This is our 3rd Annual Readers Awards and we decided to do something fun and different. We have created the Drawer of Fame. This is our very own Hall of Fame! Men’s Underwear is really coming into it’s own. Each year more and more guys discover great underwear. This is our way to celebrate all things men’s underwear.The Drawer of Fame is for pairs and people who have shaped the men’s underwear industry. You know those classic pairs that are just iconic. We have chosen 4 pairs to be our inaugural inductees and think they are the classics in every sense of the word. They also define a time in underwear. The four pairs range through the last 150 years.
The people we will induct are people who have had a major influence on the men’s underwear market. It could be a designer, model, photographer or anyone in the men’s underwear industry. My rough criteria was someone who has been in the world of underwear for a minimum of 10 years. This narrowed it down but it was still a tough decision. After going through people in the industry I wanted to induct just one person. However, I kept coming back to two people. Both of these individuals have had a major influence on underwear. I couldn’t imagine the market with out these two!
The Pairs:
Jockey Classic Brief – These Y Front briefs are one of the pairs when you think of a pair that changed underwear. They were released in 1938 to the public. They become so synonymous with underwear in North America the term “Jockey Shorts” were the generic term for briefs. The Y fronts are a Trademark of Jockey. In fact they created key chains that featured this iconic pair! It’s a true classic that has been around us for over 80 years.
Calvin Klien Classic Cotton Brief – Men’s underwear got one of its biggest jolts in the 1980’s when Calvin Klein started to market their underwear to the general public. Previous ads were nice but CK showed us men’s underwear could and should be sexy. Even a pair of white briefs made it stand out. It all started with the classic ad and snow balled. But had they only done this it wouldn’t be as great. CK took the brief and updated it with a modern fit and feel. That is still sold and made so many guys get them! They even showed up in the movie “Back to the Future!” CK caught the general publics attention in the 80’s/90’s. It jump started all guys starting to pay attention to underwear
Bike #10 Jockstrap – The Bike jock is the classic quintessential jock. The jock was created in 1897. It is the oldest design in our group. Jocks were mainly used for health and sports in the early days. In the 70’s the jock became apart of the fetish community in gay culture. It wasn’t till the 80’s/90’s that we saw the jock evolve. Then in the 2000’s the Fashion Jock came into it’s one. This is all because of this amazing jock! But nothing is as good as the classic jock. Unfortunately Bike is phasing this pair out, they will still make jocks just not the #10. All good things must come to an end. (picture by Jockstrap Central)
2(X)IST Y-Back Thong – Thongs have been around for men for a while. They were relegated to strippers and the seedy side of underwear. In the 90’s 2(X)IST put out the thong that we feel made the style go to the mass market. It was the first thong we remember seeing at a major department store. This pair was many guys first foray into the world of thongs. It showed guys it was ok to wear something different.
The People
The two people we chose are Andrew Makay – Owner, N2N Bodywear Jason Scarlatti – Creative Director,2(X)IST . Each of these guys have left a major mark on the world of men’s underwear. I couldn’t decide which one to go with so we are inducting both!
Andrew Makay launched N2N Bodywear in 1997. Its a brand that has never been afraid to show the sexual side of men’s underwear. His mix of classic styles and erotic wear has made N2N one of the giants in the world of underwear. Andrew brought the world to the notation that men can wear sexy underwear and still feel masculine. His work has become more of an art form. The designs of many of his styles accents the lines of a guy. Which looks super sexy. He and the guys at N2N never cease to amaze fans! You may think the market for N2N bodywear is a gay market but he’s spanning the market. All guys have come to love this brand. His underwear/swimwear/eroticwear is now a must have for underwear lovers everywhere.
Jason Scarlatti has been at 2(X)IST since 2003. He has been at the helm of many of the designs. 2(X)IST has brought style to the world of men’s underwear market. He has done this with the creation of prints, colors and stripes. 2(X)IST has created a a true fashion line starting with underwear. Lines such as the Sliq, Speed and Barcode have shown us that classic is definitely sexy. They are now branching out into activewear, watches and even a women’s line. They have seen some of its design changed while Jason has been creative Director. The over all feel of 2(X)IST is classic. However, this is anything but boring. The colors, fabrics and waistbands they use has given them their own aesthetic. I would say 2(X)IST is transforming into a lifestyle brand over just an underwear company!
Here are out initial inductees into the Drawer of Fame. We will add to these yearly during the time of the UNB Reader Awards. However, we may not induct as many each year but we think we need to celebrate all things Men’s Underwear!
