Let’s talk about masculinity. In our ongoing series on masculinity and underwear, I wanted to discuss whether there are rules in men’s underwear. It goes without saying that for most people, especially in the United States, men are expected to wear certain types of underwear. Looking at our media and everything, you see guys in TV movies, usually in boxers, boxer briefs, or trunks. Rarely do you see briefs unless it’s a joke, and if you see thongs, it’s either a stripper or a joke. It’s time we sit down and talk about the rules of underwear in the US.

First off, I think that there should be no rules for underwear. It should be up to the person wearing it to determine what they like, want to wear, and what is off-limits to them. I don’t think it’s up to anyone else in society or anywhere else to determine what is considered “masculine” and what is not. That’s a big problem right now because we have many straight readers who don’t show their underwear, and we have gay readers, too, who won’t go to the gym wearing something other than compression gear or bare black trunks. They won’t wear a bikini, jock, or thong because they don’t want the attention.

I’ve worn thongs to the gym, and I’ve worn bikinis. I never really think about it; it’s just my underwear. It didn’t hit me until I was talking to someone who said they would never wear a thong or bikini to the gym. It blew me away because it never crossed my mind in my many years of wearing underwear. It doesn’t bother me to be seen in underwear if I drop my pants or something; it’s just natural and normal to me. But it’s different for most guys who are not reading this blog or listening to our podcast. It’s time we change that because guys shouldn’t have to stress about what they will wear to the doctor or the gym.

We need to let guys focus on who they are. I think, for a large portion of guys out there, especially straight guys, they’re not able to explore underwear the way a lot of gay guys have over the years. Being gay, underwear, to me, goes hand in hand. It’s something I enjoy and a way to express myself further. I always associated it with my sexual identity. You see a hot guy in underwear, and you’re like, “Ooh, whatever your definition of a hot guy is.” It’s ingrained, and when I date someone, I buy them underwear. I don’t think a lot of straight guys have that experience coming of age and discovering underwear. It happens, but it’s not as open and accessible as it is in the gay community. However, that’s changing. In the last couple of years, many straight guys have come forward, sending emails and commenting about how much they love underwear. Many have hidden it, but they’re not hiding it anymore.

We have John on the podcast, whose wife loves him differently. That’s so great to hear, and it sends me over the moon that women are enjoying the sexier side of underwear. I think the whole masculinity thing plays into it because a lot of people get hung up on the idea that “you have to be this kind of masculine man.” There are no rules about masculinity anymore. You get to be whoever you want to be. Today, guys are wearing nail polish, which they didn’t do ten years ago, and some are starting to wear makeup. It doesn’t matter anymore, especially to the younger generations. Unfortunately, the older generations I’m part of get hung up on things. But if you enjoy it, you’re not hurting anyone, and everyone’s consenting, do you? I may not like it, it may not be for me, but I’m not going to condemn you for doing it.

We’re seeing more guys step out of the masculinity box. Men in lingerie have taken off around the same time, maybe a little after thongs. Guys are wearing lace, stockings, and all sorts of things. This isn’t about cross-dressing; it’s just about wearing something different. There are several guys I follow online who exclusively wear lingerie, and they love it. They look fantastic in it, and I’m so happy these guys are wearing it, putting themselves out there, and enjoying this side of themselves that society says they should not want. It’s just an article of clothing; it won’t make you gay or transgender. It’s just you expressing who you are, which is the most fantastic thing.

We all need to rebel against toxic masculinity. We need to reject the notion that you can only be a man if you wear boxers or boxer briefs and that no self-respecting man would wear thongs. That’s all BS. We need to stand up together and start embracing what we love. I built UNB on the idea that it’s for every guy, not just gay guys. I consciously made an effort back in the day to attract straight guys to read my blog, and it happened. Everyone told me I was crazy, but it happened. Now, more guys are coming around because I wanted to share my love for underwear. They’re listening to the podcast. I’m amazed by the guys who comment on how they relate to the stories we discuss, hearing us talk about things on their minds, things they don’t have someone to talk to about. It’s incredible.

