I’ve always been into underwear. Since the age of 11 or 12, the idea being fashionable under my pants has always intrigued me. At times, people have made fun of my underwear choices. For the most part friends and family think that what I wear down below is simply a matter of choice. My choice to decide what is comfortable and what is fashionable. I truly believe that we should wear what we enjoy and what we like.

The men’s underwear industry is one of the (if not the) fastest growing markets in fashion. I remember the days when men wore bikinis and thongs. The early 1990’s seemed to promulgate the cause. The problem was that there just simply wasn’t a lot to choose from. Today, there are hundreds of brands to peruse online and make the perfect selection.

Several Valentine Days ago. As the Internet was becoming an option for shopping. I logged on to a popular women’s lingerie site to order my wife something special. I searched for the perfect set of fire engine red skimpiness that I thought she’d look great in. I made the purchase and got the confirmation receipt. As I was preparing to log off of the Internet, I had a flash of brilliance. What if I bought myself something to match what I bought her? I immediately began perusing known men’s underwear outlets online.

That led me to my first pre-encounter with an anatomical pouch. Why the pre-encounter label? Simple—anatomical pouches were not an option back then. I just assumed that the design was a fluke. After all, 2Xist was producing contour pouches along with UnderGear. That idea was throwing the industry in a tailspin. Full anatomicalness was nowhere on the radar.

Back to the story. I came across a retailer that I’d never purchased from before—BodyAware. They had some really awesome edgy looking stuff. I did a simple search for “red” (remember, I want to match what I bought my wife). Up popped this very sexy mesh pouch G.—the Gossamer String It matched, so I purchased. I remember getting the pair in the mail. Not much to them at all. The string portion in the back. Had a cool teardrop pattern where the waistband met the crack string—pretty awesome indeed!

I tried them on. I straightened out the stringiness and untwisted the G-string portion. I noticed that my manhood seemed to hang naturally and freely. I grabbed the pouch and immediately enjoyed the complete freedom of movement. The ergonomically design stuck out to me. If only I had the foresight to see underwear production potential. BodyAware had pre-hooked me on what I now have exclusively in my collection.

Some of you are reading this and wanting to know how my wife reacted. She thought it was great! I’ll leave the details of the rest of the night locked in the vault of discussion that only she and I have the key to. At any rate, an addiction was birthed. I just didn’t realize it yet!

Lazy-river pools, gambling, organic grass-fed stake, cool ass designers, and lots and LOTS of underwear. Sums up my experience in Las Vegas for the 2016 MAGIC convention. The MAGIC convention is a biannual trade show for fashion designers/brands. To feature and build distribution for their products. You can find everything from small entrepreneurial designers. Barely scraping their name in the industry.  To big-name, well-established brands like Levis and Calvin Klein. It is comprised of manufacturers of men’s and women’s apparel, footwear,  and accessories. Of course, we can’t forget the most important category: underwear and swimwear! It’s pretty much a big deal so I am super to stoked to have attended and even more excited to report back to you guys!

MAGIC is a one-stop shop for retail buyers. To survey the wide variety of vendors who are hoping to expand their name. I am not a retail buyer and I wouldn’t say that fashion rules everything around me.  I am just an underwear blogger who received this sweet opportunity to go to Vegas during the work week. To attend something new and fun. My goal for this trip was to speak with all of the men’s underwear brands. Speaking to them on a personal level and pick their brains on their new designs and creative process. This is by far my favorite aspect of blogging. Being able to speak to a plethora of brands in one space and time was pretty damn awesome. I attended the last day of the show. That’s when the brands start to let their hair down.  Have a little more time to chit-chat with friendly bloggers.  I have to say that was exactly the case. I met with 12+ brands and each one had something different and unique to offer.

Speaking with the brands was less of an interview process. It more of an open discussion for all things underwear.  I cannot hate on that. As I spoke to them about the features, materials, and cuts I dig. The brands would respond with just as much enthusiasm. With stories about their trial and errors in design. Also, their process for continued growth and improvement. Some brands even divulged their manufacturing processes, machinery, fabric technologies, and printing techniques with me. Which was super awesome and insightful especially for someone who is constantly doing research and development for a living. One feature that a few brands were a introducing was the keyhole pouch technology. Which essentially makes boxer briefs actually comfortable by completely isolating the package and eliminating the potential for chaffing. This has always been my issue with boxer briefs.  It was interesting to know that many of brands that are marketed online seem like they are larger than life. Making beaucoup amounts of cash.  In reality, they are humble designers operating in a very micro level. With many of the times just themselves running the whole show. Many of the brands that I spoke to were just down to earth cool people. Dishing out their artwork and hustling to make their dreams a reality.

Take note gentlemen, ladies really dig guys who wear comfortable and stylish underwear. Can we all just ditch the juvenile, uncomfortable, “how-is-this-a-good-idea” boxer shorts already? Which brings me to a couple of points:

– Ok, so they come in a 5-pack for $10 but are they really doing you any good? The answer is no, no they are not. Many of the brands are aware that men do not want to spend exuberant amounts of money on underwear. Many of them were featuring rad boxer briefs that are insanely comfy and affordable. $20 for a pair of boxer briefs or any pair of underwear for that matter may seem like a lot. These garments are made of quality fabrics with meticulous construction. The best part is they won’t turn into a disintegrated, wrinkly napkin, after one wash. Like your Hanes counterpart.

