Why don’t guys Come out as underwear lovers?

I have been going through a lot lately. Most of it I won’t go into, but one thing I have been thinking about is why is it a lot of guys still hide their love of underwear. Now, after many years of doing UNB, my love of underwear is part of my personality and DNA.

One of my most significant issues is getting regular guys on the podcast. I hear more of you guys saying you like hearing these guys, who are real guys and not social media guys with thousands of followers. They love “normal” guys sharing their origin stories, and many times, it matches their own. The more we hear our journey is not one-off, the more guys can accept and build a community.

Why isn’t talking undies accepted

Imagine walking up to your best friend and saying, “Man, these new AussieBums are fucking Fantastic,” And he goes, “Right!? The fit is perfect. Which color did you get?” This is normal to me, but for 80% of you reading this, it’s not something you would ever share with a buddy or friend.

My main belief is that underwear is something we are taught shouldn’t be seen. Therefore, it is something you should not talk about. It’s something very personal. I mean, growing up, we weren’t supposed to be seen in it, and if we were and got pantsed in junior high, it was embarrassing. And if we were just in our undies, I bet most were told to put some pants on, and it’s not polite to be in just undies.

Second, underwear plays a key part in coming out for the LGBTQ community. In my case, the pilgrimage to the underwear sections of department stores was a significant part of my adolescent years going to the mall. I would say I was going to the bookstore, but first, make a trip to undies and gaze at the skimpy designs and bright colors. So many others did this, including some straight guys. We would then buy these undies when we got money and hide them. We would feel sexy and incredible sliding them on. It was our secret until we were inevitably found out. Many were lucky like me, and it wasn’t a big deal, and it was accepted. While others had their precious stash thrown away and told to wear underwear that real men wear (this leads into my last point in the next paragraph). Our sexual identity is so closely tied to our underwear love that it makes it even more of a personal journey.

Lastly, when you talk about undies, the population at large has ideals about what is masculine and what real men wear. This has been ingrained in us since our youth. Boys wear boxers or boxer briefs; anything smaller is made for girls. And to fit in, you will wear what is expected. This is compounded by the fact that men aren’t supposed to feel or look sexy. If you do feel sexy, then you aren’t masculine. We are going through a phase where men are expected to be one way and one way only—anything else, and you are cast as unusual and strange.

All these things keep guys from coming out as underwear lovers. Social media has allowed guys to create alt accounts and share pics and posts anonymously. This allows more people to share their love in a safe space. And I applaud those doing it. Our friends and coworkers wouldn’t understand our passion. The joy we get from fabric and the confidence it brings us daily. It’s a hidden superpower we possess. Just know I will talk undies with anyone. It may take me a minute to reply, but I love these conversations.

If you read this post, I hope you have or will reach out to other guys and make new friends. It’s important we stick together and form a thriving community of underwear guys. There will be more to come on the blog and podcast about community building.

In the U.S., there’s a strange stigma around men wearing Speedos. For decades, swim briefs have been primarily associated with gay men, while board shorts and baggy swimwear have been seen as the default for straight guys. But why?

The Cultural Hang-up

America has long been prudish when it comes to men expressing their bodies, especially in a way that could be perceived as “sexy.” This outdated mentality has led to a culture where men—regardless of sexual orientation—often feel restricted in their swimwear choices. However, times are changing.

Despite this stigma, Speedos has seen a resurgence in popularity. A few years ago, Speedo themselves reported a 100% increase in sales, and swim briefs as a category doubled in sales within a year. This shift suggests that more men are beginning to embrace swimwear that allows them to feel confident and comfortable.

But there’s still resistance. Many men, especially straight men, are told by their wives, families, or social circles that wearing a Speedo is inappropriate. Some wear them under shorts on vacations, wishing they could strip down and enjoy the swim brief experience.

A Look Back: Speedos in the U.S.

Speedos weren’t always taboo. In the 1980s, seeing men wearing them at beaches and pools was common. Growing up, I remember seeing two men at Virginia Beach rocking Speedos confidently. At the time, I didn’t recognize them as gay, but looking back, it makes sense. They were living their best lives, but I was still too afraid to wear what I wanted.

While we often assume Europe is more accepting, it depends on the location. In places like Mykonos and Ibiza, Speedos and thongs are the norm. However, in other parts of Europe, the perception isn’t much different from that of the U.S.

Challenging the Gay Association

The association between Speedos and gay culture likely stems from the 80s, when gay men unapologetically embraced them at Pride events and beaches. The media amplified this perception, reinforcing the idea that swim briefs were exclusively for gay men.