Guys, we all need to start talking about underwear. Say what you like with friends and in public if you’re bold. Just be yourself, and don’t give a fuck if someone doesn’t like it. I’ve gone out with people who preferred me in something other than a bikini, jock, or thong—whatever I was going to wear—and wanted me in something more masculine. That’s a deal breaker for me. If you try to change my underwear, I give you the finger, and I’m out. I’ve lived too long to be who I am to change for someone else. You cannot ask someone else to change who they are. Underwear is ingrained in my DNA, and I am not giving that up for anyone. I would rather be single than have to give up my underwear, and you know, I’m happy being single.

So, I hope you guys will spread the word that masculinity should not play a factor or have rules in your underwear world. It would help if you enjoyed it. Step out of your comfort zone every so often. Try something new that you would never have tried before. I’ve discovered so many things that way, especially with the blog, that I never would have considered, but after trying it, I was like, “Oh my God, this is amazing.” We all must look at new things objectively and not just judge them. You may not like it, and that’s fine. No one has to enjoy everything in underwear. But if you keep trying and exploring, you’ll have a fantastic underwear life. And that’s what we’re all after. So, again, don’

The world of men’s underwear is more than just a necessity—it’s a powerful means of self-expression, confidence, and community. Three recent podcast episodes featuring passionate enthusiasts in the underwear community highlight the diverse experiences and insights surrounding this often-overlooked aspect of men’s fashion. From the comfort and allure of thongs to promoting body positivity through swimwear, these conversations offer a deep dive into how underwear can shape our identities and connect us with others who share our interests.

The Comfort and Confidence of Thongs

In a conversation with Daniel, also known as thong_addict, the focus is on the unique appeal of thongs and skimpy underwear. Daniel shares how his fascination with underwear began at a young age and has evolved into a deep passion. He and UNB Tim explore the comfort and confidence that comes with wearing thongs, a style often misunderstood or overlooked. The thrill of discovering new brands and styles is a significant part of this journey, with Daniel highlighting the importance of finding the right fit for maximum comfort and enjoyment. A standout theme in their discussion is the sense of community among thong enthusiasts, a supportive network where individuals can connect over their shared love for this niche. As Daniel aptly puts it, “Thongs can be surprisingly comfortable and provide a sense of confidence and sexiness.”

Promoting Body Confidence Through Swimwear and Underwear

Another episode features Bevan Taylor, a well-known influencer in the swimwear and underwear community. Bevan’s journey towards body confidence and self-acceptance is at the heart of his conversation with UNB Tim. They discuss the differences in swimwear culture between Australia and the United States, noting that Australia is more accepting of men wearing speedos. Bevan emphasizes the important role of underwear in promoting body positivity. His ambition to start his own swimwear and underwear line adds an exciting dimension to the discussion. Reflecting on the support he believes is crucial in relationships, Bevan says, “A partner, whether it’s male or female, should really encourage and support you. If that’s what you want to wear, go ahead.”

Exploring Different Styles and Brands in the LGBTQ+ Community

Finally, George from Switzerland shares his journey of discovering underwear as a form of self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community. Starting with briefs in his childhood, George transitioned to boxers and boxer briefs in his teenage years to fit in with his peers. However, as he grew older, he embraced more adventurous styles like jockstraps and swim thongs, finding comfort and confidence in these choices. George and UNB Tim also touch on the societal challenges of wearing such garments in public and the joy of collecting and exploring different styles and brands. George sums up his philosophy on underwear by saying, “The main goal is that you feel comfortable and you like wearing it, and it’s not about the look for other people.”