– Women are rocking the men’s underwear game! It’s awesome to see that they share the same feelings with the current state of men’s underwear market as I do. These women are dedicating their life’s work to giving men options for flattering, comfortable, and stylish underwear. Yes we too deserve to wear sexy undergarments. I want to pat these women on the backs for pushing the boundaries of social norms. It was awesome to meet a couple brands that are owned/represented by females.

MAGIC is a mecca for all things trending in the fashion industry.  Prior to meeting a brand, the products are just mere objects. There is no personality or humanity to the underwear. These are just items that you add to your cart and proceed to checkout. But being able to speak with and understand the brand’s vision for their product. Brings whole new light and appreciation to mine or anyone’s’ interest in underwear. Some people may think that stylish men’s underwear is a taboo subject to speak about. These designers are so relaxed and casual with sharing their vision for creating comfortable and fashionable underwear with the customer in mind. Simply put, they just dig underwear.  I respect what they do. Especially given how repressed the male figure/underwear scene is in States. It’s nice to know that there are people on the front lines pushing the boundaries of style and comfort. That is exactly what I experienced at MAGIC 2016.

Below are some brand highlights and what to expect to see from them in the near future. Each brand was so awesome and different and I hope to share more in-depth in future posts:

– 2(X)ist www.2xist.com

This was the first vendor I met with and the president, Tom, was just an awesome and passionate dude to speak to. They were a great brand to start the day with. Great people, great products. To me, 2(x)ist is such an iconic brand.  Growing up, I would always see their stuff in the store but couldn’t afford it.  Now that I’m and adult not only can I afford them, but I had the opportunity to meet with the CEO; how great!

Moving into 2016, expect a wide range of new items from 2(x)ist including some sweet and super stylish women’s athletic wear and underwear (my girl was a total fan). duffle bags, socks, and not to mention their impeccable functional and stylish men’s underwear. And new athletic wear for Spring 2017!  One thing that I found interesting during my meeting with Thomas. Was that men’s knit swimwear (square & brief cuts) are taking off.  Congrats gentlemen, it’s about the time I hear this!  Swim briefs are king, and 2(x)ist has some hot new swim briefs, which I know I’ll be getting my hands on.  Overall, great brand, great people.

– 2eros www.2eros.com

This Australian brand is famous for their fun and interesting prints. That include a beachy- vacation-like vibe, and bright color blocking. Some of their designs include their iconic emblem of the two converging circles that are strategically placed on the butt.  For an enhanced, rounded look. If you are looking for something more muted and classic. Don’t worry because they offer an array of chic briefs, trunks, and swim shorts for the more conservative of hearts. Be sure to check out their underwear too because they are bold and bangin’. Not to mention they have activewear! I met with the lovely Kathy who represents 2eros and a couple other brands which leads me to:

– Supawear www.supawear.com

This brand definitely has a fun vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With their comic superhero references to bold colors and sharp color blocking. It is no doubt that this is a brand with a sense of humor. OH! I cannot mention Supawear without speaking about “Fruitopia.” Their watermelon inspired brief which I need in my life. To fully illustrate the love I have for my favorite summertime fruit.

– BWET www.bwet.com

If you are into bright, bold, color blocking. But don’t want to sacrifice quality for style than this is the brand for you. BWET features “The Portside Collection.” Portside showcases four swimwear identities that are inspired by famous ships… Super nautical, right?! They offer three classic styles. Including the brief, trunks, and shorts to fit any personality and lifestyle. Plus they use cool UV protected material.

– Papi www.papiinc.com

Ok, so one of my first ever thong purchases was from Papi, so it’s kind of like we go way back. This brand is based out of Miami so many of the designs are inspired but the South Beach culture. They are heavily influenced by its Hispanic Heritage. I am not from Miami nor am I Hispanic. That doesn’t matter because they are dishing out some unique and colorful underwear prints with awesome details in the waistbands. Papi is continuing to “celebrate the spirit, strength, and sex appeal of today’s man.” You gotta love that!

– Junk Underjeans www.junkunderjeans.com

Cool swimwear alert! This brand is known for their masculine boxer briefs and activewear.  They are really dishing out some cool swimwear. Total curve ball, but in the best possible way. For Spring 2017 their swim briefs are showcasing a number of cool patterns. Such as strips and geometric shapes, vibrant gradient colors, unique features such as zippers, dual and waistband.  Lastly fun materials such as Neoprene used for their Hammerhead brief. All of which are saturated with taste and class, which is right up my alley! Oh, and check out their runners! These man leggings look comfy.

– Rounderbum www.rounderbum.com

It was awesome speaking with this brand. Learning about their product since I have never heard of them before. Their representative was awesome enough to sport the product all day long! Must be nice get paid to wear underwear all day. This brand is known for their padded technology (front & rear). To enhance the shapeliness of the butt and package. They are constructed well and give you the option to remove the padding. While still maintaining and awesome fit. You can find these in multi-packs too!