However, elite swimmers and divers wear Speedos regularly without a second thought. Many guys who swam competitively in high school or college recall going to the beach in Speedos with their team, only to have strangers assume they were all gay—until they realized they were athletes. The double standard is clear: Speedos are acceptable in sports but seen as suspect in everyday life.

Breaking the Stigma

So, how do we change this? Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Wear Speedos in Public – The first step is simply normalizing them. If more guys wear them at the beach, pool, and on vacations, it’ll become less of a big deal.
2. Encourage Other Men – Ask your friends if they’ve tried one. Challenge them to step outside their comfort zone and see how freeing it feels.
3. Debunk the Comfort Myth – Many men assume Speedos are uncomfortable, but that’s only true if they buy high-performance swim briefs designed for competitive swimming. Brands like Todd Sanfield and 2EROS make styles with a supportive pouch that feels incredible.
4. Create Safe Spaces – It’s easier to wear a Speedo when you’re not the only one. Organizing group trips to the beach or pool where everyone wears swim briefs can make the experience more fun and less intimidating.

The Swim Brief Challenge

One way to advance this movement is by reviving the Swim Brief Challenge, an initiative in which guys commit to wearing Speedos in public at least once a year. The goal is to normalize swim briefs and encourage more men to embrace them without fear.

Men should be able to wear what they want, where they want, without fear of judgment. If you love Speedos, rock them with confidence. It’s time to stop giving a fuck about what others think and start living for yourself.

Are you in?

Underwear is more than just a necessity—it’s a way to express yourself, boost your confidence, and even improve your mood. If you’re an underwear lover, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If not, you might miss out on one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying pleasures.

Why Underwear Matters

Think about it: your underwear is the first thing you wear every morning. It sets the tone for the rest of your day. A great pair can make you feel sexy, comfortable, and confident, while a bad pair can leave you feeling irritated, uncomfortable, and just plain off.

So, what makes underwear unique? For me, it’s a mix of three things:

1. The Perfect Pouch

I love a good pouch design. It supports and enhances your shape and keeps everything in place without discomfort. One of my favorites is the Cocksox CXO1, which is excellent for feeling confident but may not be ideal for every situation (like a professional setting where a bulge might be too noticeable).

2. Color That Pops

Bright colors make me feel amazing. Hot pink, bold reds, vibrant greens—these shades reflect my personality and bring me joy. If you love bold colors too, don’t limit them to special occasions—wear them daily!

3. Fabric That Feels Incredible

The right fabric can be a game-changer. Modal keeps you cool in summer; spandex blends provide the perfect stretch and support, and cotton offers that classic comfort. A great pair of underwear should feel like you’re wearing nothing while giving you all the support you need.

How Underwear Affects Your Mood

Beyond comfort, underwear can directly impact your confidence and self-image. It’s a little secret weapon under your clothes that no one else needs to know about. Here’s how to make sure your underwear is always working for you, not against you:

1. Find What You Love

Do you like bright colors, fun prints, or classic designs? Do you prefer the snug fit of a bikini or the laid-back feel of a trunk? Finding what works for you is key.

2. Wear It Every Day, Not Just on Special Occasions

Don’t save your best underwear for date nights or special events—wear what makes you feel amazing daily. Life is too short for boring underwear.

3. Have a “Power Pair” for Important Days

Have a big presentation or a nerve-wracking date? Wear underwear that makes you feel your best. Whether it’s a sleek black brief, a sexy thong, or a bold print, the right underwear can boost your confidence when you need it most.

4. Experiment with Different Styles

If you always wear the same type of underwear, mix it up! Try a jockstrap, thong, or something outside your comfort zone. You might discover a new favorite.

Underwear as Self-Expression

One of the best things about underwear is that it’s the one area of your wardrobe you can control. If you must wear a uniform for work or follow a strict dress code, your underwear is your personal statement piece. Whether it’s a neon bikini under your business suit or a daring thong under your jeans, it’s your little secret.

And let’s be honest—no one is paying attention to what you’re wearing under your clothes. If someone does find out, chances are, they secretly admire your confidence.

Build a Collection That Sparks Joy

A great underwear drawer should be diverse and fun. Maybe you’re a thong-only guy, or maybe you love a mix of bikinis, jocks, and trunks. Whatever your preference, don’t be afraid to build a collection that makes you happy.

One of my favorite things is matching my underwear to my outfit. When I worked in a bank and wore a tie daily, I’d match my tie to my underwear. It was a simple, fun way to bring extra joy into my day.

The Bottom Line: Wear What Makes You Happy

Underwear should be something you enjoy, not just something you wear out of necessity. It’s a small but powerful way to feel good about yourself, boost your confidence, and embrace your personality.

