forward jock. It has a smaller waistband, with the leg straps attaching closer to the front. It’s  a very distinctive look and one I think is very cool take on the jock!

They are some really cool jocks and we hope we get to see more from them. Here are some of the promotional images, we just had to share them!

We have found out over the last few weeks some of the NorCalBodz boys are gaining some fans from the site. Tory has been one of the most popular. We have featured him a few times. I”m sure we’ll feature him more and the other boys at NorCalBodz.

Tory is now one of the models at Cityboyz Fashions! And, he is wearing one of my favorite brands, Mundo Unico! If you go to their site you will see a lot more of Tory, not just in Unico but many different styles!  I hope you enjoy and I will bring you more of Tory soon!

We posted a few days ago about color in men’s underewar. What timing from aussieBum has come out with a new and interesting color. The color is brick red. It’s a deeper red then we have seen in undies.  Its great to see aussieBum take some risks with different colors. I haven’t seen this color too many times in men’s underwear.

This pair is out of the Classic Undies line. It’s not a monumental product release but since we did color, I wanted to point out something new and different. I think aussieBum is one of the ones that does great work in colors and I hope they keep up the good work.

Want something exciting? Well we have chosen something really fun for our Underwear of the Week. It is a wild and daring pair of undies by Gregg Homme and the pair is  Monte Carlo Biker Trunk.

This low cut trunk is made from a laser cut sheer fabric with a soft lined pouch.  It sports a black elastic waistband and a metal look buckle with Gregg Homme logo all around.  The elasticated leg opening and unique fabric make this an exciting and daring item to wear.  May not be for all day wear but I am sure it would be great for a special evening.

The trunk is made of 90% polyamide and 10% elastane.  You can find them at mensunderwearclub.com for $35.00 in either white or black.  Check it out and check out all the other wild and crazy undies while you are there.

We are joined on the podcast by model William Price. One of the great models from NorCalBodz. He’s been seen on our blog many times. The last time you have seen him was in our holiday guide! He’s been busy working on many things, including a spread for Playgirl! He was fun to talk too and hope you enjoy the interview! You can see more of William at www.william-price.com

http://underwearnewsbriefs.com
info@underwearnewsbriefs.com

Here are the Sales Briefs for today:

  • Below the Belt is having a sale on Andrew Christian Flash Bak Bubble Butt underwear. You can get 3 for $99 AU. Check out all the colors and stock up on them.
  • MaleBasics is having a Private sale! They are having a sale on Joe Snyder and Gigo. You can get 25% off both brands. This is good from Jan 19th – 22nd. Just make sure you use code “joe” at check out.
  • UnderGear is continuing their winter sale. You can save up to 50% off Select items through out the site. While you are there make sure you spend $50 or more to get the 12 Months of Perfection Calendar!
  • ABC Underwear has a 20% off sale. you can save with the code VDJAN20. This is valid through January 21 at Midnight! Check out some of the sexy gear they have!
  • Cityboyz Fashions has the new Natural Collection for Spring 2010. Mundo Unico’s Designer, Nicolas Echeverri’s designs were inspired by the Tropics, the Amazon Jungle, and its wildlife. In it you will find seductive textures that will stimulate your senses, exciting prints that captivate your eyes and new fashion details that are sure to have everyone talking… We will have pictures for you this week!
  • Fresh Pair has a promotion going on with 2(x)ist. When you by two 2(x)ist items you can get free 2(x)ist soy socks. You have 5 styles to choose from. But this promotion is valid while supplies last.

Yes we said it! And so did they. The new aussieBum Valentines line is really fun. They hare pushing the limits again and I think they did a great job! I really want a pair of the bunny ones! Now imagine wearing them to the gym! I dare you!

Here is the press release they sent:

Valentine’s Day is traditionally one where lovers the world over exchange polite tokens of appreciation. This Valentin’s Day, however, aussieBum – the worlds renowned men’s fashion brand have stepped up to the plate and are turning up the heat with a sexy new LMTD Edition underwear range that will turn heads and put a smile on any lover’s dial all night long – yes those are bunnies…

aussieBum is recognized around the world for consistently pushing the boundaries of what the fashion world sees as ‘acceptable” – revolutionizing the men’s underwear market with every new range. Recently the company was announced as one of the 2009 Australian Exporter of the Year – in the manufacturing category, validating their position in the global fashion market. The young company now proudly boasts sales in over 90 countries around the world, and they’re only just beginning.

Simply this year’s range is the must have gift, as in true aussieBum style, the company are presenting your true love with a  pair of LMTD edition aussieBum boxers or briefs. In a range the unique prints that are cheekier than ever!

