No one can deny that International Male had one of the biggest influences on the men’s underwear industry. It was a pioneer in the industry before the internet and we had brands such as Andrew Christian, N2N Bodywear, 2(X)IST, and more. I saw Andrew of N2N Bodywear post this on Facebook and he said without International Male was the reason he started N2N Bodywear.
If you over the age of 30, I can almost guarantee that you have ordered something from International Male/UnderGear. I was such a big fan of the brand I had the credit card! Yup, at the age of 20, I had a $500 credit limit and though I had hit the jackpot. I would buy all kinds of gear over the years with this card.
Enough of reminiscing, but there is going to be a documentary on the brand. Which blew me away when I found out! This would be amazing to see the history of the brand and how it influenced the overall industry. The company making it put this out:
More than outrageous fashions, hunky models, and scandalous undies, ALL MAN is a journey across three decades of the International Male catalog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay rights.
With revenues at its peak of $120 million and circulation of over 3 million, the catalog successfully appealed to both gay and straight audiences. For gay men, the images of sensually dressed men were a gateway into a fantasy world providing an escape from the AIDS crisis and widespread homophobia. For straight men and their female admirers, the catalog gave permission to take fashion risks and enjoy a more carefree expression of sexuality without threatening their masculinity and sexual appeal.
ALL MAN: The International Male Story is designed as a tribute to the catalog’s unique aesthetic and cultural relevance. The film mixes exclusive never-seen-before photographs and videos, interviews with super fans and celebrities, and creative re-enactments of the infamous photo shoots, and more!
http://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/allman?fbclid=IwAR043SvyOvCcQ9PHTBdFOHAuPbjcqMGBf97SomZ1aXHKxtKHA2IcfP6aHYA
I’m excited for this project. I think we need more documentaries of the men’s underwear industry. Since the inception of International Male, the men’s underwear industry has grown to something amazing. No longer is underwear limited to just gay men, all men now get to rejoice in wearing some of the best underwear on the planet.
We will keep you posted when this documentary comes out!