So, what’s your “joy pair” of underwear? Do you have a unique pair that always makes you feel great? Do you match your underwear to your outfit? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!

When we talk about models, lately, it’s a tricky subject. Some guys want to see the traditional models, and then some guys want to see real guys in undies. And there is room for everyone in the world of underwear. Having worked on the blog for 12 years, I can see the issue from brands and consumers. This is my take on models in the Underwear industry.

Traditional Models

Brands use traditional models in their posts because they have a brand image they want to convey. It could be athletic, muscular, more realistic, or even plus-sized guys (saying plus in the world of modeling). Granted, very few of us reading this will ever be like the model in the underwear picture. We want to feel sexy and confident in our underwear. If it looks that great on him than it will look awesome on me. And to be fair, pictures do sell underwear. A hot picture will increase the sales of a pair over a pair without a hot pic. I have seen this time and time again. Brands are in the business to make money, and they do what will sell undies.

Real Guys – Non-Traditional Models.

I like many of you want to see more real guys in undies. This includes all shapes, sizes, and colors. I will give it to many brands starting to do more real guys, and those should be applauded, like Yocisco. They recently had a beefy guy star in some of their pics. I think many brands are hesitant because of backlash from people online. Before you start going off on me, just wait. We have experienced this first hand. When we first started doing our UNB shoots, we used more real guys. Not all of them had abs; some were thin, some were a little bigger (for models). I was super proud of these shoots. However, when we posted them on social media, get got comments like “These aren’t models,” “Where did you find these guys” “If this is what you consider models, I’m unfollowing.”

Yes, guys said those things and more over the years. It sucks when we invest our time and money into a shoot to get this feedback. If you want to see real guys, like, comment, share, and buy. When you do buy, tell them you bought because of the real guy or non-traditional models.

I personally think we need a mix of real and traditional models. We are a diverse group of guys, gay, straight and bi, looking for different things in undies. As the industry grows more into the straight market, we will see marketing evolve even more. This is a quick post I threw together, and I would love you guys to share your feedback.

Each morning we stand naked in front of our dresser and closet wondering what to put on today.  We are a blank canvas, choosing clothing that fits our mood, our day, and our lifestyle.  How do we make these decisions?  And more importantly, how do we try something new?

Right now, I have one underwear drawer. The left side consisting of my basics and the right side consisting of my more adventurous pairs.  I look at both sides and wonder to myself what to wear for the day?  Have you ever thought to yourself, “Hmm I should wear this Gregg Homme thong today?”  Or “I want to wear my new N2N Bodywear jockstrap.”  These are typically not the first pairs we think of when we get dressed for our day in the morning.  Instead we grab the trusty Calvin Klein brief because we know it inside and out.  We all know what fits our body best or what is most comfortable but how do we try something new?

No one wants to be caught away from home in uncomfortable underwear with nowhere to run!  There is nothing worse than putting on a pair at 8:00am and by 11:00am sitting at your desk, wondering to yourself how you got yourself into this mess!  Here are some tips for trying new underwear out.  If you are cautious about going an 8 hour work day in a brand new pair, here is a great 3 step plan for you.  First, slip them on one Saturday morning as you are home.  Wear them around the house, doing chores and what not to see how they feel.  This gives you some good movement and if they are not working out, another pair is right in the other room.  Just make sure you don’t write them off too early before giving them a fair chance!  Once you make it through an hour at home in the new pair, take them for a test run on a few short errands.  Pick a few places not too far from home to see how they feel out in the real world.  Again, this is a great way to see how your comfort level is in your new pair without being stranded.  Hopefully by now you will know if this pair is going to measure up to your standards and be a great addition to  your drawer.  The last step is to finally take the pair through a long day at work.  A great way to add a little ease to your mind is to take a spare comfortable pair of underwear. Knowing that if any time during the day you can’t handle it anymore, sneak into the bathroom and change pairs!  It will be better than suffering through the day, never trying new underwear again, or freeballing!

For those of you more adventurous, slip on that new pair of underwear and head off to work, knowing that no matter what, you are wearing them until 5:00pm!  Think about the fact that you will be sitting in a meeting with your coworkers, suits all around the table and the guy next to you does not know that you are currently wearing a pink mesh thong.  Imagine your boss calling you into his office, telling you that you need to put yourself out there more but what he does not know is that under your suit, the Andrew Christian C-Ring Brief that you are currently wearing has no front pouch and you are definitely putting yourself out there underneath that suit.  It’s adventurous, it’s sexy, and it’s part of who we are as underwear men.

