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Mckillop is one of those companies that has been with UNB since the begining  I think. We have talked to them a few times. This time I asked the guys on the site to submit some questions to ask Ryan. Here is an interview that we hope give you a better insight into Mckillop U/W

You created a lot of new styles, how are the new styles doing? 

The collection of Mckillop items has grown significantly due to the fact that in March we opened our own factory. We can create items in real time based on our needs at the moment. Since we are made in Canada there is no need for us to also plan a year in advance. The new design’s are doing far better then I had anticipated and this is partly due to the fact that we engage our customers on facebook (www.facebook.com/Mckillopuw) and they have an opportunity to participate in the design process.

What feed back has you gotten from the upgrades in the waistband logo (used to be a tach, not its woven in) 

The change in our waistband has provided us the luxury of becoming a real player in the underwear game, We are proud to be new and this was a change that our growth allowed. Also we have come up with a couple of red waistbands that our customers picked on Facebook and Twitter. This is such an exciting experience to interact with people and ask their opinions, and not just fro the sake of social media, when I ask the clients opinions I take my hands off the designer’s steering wheel and allow you to drive the car- per say.

You are designing swimwear, what can you tell us about the new swimwear? 

Mckillop SWIM is one of the post exciting and challenging lines I have created. I am not ashamed to admit it but it has been an interesting battle for us. In May I wanted to create 1 swim suit to add to our underwear offerings and then I decided 1 was just not enough. Then in true Mckillop fashion I also decided that a simple bathing suit would not cut it to fit within the brand. I went back to the drawing board and created extremely complicated designs that are very time consuming. But the Designs are beyond my expectations. Swim has become the jewel in my crown because they are so flattering to the male figure. Brightly colored nylon covered in black fishnet mesh: they provide a hypnotic look to them and they hide what needs to be hidden and showcase what you would like too. Also when you move it shifts with your body and creates folds and gathers that accentuate your assets. SWIM has also been on the forefront of social media for us because due to the late start to SWIM we have started the Mannequin Project- Until al 91 swim suits are completed we have been photographing our SWIM line on a mannequin and posting it to www.MckSwim.com minutes after it has been made, then to Facebook. Quite an exciting journey for us. Once all of the swim suits are completed then we will have a proper photo shoot with a model.

What has been your biggest challenges in creating swimwear? 

The biggest challenge is that the SWIM fabric is extraordinarily difficult to sew, the threads in the fabric are so closely woven to avoid water penetration that even getting a sewing machine needle through it is hard. Luckily we have overcome that obstacle and are now in full production of our SWIM line. The funny thing is that I was never going to launch it till 2013 and when I started in May 2012 I thought I was getting an early start – but the stars wanted us to launch in 2013 and once it is shot on a model it will be 2013 – so never play with fait, it always has a better plan for yourself.

What brought up the underwear a MUSE program? How well is it doing? 

MUSE is our Monthly Underwear Subscription Experience and I was very reluctant to start it. It took some convincing from a friend of mine to do it but it has far exceeded my expectations in the fitst week. The Name especially was an accident but how perfect for the title of our surprise monthly experience. I hesitated because so many people have done it and mostly it is used to off load items that don’t sell. Since we do not have sale items nor do we carry stock cause everything is made especially for each customer I needed a way to make this is creation and not an off cast. I was looking at a pile of sample fabrics and I found a Sports Mesh that I have been dying to use and thought lets go outside the box and make something sporty. This design was amazing and I knew that all of our customers would like it too, but there was not enough fabric to include it into our main collection so I thought about MUSE. Also I have a large following of the best customers and I try to send out my appreciation but I thought for those who are most loyal why not give them these amazing one of a kind pieces and at 40% off and free shipping as well. This also allows the most loyal of customers to help with the experience part. As you know customer involvement is the utmost of importance and this way every month our customers can give their opinion on new items and whether or not these should go out to the masses. I am just as excited every month as the clients are- Its a chance for me to design and create something new every month. In this industry you can get lost in the business of it and I want to keep creating as often as possible and MUSE is the way to do it.

Does you think the MUSE monthly subscription designs will fall in line with the traditional McKilliop pairs, or will these be a chance to branch out in maybe some unexpected ways with short production amounts. 

Unexpected for sure! One thing that is really exciting is that I can design whatever I like – meaning the monthly subscriptions regardless of their inexpensive price point will allow me to treat the world as my oyster and I can create even more expensive items if I like because there are smaller volumes. I treat loyalty as my highest commodity and all of my customers are loyal and whenever possible I like to treat my clients to something special. With MUSE there are no expensive photo shoots and I don’t need to source out massive amounts of supplies so this really lets my imagination run wild.

What inspires your underwear collections, styles, etc.? 