Made from the highest quality fabrics, the St. VAlentines Day range offers unbeatable comfort and support, and the course of the sexy look men around the world have come to know and expect from the brand that brought you the “WonderJock.”

“if he doubts himself this Valentines Day – Buy them for someone else!”

We have told you how tighty whities are coming back, and the reaction from some of our readers and Facebook fans was not one of joy. The consensus of those who posted something was like “WHAT? They suck!” Which makes us think, how important is color in your underwear selection?

I have been a fan of colors in underwear since high school. I started to wear bikinis then and didn’t wear any more tighty whities until I was in college Only then, it was either Calvin Klein or 2(x)ist. Which aren’t bad on the underwear scale. They were cut smaller then the traditional ones and fit a lot better.

Currently in the world of mens’ underwear there are a plethora of colors to choose from. Long gone are the days of the white, black and grey. We wanted to highlight just a few brands that do an awesome job with color:


Bjorn Borg – has some amazing work with colors and patterns. They have stepped outside the box of traditional mens’ wear. It’s great to see companies take the risks they have taken. One of the signature prints of the company is the tennis ball print. Which if you didn’t know Bjorn Borg was a tennis player

Gigo – They have done some of the things I love in their past few collections. They have taken bright colors and made some great briefs out of them. Gigo is another company that has done patterns. One of my favorites right now is the Comics brief. I think it’s just a fun pair. Its good to see a company have fun with underwear.

Andrew Christian – AC is different from the two mentioned earlier because he does a lot with solid colors. He’s mixed and matched solid color panels. The pair this is most evident is in the Almost Naked Fusion brief.  Where as, the Flashback Brief comes in a rainbow of colors. He designs more with solid colors. But, I bet we will see more from him in the future!

These are just a sample of the companies doing great work in bring color to the world of men’s underwear. Every new line more and more companies are putting out great colors and patterns. What companies you think do a great job with making fun and colorful underwe

This week’s $12 deal from Baskit is the Ribbed Low-Rise Trunk. This pair is perfect for the guy who wants the support of a brief but the coverage of boxer briefs! This pair is available in blanc white, charcoal grey and palm green! Remember the deal is just good for today and once today over the deal is too!

Check back next week for the new deal of week!

You have heard us say this many times, so I thought I would go into detail more about this concept.  It is “what will I wear today since I’m going to the gym?” Granted there are guys out there who will wear what ever and not give it a thought, and I used to be one of those. But, most guys, I tend to think that they must wear more conservative underwear to the gym.

When I was younger, back in the day, I would go to the gym and wear a thong as a jock. Yes, I said it. I would go in and I would put on the thong at the gym, work out, and then change back. The gym I worked out in was a small one and not many guys were ever in the locker room. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was crowded I still would have worn it. I just liked it. I know we have a lot of guys that say, “A thong? Really?” Hey, the things you do when you’re 18.

The average guy I don’t think takes many risks when he knows he’s going to the gym. It appears most guys wear just traditional underwear. Traditional underwear is white briefs, white boxer briefs and some black. I haven’t seen a lot of colors in the locker room. For both gay and straight guys, I think many of them won’t say they love underwear. I know our readers here freely admit it, but I think for the population at large it’s kind of off limits to admit your love. It’s one of those topics you don’t talk about. I have talked to guys and when I mention the blog or I love underwear they go “I love underwear too.” Its like it’s a secret they cant’ share.  I think there is still a little stigma attached to admitting you like underwear. I wished more guys would wear what ever they want and not worry about it.

It goes back to the whole locker room thing in high school. I remember the days when if you wore anything different, you were immediately made fun of and shunned. Back in the day, I used to wear bikinis and very few guys actually wore them. I remember three guys total wore them out of 70. Which I was in the minority and changed really fast! I never got made fun of though, but then again I changed FAST!

This brings me to what is the gym factor we use on the site. It is a more conservative pair. There could be some color but pretty much it sticks to just black and white. The styles are briefs and boxer briefs. The perfect example of this is the C-IN2 Core Lo No Show Brief. It’s very comfortable but very classic in styling.  So, when we say “Gym Factor” on the site, its more geared to the conservative guy.

I am curious to know who follow this and who is daring to wear something maybe from Bjorn Borg, Joe Snyder, Gigo or Cocksox? Also, do you guys think a lot of guys follow this? What is the wildest thing you have worn to the gym? Lastly, what is the wildest undies you’ve seen a guy wear at the gym?

BTW, if you’re curious what I wear to the gym now, it’s usually a jock, when I go….