– MyPackage www.mypackage.com

This brand is the cool guy of men’s underwear. I do admit that they have an Under Armour vibe to them. They are super stylish but simplistic. In my opinion, are targeted for the younger millennial generation. This brand features ultra lush modal fabric. Pucker paneling to essentially make critical seams disappear. Ergonomic flat locked stitching. No rub tags and the most interesting of features: the keyhole comfort technology. This is a 3-D internal pouch that provides support and comfort by cradling the package. Eliminating the need for adjustments. If you are looking to work out in true effortless cool-guy style, then this is the brand for you.

– Playboy Men’s Underwear

This brand was unsuspectedly amazing. I was not expecting the quality of the Playboy underwear to be nearly as impeccable as it actually was. They exclusively feature seamless construction with the use of nylon and spandex. The seamless underwear is awesome. Seeing it  and being able to speak to Dilson, the VP of marketing and sales about the manufacturing process was super insightful. To say the least its quite process oriented and requires a lot of infrastructure. These guys know what they are doing and expect awesome stuff from them. The construction of these underwear is just immaculate. With careful thought in making them comfortable and practical. They feature the classic boxer brief, brief and trunk that come in awesome colors and patterns.

– 2UNDR www.2undr.com

This was another brand that featured the keyhole, or as they call it, the “Joey Pouch.” This pouch is designed to fit your entire package to deliver the perfect fit. It prevents unwanted skin contact. They also use the “No-Drip-Tip” technology to help maintain optimal body temperature while promoting accelerated moisture evaporation for added comfort. If briefs aren’t your cup of tea and prefer to wear boxer briefs than you need to check this brand out. 2UNDR features four total designs suited for any lifestyle including: the Dayshift for compression, the Swingshift for quick drying, the Gearshift for a silky fell and pill resistance, and the Powershift for ultra-durability. Interesting enough the brand name 2UNDR is derived from the owner’s love of being on a bike; 2 wheels under your legs.  Expect fun patterns and prints for Spring 2017 collection.

– Jack Adams www.jackadamsusa.com

“Defined by the man who wears it” is this brands motto and could not be any truer for underwear enthusiasts. This is a brand that has always This brand features the top fly versus the conventional and uncomfortable side fly.

– Eugene’s www.eugenesonline.com

This was a brand that was not originally on my list but I am happy to have met with the designer Clay. Based out of Georgia, this is a brand that is taking comfort to the mainstream by taking classic styles. Pairing them with the luxurious feel of a modal fabric. They are dishing out cool apparel too that includes modal u-neck t-shirts, tank tops, crew necks, and v-neck. They offer the classic boxer briefs, boxers, and runners. Most importantly, these guys are offering plus sizes! How cool is that? Everyone deserves to wear comfy and stylish underwear. It’s refreshing to see a brand think outside the box and make this happen for your bigger-boned buddies!

– Gregg Homme www.gregghomme.com

This is a brand well known for their iconic fetish pieces. But don’t worry because anyone can find something that they like from his vast array of products. If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary but sexy,then you need to visit this website. It was interesting to find out that their products are still manually sewn by seamstresses in their home-base of Canada. Some interesting features to their underwear includes cockrings, and a pseudo version of the keyhole pouch. Need something leather, sheer, lacy, stringy, or barely there? Then you need to check out Gregg Homme.

– Wood www.woodunderwear.com

Female Designer Teresa Zimmerman has gracefully helped evolve the tighty-whitie loving men. Into discretely stylish and sexy underwear enthusiasts. She has developed a brand that features simple yet stylish briefs, trunks, and apparel. That includes a handsome Henley, V-necks and drawstring lounge shorts.  Most importantly, she has recently introduced the thong style to her collection. Be sure to check that out for Spring 2017! Her designs, patterns, and colors are inspired by nature (hence the literal brand name with an innuendo touch) as well as collegiate color influences.

– Saxx Underwear www.saxxunderwear.com

This brand is well known for their paneled fabric hammock that separates the package from the legs. To eliminate any uncomfortable chaffing. This is a brand that focuses on the athletic lifestyle in mind. Their products range from running and training shorts to compression items. One thing I enjoy about this brand is that their marketing materials feature’s men and women. Since there is such a social stigma on men’s stylish underwear. Especially in the United States. I think this is a great way of introducing and enticing the heterosexual males to become more open minded about trading their uncomfortable and dated underwear. For something that looks and feels good.

Today’s high-tech cyberspace allows for ease of purchasing any myriad of products. I live on an island that is somewhat limited in the things that my family desires to sustain our home. Simply put, we purchase everything that we can online. This is a much simpler way of purchasing for a large family. Because the online purchasing of everyday products is easier than store purchasing. The men’s underwear industry has shifted over the last decade. To a heavy emphasis on web-based companies.

I started experimenting with underwear over 25 years ago. That makes me sound old, but in reality, you’re only as old as you allow yourself to be. What it does mean is that I’ve experienced a wide-range of purchasing modes in my underwear history. I’d like to share my own self-history of purchasing modes with you to see if you relate of identify.

