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?