At the end of the day, make sure you wear underwear that makes you feel sexy, gives you confidence, and comforts you.  Be open to try new pairs whether it is for an hour on the weekend in the privacy of your own home or throughout a grueling work day.  You may surprise yourself on what you find you love!

Photo by Gregg Homme

How does one find out they are an underwear nut? I suppose for me it began when I was probably 14 or 15 years old. I was discovering that I was gay and living in a part of the country where homosexuality was not heard of and definitely not acted upon. So being secluded from all things gay I was left with catalogs and newspapers to satisfy that need to see a guy’s physical form. What began with JcPenny catalogs and weekly flyers from Shopko, quickly grew into an obsession (on Twitter @undieobsession). The next thing I remember entering into my life was pack of Hanes bikini briefs I got from Shopko. Now, I could not get them at my local store, so I had to travel to a neighboring community to purchase them. This had to wait until I had my driver’s license too.

Once I could I drive to places on my own, my ability to seek out different underwear was ON! The first brand I remember truly seeking out was BVD. I saw an advertisement somewhere and the image on the package made me realized I had to have those! So as I began my search for them I knew it was something that would never end with just this pair. Once I acquired the BVDs I knew very quickly they were nothing more than another style similar to Hanes or Fruit of the Loom. What I saw in that package though, ignited something that would carry on to this day.

My hunger for underwear subsided as I enter the straight world of the US Military. I could not be seen wearing what I truly wanted to wear as I was walking around the barracks in boot camp. I feared that if I wore what I wanted I would be outed or judge.

So I strategically started wearing boxers. I know, how straight!? As my military career grew on I became more comfortable again with the idea of wearing boxer briefs and quickly trunks. I exclusively shopped for Calvin Klein (CK) underwear. I was very particular and would only wear CK. I think that image of a young Michael J. Fox in his pink CKs in Back to the Future: Part 1 was to blame for this long lasting obsession with CK. It took several years before I began to venture away from CK.

If I remember correctly the first pair of none CK underwear I purchased was a pair of Tommy Hilfiger boxer briefs. About that same time I also purchased a pair of Tommy Hilfiger briefs for my boyfriend. He pulled them off just as well as the guy on the package. It was so much fun to dress him in underwear I thought were sexy and fun.

I am glad he allowed me the freedom to do it. I have not stopped dressing up my guys in underwear I find sexy or fun. Whenever I buy a pair for myself I usually buy a pair for my boyfriend.

The time has passed and my underwear knowledge and collection has grown. Today I own a total of 290 pairs of underwear. A combination of briefs, trunks, bikinis, and the one odd pair of boxer briefs. I have also started a collection of jockstraps, which now number 67 pair. I will delve deeper into this as we become better friends.

My closet also contains a collection of fun swimsuits. I have 30 of those as this point. Yes, all numbers are exact! This whole obsession would not have been possible had I not start with that package of BVDs. I am thankful everyday for passion I have developed. It has and will continue to be fun. I look forward to seeing all the new styles, designs, color patterns, and whatever else underwear companies can come up with. I also look forward to sharing this love with you all.

While I love underwear, I still have much to learn and many new styles to try. If I was to be ranked based upon school year, I would probably be somewhere between a sophomore and junior. I wear premium underwear brands such as 2xist and C-IN2 and I stay away from mass produced ill fitting skivvies. On the scale of all straight guys, I fall in the upper quartile of quality of underwear worn, but to an underwear lover such as myself, this is not enough. I need to try new things and new styles for which I have yet to try. Thongs, jocks, and jock briefs have all never been worn by me and this is something I really want to change sooner rather than later.

Paul here! I’m a bit of a creature of habit when it comes to my pairs. Calvin Klien, Go Softwear and Ralph Lauren have held my business for many years, but I’ve admired many other brands from afar for a long time. I have a ton of briefs, some jock briefs and trunks but that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg! Being new the UNB family means that it’s time to push myself, and make the jump to something new and exciting; and I couldn’t think of a better way to do it! UNBJon has been great with welcoming me to the team, and his knowledge of what’s out there is extremely impressive.

So here’s the deal: UNBPaul and UNBJon have agreed to let each pick a random pair of underwear that the other is unfamiliar for them to try. There was no guidance in this decision and the other must buy the chosen pair and try it in good faith. It’s the ultimate experiment and you are all witnesses to it. Within the next week both guys will have a synopsis of their experiences to share with you all. Until then, pass the time by trying to guess the exact pair each guy will be receiving and feel free to continue the conversation on twitter @UNBBlog, @UNBPaul, @UNBJon, or on Facebook as well.