Discount and Department Store Purchases:

My early teen years were probably much like any man’s early teen years. Full of exploration and discovery. I explored everything from sports to music to underwear. I discovered I was good at some sports and not good at others. I found music as a passion. For the purposes of this post. Underwear options were discovered and have since become a passion of mine.

There were really only a few of options in my town for the purchase of underwear. Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and a store called Cohns. Wal-Mart carried Hanes bikini briefs and an off brand of silk string bikinis. K-Mart had Joe Boxer bikinis and thongs and Fruit of the Loom low rise briefs. Cohns carried the very famous Jockey Elance Bikinis. How do I know this? I purchased them all and tried them.

The purchasing process required an encounter with a sales person that was sometimes uncomfortable. Until I realized that everyone buys underwear. I also realized that stores wouldn’t sell men’s bikinis and thongs if people didn’t buy them. I connected the fact that sometimes the stock was low to the fact that MEN BOUGHT UNDERWEAR styles other than plain white briefs.

Purchases through this in person method carried over into visits to JC Penney, Sears, Dillards, Macys, and others. I found myself purposely-perusing shopping malls for the latest fashion briefs on the market when we visited bigger towns. This was a main mode of purchase for a very long time.

Mail Order Catalogs:

The idea of mail order has been around for well more than a century. The old way of purchasing was to order something from an ad in the local paper. The order was shipped to the town general store and you were allowed to retrieve it there. People ordered everything from livestock to specialty groceries in this manner.

The clothing industry caught on to this very early as Sears and JC Penney Catalogs go back quite some time. My personal history of purchasing men’s underwear encountered this very early on. The problem was that as an early teen. In order to purchase by mail order, my parents would have had to have written a check. Debit cards didn’t exist at this point and credit cards were only used for emergency. There was no way in the world that I was going to ask a parent to write a check for a skimpy bikini or thong!

This didn’t mean I didn’t look or even order the catalogs. International Male and UnderGear were regulars in my mailbox. I always tried to intercept the mail to ensure that I got a hold of the catalogs first. I found UnderGear through a friend’s parents who left it lying on the counter at their house. I jotted down the number, called when I got home, and voila—the catalog was in the mail.

As I got older and acquired my own income and means of purchasing. I remember filling out the paper order form in the center of the UnderGear catalog, writing a check, putting both in an envelope. Mailing the order form and money off to UnderGear. Then, the wait would begin. I’d check the mail with anticipation and wait and wait and wait. Tracking numbers were non-existent. YOU JUST WAITED!

Of course, the process got a little smoother with the acceptance of debit cards. I can also remember, filling out the order form and calling in the order with a debit card. The wait was just as painful.  The time to receive the goods was cut down by a few days. Because I didn’t have to wait for my order form to be received in the mail. This was a much-welcomed modernization to the underwear industry.

The Online Shopping Phenomenon

Let’s get into the 21st Century. For the most part, everyone is familiar with purchasing underwear online. After all, UNB is online and we basically talk about products and point readers to those products’ web pages. I’d say that we all purchase underwear online. Rather than talk about this awesome mode of purchase. I want to tell you about my first encounters with online purchasing.

Right before I got married. I decided that I wanted to spice up my honeymoon experience with skimpy underwear and swimwear for myself. Also, super skimpy underwear and swimwear for my soon to be wife. I knew that Victoria’s Secret had large stores in malls, but that seemed embarrassing. I also knew that awesome men’s underwear didn’t exist in my small town America shopping mall. I decided to give online purchasing a shot. I went into my office computer at work (after hours so I wouldn’t get in trouble). Used the dial-up Internet service (I can still hear the tones playing as the phone dialed into the world wide web). Carefully selected my purchases from Victoria’s Secret and UnderGear. I actually have pictures of it all, but I won’t share because the quality is lacking.

Needless to say, online shopping is my primary source today. In particular, I like that I can shop several sources at one sitting to get the best deal. Everyone offers discounts. Occasionally brands will offer a larger discount to compete with sites like Amazon. Free shipping is exactly that—FREE! The variety and selection is at your fingertips. Time is saved. There are multiple sites that sell dozens of brands. You really get the best of it all!

Bonus—Men’s Underwear Retail Stores

With the ease of purchasing online. I’d encourage you not to sell yourself short by purchasing everything through the Internet. If you happen to be in a large city with a men’s underwear retail store, seek them out and go for a visit. I am always amazed at how great of an experience in person shopping is. I get to ask expert sales people their opinions in an environment that is safe. In fact, everyone in the store is buying underwear. That’s why the store exists. It saddens me that this type of purchase may diminish over the next several years due to Internet sales. I really enjoy meeting the sales teams and trying new stuff from their displays. Make sure you give this type of purchasing a shot.

25 years of purchasing underwear has given me some awesome memories. I look forward to 25 more years. Who knows, one day maybe I’ll start a brand or even a retail store (online or in person). Thanks for being faithful readers of UNB. We enjoy every post and love your feedback. Hit us up on social media or comment below.

It’s been an exciting month for our favourite UK specialist underwear and swimwear retailer Deadgoodundies. There’s been a bit of sunshine, lots of lovely new products and most importantly, a brand spanking new website! The experts at DGU have rounded up their latest and newest best sellers for all you underwear aficionados to peruse. From thongs to long johns, DGU have every inch of your manhood covered. Have a look what Brit customers are loving this month.