These episodes offer valuable insights into how men’s underwear can be more than just a functional garment. It’s about confidence, community, and the freedom to express oneself in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Whether it’s through the thrill of finding the perfect thong, promoting body positivity through swimwear, or exploring new styles within the LGBTQ+ community, these conversations remind us of the power of underwear to make us feel good about ourselves and connect with others who share our passions. They also underscore the liberating aspect of self-expression through our choice of underwear, a freedom that can boost our confidence and self-esteem.

Thongs have been experiencing a renaissance in men’s underwear for the past few years. They’ve become wildly popular, with men of all sexual orientations—gay, bi, straight—embracing the thong for various occasions, from the gym and athletics to everyday wear and even at work. The thong has quickly become a go-to style for many men.

However, I’m not personally a thong guy. My love has always been for the bikini. It’s what started my underwear journey, a style that has influenced me intensely over the years. I love the fit, the cut, and the overall look of a bikini. The smaller brief with a great pouch that keeps everything in place is a major draw for me. I also appreciate that bikinis allow you to show off a little more compared to tighty whiteys and other pairs, which adds a fun and flirtatious element to wearing them. Don’t get me wrong—I fully support my thong-wearing brothers out there and believe every man should wear what makes him feel great, but for me, it’s all about the bikini.

Back in the day, probably five or six years ago, I wanted to see the bikini return to its glory days of the 1980s. Back then, bikinis were everywhere, and men could wear them without shame. We were heading in the right direction for a bikini resurgence, but instead, the thong leapfrogged over the bikini and became the default style for many guys.

So, let’s talk about the bikini for a minute. I love it because I prefer a smaller brief with a great pouch that keeps everything in place. That’s why I never liked tighty whiteys; they never kept their shape, and things would move around—not my style. I want everything to be compact, and bikinis provide that, plus they allow you to show off a little more compared to tighty whiteys and other pairs.

Once I discovered pouches in the late 1990s with brands like Unico, it blew my mind. This was precisely what I had been looking for. Since then, more brands like Ergowear and others have expanded the options, and the list keeps growing with new pouches constantly hitting the market. These innovations changed my world—I couldn’t get enough of them.

My journey with underwear began when I saw Jim Palmer’s Jockey ads back in the day. There are some current issues with Jockey that I won’t go into, but those ads inspired me. Seeing him in bikinis made me realize I had to have them. It was a revelation when I finally got my hands on a pair. Moving from tighty whiteys to bikinis was a game-changer—I discovered that underwear could be so comfortable and stylish. I believe sharing this personal journey can help you feel more connected and understood in your underwear choices.

Back in the 80s, bikinis were all about comfort and style. There were no rules—colors, prints, and sizes were all over the place, and it was fantastic. But then came the 90s, a period I call the ‘dark age’ of underwear, when color and style faded, and the focus shifted more towards practicality and comfort. Despite this shift, bikinis have remained my go-to choice. They make up most of my collection—probably 70%—including various briefs that I categorize similarly if they have a pouch instead of a fly.

Now, I do have some thongs and a ton of jocks, but bikinis are my everyday driver. So, why didn’t bikinis take off like I hoped? What made guys jump over the bikini and straight into thongs? Around 2018, thongs started to gain popularity. I think it’s because guys want to feel sexy, and thongs offer that appeal. Unlike women’s lingerie, men’s underwear often lacks that “special occasion” element. Thongs filled that gap, offering something sexy and different men could wear to feel great.

We’re witnessing a shift in masculinity. Traditionally, men’s fashion, including underwear, was more about practicality and comfort. However, men are increasingly accepting of expressing their sensuality and individuality through fashion choices, including underwear. While there’s still some judgment, it’s changing slowly. More regular guys, not just the traditional underwear enthusiasts, are trying different styles. As this shift continues, bikinis will grow in popularity too. Not everyone wants to wear a thong, and bikinis offer an excellent alternative for those looking to try something new without jumping straight to a jock or thong.

Bikinis takes me back to my younger days when I was excited about underwear. I remember racing home to try on new pairs. Today, we order online and receive our purchases quickly, but the excitement of finding that perfect pair remains.

