As we celebrate our 8th year I thought I would share some things that I have learned over the years about underwear, the industry, and our readers. Some are no brainers and others really surprised me.
The Industry Is Small
I’m not talking as in sales or pairs sold every year. The men’s underwear market is $4 billion and growing. Rather, the people behind brands are a small staff. Other than Calvin Klein and 2(X)ist. Most brands have 4-6 people running it. They do amazing things on a small staff. It has been this way since 2008.
Guys Love Small Underwear
My personal preference is small undies. Bikinis have always been my go to style. Even in the days of boxer briefs and boxers. I would seek out smaller cuts. As I talk to many of you guys, you love bikinis, thongs and smaller! Across the board its one thing we have in common. In our reader survey it reaffirms this. It makes me happy that this area of men’s underwear is growing.
Straight/Bi/Gay Our origins story are the same
This is one of the WOW moments for me. The time we all started liking underwear is about the same. Usually early to mid teens. Some guys acted on it and other did not. Again across the board. Most really started to try out new pairs in college or after moving our of our parent’s house. After that it took off and there was no looking back.
Guys Love fashion Vs. those who don’t
We have a divide in our ranks. It’s not a bad one, but it makes me laugh. I have been on both sides of this divide. Guys who love underwear are either very fashion conscious or not at all. Those who are not, the underwear is the best thing they wear. Currently, I’m on the don’t side rather than do. I need to step it up.
There are some true underwear addicts out there!
I thought I had a lot of undies around 400 pairs but I have talked to guys who have thousands of pairs. I say my hat is off if you have that much. Some of them have really great storage systems for them. On top of that a few of them have even created spreadsheets to keep track of their collections. I should do this because I always forget pairs I have and discover them in back of a drawer. But, if you’re one of the guys, know you have a lot more than a blogger! You are the guys we also love! You want to know the newest, lastest and greatest underwear on the market.
Sexy is different for each guy
We find many things sexy. Some it’s a thong or mesh. Other guys like classic white briefs. This goes along with what our partner/wife/husband likes as well. I remember a few years ago I tried to define date night underwear. This got me a lot of feedback that I was off base and never made that mistake again. I find date night undies to be skimpy, mesh and similar. You guys have a different definition!
Straight guys want to wear swim briefs
I always thought us gay guys were the ones to wear the swim briefs. I never thought that straight guys would want to be able to rock a swim brief on the beach or pool. But many of you do. The stories we have heard from many guys has them wearing them out of the country. They wear them in the Caribean, Europe or Mexico. Guys tell us how liberating it feels being able to wear them without judgment. They wish they could do the same in the State and not get labeled gay.
Underwear Guys are the Best Guys
If a guy loves underwear and you bond over the fact. I think you have a friend for life. I’m not talking about sexual bonding but rather something you have in common. Over the years I have met gay/bi/straight guys all who have become friends. It’s all over underwear. Underwear is something really rarely talked about. When you can and really share your passion you open up more. This goes for all guys, not just gay. I think gay guys get put in the “underwear is sexual” all to often. We all need to talk undies because it is normal!
These are just a few things I have found out. There are tons more but when I put myself on the spot. My mind goes blank. But just know there are many of you guys out there and we need to develop a community around us regardless of sexual orientation. I hope we get at least 8 more years of UNB!