Bruno Banani Abracadabra String GBP 17.00
This new men’s string underwear is already a firm favourite. Available in three fabulous colours this skimpy thong really is magic.

HOM Pure Cotton Micro Brief GBP 15.00
Every gent needs a classic in their undies drawer and this stylish staple is too good to miss. Made from 100% cotton this bikini is the ultimate in comfortable chic.

Doreanse 1390 Air String GBP 9.00
For those that don’t want to go full commando, this thong offers the perfect fit. In four striking colours these strings are feather light whilst still complimenting your package.

HOM Plume G-String GBP 17.00
This bestselling thong for men comes with the highest recommendation, if you want silky, light undies that feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. These strings won’t stay on the shelf for long, get yours before stocks run out!

Doreanse 1395 Aire Bikini Brief GBP 10.00
A darker pair of designer undies is timeless, versatile and effortlessly good looking – as these micros from Doreanse show how simple that can be.

Jockey Modern Classic 100% Cotton Long John GBP 17.00
It’s clear that DGU customers love the feel of soft high quality cotton and they want it for their long underwear too! Plus they’re such boy scouts, they’re getting ready for winter already?! Perfect for colder nights around the corner, practicality has never been so slick – check out these full length pants soon.

Find all these pairs at deadgoodundies.com. All bold titles are links but here are the pairs as well:

• Bruno Banani Abracadabra String – https://www.deadgoodundies.com/bruno-banani-abracadabra-string
• HOM Pure Cotton Men’s Micro Brief – https://www.deadgoodundies.com/hom-pure-cotton-mens-micro-brief
• Doreanse 1390 Aire String – https://www.deadgoodundies.com/doreanse-1390-aire-string-underwear
• HOM Plume G-String – https://www.deadgoodundies.com/hom-new-plume-g-string
• Doreanse 1395 Aire Micro Bikini Brief –  https://www.deadgoodundies.com/doreanse-1395-aire-micro-bikini-brief
• Jockey Modern Classic Long John – https://www.deadgoodundies.com/jockey-modern-classic-long-john?___SID=U

We wanted to share with you 5 great pieces of content we wrote last week. If you are an email subscriber, you got this yesterday. However, you didn’t see the video! See these 5 posts and many more from last week.

• SupaWear new Crimson line –
• Should there be standard sizing in men’s underwear?
• Go Brazil! New 2(X)IST Brazil Line
• Clever Moda New Thongs
• Modus Vivendi – Rainbow Line

See more including several more N2N Bodywear Reviews.

Now, I want to start with a clarification. One of my previous posts was about buying underwear for a friend, you can find it on the website.  This piece is different in a few key ways. First, when buying pairs for friends you have a bit more freedom as to what to buy because it is your money that is being spent. Although as pointed out in the piece there are still points and thoughts to consider regardless. Second, buying for someone else can be much more about you than them. Not to make it sound selfish but it’s true. We give a little bit of ourselves with every gift and you do get to take into consideration your opinions or wishes more so in that case. However, with advice, it should be much more about them. Personalized as best as possible.

Giving advice always is a bit tricky. On the site I write a lot of reviews and reviews, to me, are much easier than advice because it is a more straightforward. As Walter Cronkite would say, “And that’s way it is,” type of a piece. Advice needs to be precise for an individual and it much more than about one pair. It throws open the entire Underworld universe for possibilities. Yikes!

Yet we must never shirk away from giving the advice when it comes to underwear because we always want to encourage the discussion and the community of underwear enthusiasm. If someone has come to you for advice on underwear it is a badge of honor. They respect your opinion, thoughts and underwear knowledge. It may also have been a difficult or even awkward thing for them to ask you about. So we must be excited that they did! When you aren’t used to talking, writing, or thinking about underwear as much as some of us it can feel awkward.

So let’s give some advice:

Background info:

Ask the person what type of underwear he generally wears or is looking to buy. Remember, it’s his underwear and his money so we need guidelines! Getting a sense of his cut preference and perhaps brands he generally wears can help give you a sense of direction.

If a friend asked me for advice and he says that he generally wears trunks and more generic ones at that. Say Jockey or Hanes (both perfectly valid brands btw. I wear Jockey athletic trunks almost exclusively for my workouts) then you have a taste for where you might direct them. Perhaps Private Structure would be good for their trunk needs. Very classic yet very well made and often in fun colors. If that doesn’t suit them then maybe PUMP! For a bit more of an adventurous trunk (be careful on sizing, PUMP! Can tend to run a bit small).

Range of Acceptance:

Okay so I am borrowing this term from my old argumentation/debate days but I think it applies. You’ve figured out what he usually wears, style and brand. Now let’s figure out what he would wear. Perhaps, as stated above, our friend usually wears trunks but would he be amenable to wearing briefs? Not to say that we’ll start him out in a bikini but maybe a nice hip brief. Here is where you can push but not too hard. Try to see if expanding his comfort zone is possible or if it will just result in never worn underwear.