I’d love to hear from you if you’re a bikini fan like me. Let’s talk about the brands we love, the pouches that work best, and everything else that makes bikinis great. Your experiences and insights are valuable to me, and I look forward to discussing bikinis with you! Feel free to reach out, comment, or DM me on social media—I’m here to build a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the comfort and style of bikinis.

Many of us find ourselves grappling with the pressures of masculinity at some point in our journey to adulthood. Society often imposes a narrow definition of what it means to be a man—a stoic, strong, and muscular figure who keeps his emotions hidden. This notion of masculinity gets stuck in our heads, and we portray this on social media.

I bring this up because I have asked many guys to be on the podcast, and they feel their real lives, the way they talk and act, are not “masculine” enough. This way of thinking has always blown my mind. When told this, I’m like, “WHAT?” It blew me away when I was told this once, but several times, it’s a problem.

Why should you not put on a persona?

1. Don’t be something you are not. We all want to be bigger and more popular than we are at times. But pretending to be ‘uber-masc’ will eventually be discovered. Just portray yourself as a ‘good guy.’ People on social media will find no reason to criticize people who put themselves out there. If being ‘less masc’ is a secret, someone will see it and may start spreading rumors. My voice is not the ‘butchest,’ but doing the podcast has led me to like my voice, and it is who I am.
2. Embracing your true self on social media can empower you and boost your confidence. By portraying a ‘masc’ guy, you are perpetrating stereotypes. The guys I hit it off with the most on social media are those who are open about who they are. They embrace all parts of their personality. Sure, we all want to change something about ourselves, but improving yourself for yourself is different from doing it for others.
3. Let’s encourage openness and acceptance of diverse identities, making everyone feel included and respected. You may not be ” the same as you are on social” in real life. Nothing is worse than being known for your persona and then discovering that you are in no way like the persona. People think you are a fraud or sham. They will feel like you lied to them about who you are and not sure what to believe is the real you. Social media is about being authentic and open.

How do we tackle this issue?

1. We have to accept people for who they are. One phrase that comes to mind is, “When he opened his mouth, his purse fell out.” We should discard this line of thinking from our vocabulary. No one can live up to “uber-masculine” ideas. I’m not the most well-adjusted person on the planet, but masculinity has never played into who I date or go out with. In other words, I have never been a “Masc Only” or “Str8 Acting” kind of guy.
2. Show your true self on social media – Don’t hide things about yourself on social media if you have a ‘not butch’ voice, who cares. If people meet you in person, they will hear your actual voice. It’s better to put it out there and not have to worry. Guys are going to find your secret. Embracing your true self can make you feel comfortable and at ease, knowing that you are accepted for who you are. Have non-masculine moments on social media – I don’t care what your sexual orientation we all have those non-masc moments in our lives. Whether it’s enjoying a rom-com, crying during a touching movie, or being vulnerable about your feelings, I give props to a guy who embraces his feminine side and doesn’t worry about what others think. Share and promote ordinary guys – When I say this, I mean guys who may not be the strapping lad with a six-pack, but a regular guy, a geeky guy, or even a ‘beefy guy’ (a term used to describe a man with a larger, more muscular build). There are good and bad – I share my bad days as well as my good days. I appreciate that in others, I follow as well. We are not always at our best, and sometimes we struggle. Sharing something like a bad mental day won’t make you look feminine. It makes you look human. I prefer to follow people who admit to a mental struggle. Anxiety is a bitch; as someone who suffers from it, I can tell you, some days, having a friend or online friends, you can say, “Hey, I’m not having an ok day,” it is a great thing and has helped me.

Sorry, I got on my soapbox, but I’m trying to do more personal writing. After the podcast, I wanted to do something other than journalistic-style stuff and focused on what I thought I always excelled at here: talking about real issues and sharing my side. There will be a lot more of these kinds of posts. Well, it’s not a list, but I’m tackling more masculinity and some of my favorite/pet peeve things in the underwear world.