My clients inspire my collections followed by fit – I would never claim to be the best (no one ever can claim to that with diverse tastes) but I aspire to do mybest and in that I feel it is my duty to listen to my clients, (whether contrary to my own beliefs or not) and to produce items that fit and make them feel good. Confidence is not based on what the product looks like, it is what exudes from the person who is wearing the garment and I believe that my hard work creates confidence in my clients. Also knowing that they are created with so much passion also allows the wearer to feel that they are a part of something. If my clients are happy then I am happy. With social media I can learn first hand what their Experience is like and if clients are not happy then I choose another road to take them on. I have started to recently say that my clients are steering this ship and I do not have an ego that will stand in their way. For example the newest red and white waistband coming out in mid Nov. I posted a picture asking if people liked a stripe on it or not. I personally didn’t like the stripe but I was wrong. I didn’t make it my way just for the sake of being the designer I made it to their specifications. I will always continue to run my business this way. Even though it has created obstacles in the industry.

To expand on the obstacles – Since Mckillop is now creating items in real time , press are not familiar with this new way of doing things. We get requests for next years items and I have to respond that “I have no Idea.” It is funny but it is true. I have always said we are on a journey together and it is so true, more then ever. Because when you see a design in social media you are seeing it at the exact same moment that we are.

 What is next for McKillop? 

Very similar to the answer I just gave the things that I know for sure are that we will be expanding the Elevate enhancement line in 2013, We will also be expanding the Relax Boxer line to include colors. And that is all I know – I should be asking YOU – What is next for Mckillop , you tell me !

We all love free underwear! C-IN2 is giving you a chance to win the entire collection. The contest is being held on their Facebook Page and is simple. Just got to the contest app and vote what is your favorite line in the new collection. Then you can be chosen to win a pair from each collection. If you can’t find the app just look on the wall for a status update. And Good Luck!

This week’s underwear of the week is the Gregg Homme Venom Briefs! These are perfect for those who like a fun, smaller cut brief. Every pair of Gregg Homme we have had here at UNB, have been really great pairs. The reviews have always been stellar. I have said it before but they have make underwear for men. They pay attention to how it fits and holds up through out the day.

The new collection has just been released. This pair is one that is really fun but not over the top. Reasons for it being our Underwear of the Wee:

  • The subtle pattern of snake skin printed on it gives it a little something extra and fun.
  • Made out of 95% polyester and 5% spandex
  • A great pouch made to conform to your body and gives great support through out the day
  • The fabric is very breathable
  • Available in Red and Black.

Find this pair on the Gregg Homme Site for $36.95.

We were going to quit with our schedule, but we heard from a good number of people who said to keep it. So due to popular demand we are going to keep the schedule: Week 1 Brief, Week 2 Thong, Week 3 Jock, Week 4 Boxer Brief. S

Traditionally, the long john was made for the cold to wear underneath your outer clothes to keep you warm and although Nasty Pig’s limited edition long johns are perfect to do just that, they are so freak’n cool, you may just want to wear them by themselves as truly hip outerwear.

These long johns are constructed of Nasty Pig’s standard extra-soft cotton/spandex rib and finished at the ankles with a slightly heavier layer of ribbed fabric. Although the fly is non-functional (perhaps to keep the cold out,) the custom Nasty Pig snaps will certainly grab all the right attention to that bulge of yours. The long johns come in black, red and white.

Model Ryan Russell puts these new Nasty Pig long johns through their paces over at Jockstrap Central. It may be cold outside, but those photos are hot!

Find these at Jockstrap Central and stay warm!

We are pleased to announce the Underwear of the Month for November. As you can tell the picture, the winner is the Mini Brief from Big Boy Pants. We did a series of great reviews on this brand and we are not surprised they won the vote this month. If you are a fan of great pouch underwear then this is definitely a pair you need to check out. Here are some reasons why it was voted on as Underwear of the Month

  • They look hot and comfortable at the same time. Id love a pair please.
  • The ergonomically correct pouch are a hands down winner in my book.  I’ve cleaned out my underwear draw and starting to fill it back up with underwear that are made with a pouch such as these. -PS
  • They’re stylish and give plenty of room & comfort!
  • Simple looking and accentuating, look perfect for the office or a night out on the town! -Travis

Find these at the Big Boy Pants website. They are available in 7 colors and cost £13. The website address is http://www.bigboypants.com

 

   Planet Undies offer you the opportunity to save your money: 20% off on HOM
permanent products until Monday November 5th, 2012Shop at: http://www.planet-undies.com/catalog/default.php?universe_Path=9999
  From now till Friday you can save 25% off on 3 or more items. This includes underwear, swimwear and more!Shop at: http://www.10percent.com
  Geovanny is back! Check out their sexy line of briefs, boxer briefs, and our most favorite JOCKSTRAPS!Shop at: http://www.histrunks.com
  Take 20% off Gregg Homme on any orders $100 or more! Use code PR-GREGG20

Shop at: http://www.premiumunderwear.com

Winter is around the corner. I know certain parts of the US and Europe are already feeling the bite of winter. So, it’s time to start thinking of underwear to keep you warm. If you are like me Long Johns have always been something that you dread to wear. I say this because they never fit well and always felt like I was wearing another pair of pants under my jeans. My solution to this was to wear running tights as opposed to long johns.  While this is not ideal it fit better and kept me warm.