If you’re going to suggest a new cut, totally valid, think a bit strategically. A good way to go about it might be to recommend a brand that does his original cut.  In addition to the new cut that you’re advising. This way if he eventually didn’t care for the new or different cut he may have discovered a new favorite brand in the meantime! Still a win.

Keep it simple:

You have no idea how hard it was to not write ‘stupid’ after that. It’s just automatic. But yes, keep it simple. Give him freedom in what you recommend. Direct them to a particular brand with recommendations on cut.  Don’t get overly specific unless he really just wants one pin pointed pair. “Have you looked at N2N’s new briefs? They might be a good place to start.” A recommendation like that gives them so many more options and so much more freedom then, “You should get the <insert pair here>.” That type of suggestion leaves them with only a Yes/No type of response.

Keeping is simple like that also allows for him to navigate the murky world of pricing. Let’s face it, some people just will never be comfortable paying over $20 for a pair of underwear and leaving them with more open advice allows them to price shop in a focused area.

Speaking of Pricing:

Many of the folks who might ask you for advice (as just mentioned) do not, would not pay as much as perhaps you or I would on underwear. For me, it’s just part of my life’s budget and I make do with that. Not so much for others. So. Directing them to, “Try looking at Baskit on Tuesdays for their $12 deals, they make a good, solid brief,” can help them be more comfortable spending the money as well. Remember the sales sections! (write that on my tombstone one day, please).

The overall and most important thing is, of course, to think about the person. Your advice might set them on a path of incredible underwear bliss for a lifetime. Inform yourself, find his range, and keep things simple.

All of this was brought on when a friend just recently asked me for advice on buying new underwear. I also immediately told him a new brand that I am falling more and more for (what up Teamm8!). I realized that he would be much more comfortable with options. So I stopped myself and thought it through a bit more. He is a fairly classic guy who really just wants a comfortable, solid pair of underwear that he might throw on for a day at work or a special occasion.

Eventually I arrived at telling him, “For briefs, you might want to try looking at Garcon Model. If you’re feeling more trunks, Jack Adams or PUMP! might be fun ones to try”. For other friends I would have other recommendations but for him, these ones all just felt right. I have previously recommended to friends, JOR briefs, Andrew Christian briefs, N2N thongs, Nasty Pig jockstraps, BumChum trunks, and a whole lot more.

We got a chance to talk to Eric Alden (@EST290 on Twitter). He is currently Mr. New England Leather 2016. So he knows a thing or two about leather and fetish wear. He also loves lace underwear. Its not something you would expect from a reigning Mr. Leather. We had a really amazing conversation about lace underwear and thongs.

I had a blast talking to Eric about the mix of leather and lace. We hopefully convinced him to come back for more discussions on underwear including lace! Now on to the Interview.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Last week, we talked on Twitter and your pictures amazed me. Here is a leather title holder wearing lace briefs and thongs. Its a combination we don’t see much, what made you try lace and thongs?

I have been into thongs for as long as I could buy them! The first thong I ever bought was the Y-Back 2(X)IST thong from, I think TJMaxx. Lace is still slightly newer for me, it has a shock value, and I like to push boundaries. It’s different, has detail, revealing and sexy without being just plain mesh. I’m comfortable with myself and don’t mind the play on feminism. It might be lace but its cut in mens styles.

One company you post a lot of pics wearing is BodyAware, why do you like BodyAware underwear?

I like BodyAware because they push boundaries and make a quality Underwear. They present something on a masculine male that is typically more feminine. I love the juxtaposition of what would be considered “feminine” style presented on a “masculine” man. They show a black lace thong on a ripped masculine guy. I love the way they present themselves and believe it or not men that look like their models are wearing thongs and lace.

One of my current favorites is the Baby Ribbed thong. Its super soft. Its a great pair for travel. It gives a nice lift and moves with you throughout the day. It’s my version of tight whites and just a great basic pair.

Another favorite is the Lace Brazil brief. It has half back. I own it in white and black. I would buy in more colors if they sold them. It has a play on a thong, because it covers half the back. I love the Silloutte, hopefully they will make it in other fabric

I seem to buying more from them these days, One of my latest purchases are the black mesh shorts. I am going to wear them over a fuchsia swim brief at the beach.

Have you always loved underwear? If so how long have you liked undies?

I have been into underwear for as long as I can remember. and all types for that matter. I do wear more than lace and thongs 😉 Right now I have almost 2 bins of underwear in storage. Plus three drawers at home filled with underwear. I remember in High School. I wanted a pair of Gucci underwear before Tom Ford left the company. I rode a train into Boston just to get them. They were my first pair of mesh briefs as well. They were black mesh but had the double G logo all over them. I probably spent $85 on them at the time. I still have this pair. The design was similar to lace with the illusion you can see through. Maybe that’s where my love of lace started.

Have you ever mixed the lace and leather? If so what was the reaction of the person or people who saw you?

I have, more recently though. When I mix the two, I prefer to do black lace with my leather I think it looks better when paired with black leather. I tend to buy lace in darker colors not sure why, Its just my personal preference I guess. I also have a blue harness and blue lace thong that I like to pair together. My style is constantly changing and growing.

I have posted quite a few pictures on social media. People comment that they find it very sexy. I think people and trends in underwear are changing. So many companies are making thongs now which means men are buying them. There are tons of blogs devoted to just thongs! It’s crazy! They show guys from all different walks of life, body sizes and ages in pictures.

Playing off that question has anyone ever said anything negative about your lace undies? If so how did you handle it?

No one has ever said anything negative to me in person or online. I have gotten eye rolls when I have changed in front of people. But, people know I don’t care. There have been positive comments on all the pictures I have posted in social media. It lets guys who want to try lace, see it in a different light. It helps them see past the feminine part. A harness and combat boots are uber masculine and then I pair it with a black lace brief. People can get confused but it doesn’t matter. You can be masculine and still wear lace underwear.

We want more guys to try new things, you being a “leather man” what advice would you give guys who are hesitant about trying something more “fem”?

You don’t know if you’re going to like something if you don’t try it. If you’re intrigued there is no reason not to do it. You only live once right? Explore what interest you. If you are intrigued by thongs, try ordering a basic simple black one, no need to jump right in to hot pink or lace. its about finding your comfort level. Getting into the silloutte is the first step. Everything in moderation.

Are there any brands you have seen in the market you have yet to try? If so who are they?

Not really. If I see a style I like i’ll find out who makes it and order it.

Joe Snyder is one brand as a whole that I should explore more.

As for thongs, I won a free thong from SUKREW on Twitter and Its an amazing thong! designed well andI highly recommend it ( great starter for newbies)and I will totally be ordering more of them and their jocks! Another favorite is Kick Sagat’s Steele Push Up thong in pink or blue. I own both colors and its fantastic. They do a great job at presenting two colors, pink and baby blue, in a very masculine way. They are a pair if someone wants something beyond basic. It also makes your butt look fantastic!

We want to thank Eric for his time. You can find him on Twitter @est290 and on Instagram at EA290.

I get it, compared with most of my friends I spend way more time thinking, talking, shopping, writing, all things underwear. I’m not apologizing, I’m just saying that I get it. Another thing I am known for amongst some friends of mine is my use of gift giving as a “love language”. I just really enjoy giving people presents, randomly or for a reason. So… this is the Buying Undies for a Friend post!

Some thoughts on buying underwear for friends:

Expose people to new brands:

Lord bless my friends. If they’ve ever bought anything besides Calvin Klein (whom I love) or 5 packs of Hugo Boss or something from Nordstroms. It’s one or two random AC pairs. So treat them to something new! My new favorite brand to expose people to is Jack Adams USA. One, it has the whole Pacific Northwest thing that we PNWers adore. Even if it is Portland :P.  Two, they have very classic pieces, great simple but cute briefs and trunks. So you’re not asking people to try something too far out of their comfort zone. However, pick whomever you like! I have a friend (I’ll tell this story shortly) that I always get different brands for, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, etc.

Let’s face it, if you’re reading this on Underwear News Briefs right now. Then you’ve been doing your homework. Don’t make your friends reinvent the wheel, show off some of your knowledge. Give them a new pair of underwear and a new window into brand variety.

Challenge people to try new style:

Again, don’t ask your very conservative friend to wear a jockstrap thong combo from AC right out of the gate. Wait a week or two ;). But really, push people in your selection of an underwear gift. Make sure to keep it within the range you think they’re willing to move. If someone is a very solid boxer briefs person, try giving them a sleek, shorter legged trunk. A good Private Structure one, for instance. They’re probably more likely to actually wear something closer to their normal. Than if you tried to get them into a bikini cut. Well intentioned perhaps but you want them to actually wear it!

If this is a friend that you’ve had conversations with about underwear. You might have a better idea of a new style to try. For instance: I have many friends who know and or follow my posts on the website. They just generally know that I enjoy underwear. So it isn’t too surprising that it comes up in conversations periodically. “Tim, do you really enjoy those pairs that don’t have a butt?” “Are those one kind of, the ones like a jockstrap, are they actually comfortable?” etc. Obviously this means that next time I’m shopping and want to play the part of the Underwear Fairy (take that in whatever way you want). I pick out a pair of assless briefs for said friend or friends. Now I do have a particular fondness for Timoteo’s assless briefs so it is generally one of them or Addicted. However, be careful. Again, the overall goal is to get them to actually wear it and enjoy it. o only get them one if you think there’s an actual chance they want it.

Make a tradition:

Here is the previously promised anecdote. I have a lovely co-worker who was first a date interest and from then on just a very good friend. He is a great guy and has impeccable taste for all things well designed when it comes to houses, architecture, dishes, furniture, and all. Yet his underwear selection was…not up to code. So for his birthday one year I picked up a pair of cute Hugo Boss trunks. I knew they were similar to what he wears but were an incredibly soft fabric and a sleek design. He laughed and loved it. Then 365 days later, I got him another pair! It was the birthday year tradition and his now boyfriend thanks me for cute pairs that he owns because I basically bought all of them.

It doesn’t have to be birthdays, maybe every time you go on a trip you bring a friend back a pair. Maybe your friends do a big Holiday gift exchange or White Elephant type event, always bring undies. People love it! Two Christmases ago I brought a beautiful gift box with a Power Bottom mesh, assless briefs and they were fought over all night. Make it fun, make it special, make it a tradition!