 

We now flash forward a few years and long johns have started to be fashionable. Companies are starting to pay attention to them and making them with a better fit and in colors/patterns. There are pairs you could easily wear as loungewear with out anyone knowing they were long Johns. Here are a few pairs to check out:

Mundo Unico – Do you want something that fits great but is classic in styling. Check out the Long John 96101101. They will keep their shape and keep you warm at the same time. Available in Black, Navy and White. Made from 93% cotton/7% Spandex. The pair retails for $45 on the Mundo Unico Store Site.

2(X)ist – Maybe you want just a little flair in your long johns, check out the Tartan Long Johns.  2(X)ist has almost traditional pair, I say traditional because it has a fly front. But the pair is not traditional because of the great tartan waistband. It is available in white and black, with a fly front. Made from 100% cotton. Available for $30 from the 2(X)ist website.

MaleBasics – If you want a performance pair of long johns then the MaleBasics Microfiber long johns are just the ticket.  These feature a “special uplift technology. Made out of 78% nylon and 12% spandex, so they will move with you through out the day or what ever activity you are going!  Colors Available are Black, and White and cost $42. Find these on the MaleBasics Site.

Narciso – Narciso maybe a company you may not know to well. They are based out of Argentina. Their take on underwear is very interesting. They call the long johns “Long Boxers.” These long boxers are full of stripes. It is ranges from subtle to wild! These are some long johns you wouldn’t mind the world seeing. Finding them maybe harder but Erogenos has a few pairs for $42.

Timoteo – We all know Timoteo makes really great undies, but did you know he just released new long johns in his Sport 2.0 collection?  These long johns have the Sport 2.0 waistband and a pouch in an accent color. The main colors are Black, White and Blue. Made out of 96% cotton and 4% spandex. Available online for $36

Frank Dandy – If you are looking for something WILD then you need to check out Frank Dandy. They have solid long johns but the ones to check out are the Cavalaras (skill and day of the dead looking), Jaguar animal print (on a solid orange background), and Comic Square (a quilt/patchwork pair in two colors). These are def  not your fathers long johns! These have to be seen! Made out of 95 % Combed Cotton / 5 % Elastane. Available online for $59.

These are only a few pairs of long johns. There are many more being released. If you have a favorite pair leave a comment here. We can’t cover them all but think one of these will be perfect for you!

Forget trick OR treat – this year we’re all about double dipping in the candy bowl so we’re doing trick AND treat. Shop at Jockstrap Central between now and October 31st (at midnight) and you’ll not only get 10% off store wide, but also every order will receive a free gift.

It couldn’t be easier, just start shopping now and you’ll find all our products, including jockstrap, underwear, shorts, shirts and more all marked down by 10%. Once you’ve finished shopping, simply complete your order as normal. When we ship your order, we’ll include a free gift of either a jockstraps or pair of underwear.

* Although the choice of the free jockstrap or underwear is ours, you will be asked to give your waist size on the final checkout page (your invoice) so we can choose an appropriately sized gift. The free gift is from our vast selection of samples and over stocked items we have on hand. As always, offer can not be applied retroactively.

CLICK HERE TO GET SHOPPING

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It’s time to vote in Underwear of the Month? Which pair should be crowned the winner? Unlike the current election, you get to vote more then once! We also encourage you to tell us why the pair you voted should be Underwear of the Month. We just may quote you in the winner post if your pair wins. If you want to include a first name or initials we will give you credit as well. Below if the Ballot and Vote!


 

We love bringing you guys great new places to buy underwear. There is a new online store called Designer Drawers. This weekend I got a chance to meet up with the owner this week to talk about their recent fashion show.

The fashion show was held on October 13th as a launch party for their new store. The store is based out of Birmingham, AL and was held a a local bar called Al’s on Seventh. They had 11 models at the sports themed show called “Tailgate Fall Fashion show. The brands they showcased are also the same brands they sell. These brands include Timoteo, Baskit, Pistol Pete, N2N and Skmpeez.

“It was an amazing show with a great turn out. it was held at a gay bar but a mix crowd turned out. It was an exciting night!” said Matt the owner.

They have plans to do another show soon. We will keep you posted! Find them online at http://www.desingerdrawers.com and find more of the Tailgate Fashion show pictures at their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/DesignerDrawers

 

Get 30%OFF all Andrew Christian merchandise. Just enter code 30FANS at checkout. Coupon code does not work with Paypal or Google checkout. Please make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the coupon code. May not be combined with any other coupons or offers. While supplies last. Offer subject to change anytime with out notice. Excludes Underwear of the Month club. Offer expires: Oct. 31, 2012 at 11:59pm PT