Buy what you love and make sure they know it:

Now, if you want to go a different route than discussed earlier and just buy something that you love and want to share, then do that. BUT make sure they know it’s special to you or that it is personal. If you want to buy them a red, skimpy thong because you love yours and you think everyone should have one, make sure to tell them that it’s something that you love and special BEFORE they open it. Just let them know that this means something to you and whether it’s their style or not, you wanted them to have it.

Remember, this is a gift and it’s normal:

I know that sometimes underwear seems like a semi-taboo topic for men. Women can all go to Victoria’s Secret in the mall and no one thinks that odd but if you’re two guys (gay, straight, bi, whatever) it’s suddenly odd or sexual or just wrong. It’s not. It’s underwear. I wear it, you (might) wear it, we (generally speaking) wear it.

Don’t be uncomfortable about it. It can be special and a very thoughtful gift but it doesn’t have to be weird. You aren’t asking them to model them for you (but god bless if they want to!), you’re simply sharing a passion you have with them and that’s super cool.

Okay, so now that we’ve gotten that all out of the way. I wear a 30-31 small waste and pairs can be sent to… HAHA! Joking, totally joking. Go out and shop with someone else in mind. Some great websites to check out if you don’t have a good store in town are below. Enjoy!

Online Underwear Stores to Shop:

• International Jock
• Men’s Underwear Store
• Jockstrap Central
• UnderBriefs

I often ponder this question and the double standard of underwear in the mass market. I have written several “double standard” posts. When I go back and read them they are always so negative and are “preaching to the choir” posts. They are more of a way for me to vent and blow off steam.

UNB was founded in 2008 to share great underwear with all guys. Not just gay guys. Over the years I think we have a proven record of doing that. We welcome all guys in UNB regardless of sexual orientation, age, weight or any other factor. We are a group of guys who love underwear and want to be comfortable.

I have really talked to more straight readers over the years than gay readers. Straight guys usually email us about posts we have had on the site. In fact, I have had in depth conversations with these guys. I never come right out and ask, “are you gay/bi/straight?” To me that doesn’t matter. It’s guys bonding over underwear (Sorry I know that sounds gay). Then at some point in the conversation they will mention a wife, gf or ex. How she didn’t or did like what he wore. Many I have kept up with over the years and we email from time to time.

It amazes me how similar our journey into underwear is between gay and straight. Around early teen’s most of us discover, what we call “good underwear.” After that it grows and continues to build. Some gay guys wear what they want and labels be damned. They don’t care. Then there are straight guys who told me they wore their bikinis under their boxers. This is so other guys never knew of their love. This would drive me crazy to do on a daily basis.

In the last ten years we have seen the rise of the Metrosexual guy. One who doesn’t care if you think his love of passion clothes and fashion, equals him being gay. More guys are subscribing to this. We aren’t where I think most readers on this blog, wished we were with society. In Europe and Australia they have sports stars such as Cristiano Reinaldo (Armani & CR7), Dan Cater (Jockey), Thom Evans (D.Hedral), Ben Cohen (CK & BlueBuck), David Beckham (Armani & David Beckham Bodywear) and James Rodriguez (J10).

In the US we haven’t had a sports star since Jim Palmer, actually wear underwear in ads. Tim Tebow became a Jockey Spokesperson. Then never was photographed in anything other than a Jockey T shirt. It was rumored he wouldn’t pose in any type of underwear. Then we have the drama between Frigo and Derek Jeter. I personally have tried Frigo underwear. It was one of the longest reviews I have ever written. I mentioned at the time these were great underwear for sports and athletes. So, if the rumors are true, I don’t think Jeter would have to worry about it being marketed to gays. That is the subject of pending litigation between the brand and Jeter.

It shows here in the US we have a long way to come. Every time you see guys in underwear on TV and movies its always something crazy or butt of a joke. Think of Borat in his green thong. Or guys wearing oversized tighy whities. Rarely are guys in underwear seen as sexy. The only example that comes to mind is Magic Mike.

I think it all boils down to a double standard. We can objectify and ogle women. But, the same cannot be done to a man. This is true in men’s underwear ads. Mainstream ads rarely show any type of bulge or skin. It’s usually boxer briefs and T shirts. One of our readers once described all mainstream underwear ads being worn by eunuchs. As guys we are different and some have a bigger bulge than others. So to show a real guy in undies would be a nice change.

How should we change this view in society? Well it’s not easy but we should all do what we can.

• Let’s keep spreading the word on social media. It’s the easiest place for us to band together. It allows others to find other underwear lovers.
• Speak up when you hear someone say they are “gay” for looking at, wearing or saying they love underwear. First, what does it matter if they are and second, what does it matter to them what anyone else wears.
• Like social media of brands and interact with them. Support the brands you love. Let them know you appreciate them and want more!
• Lastly, wear whatever you want whenever you want. If you feel great in a thong, wear it under your suit or uniform to work.

This will be an ongoing battle. Its getting better but we still have a long way to go on more acceptance of men’s underwear in the bigger society. How do you guys think we should go about having more acceptance in society?