Today is a Throwback Thursday! Do you remember the series he shot for Gregg Homme last year? He was their model for one campaign! We hope you enjoy this look back
Jockstraps have been going through a renaissance as of late. Back in 2010 I proclaimed it the year of the jock. Before this most jocks were relegated to the locker room or fetish situations. There were basically two kinds of jocks. The traditional 3-inch waistband or the Swimmer with the 1 inch waistband. The perfect example of this is the Bike #10 Jock. It pretty much came in white. In the 90’s they branched out in to a few colors but the styles stayed the same.
We flash forward to 2010 and everyone started to make them in all sorts of fabrics and colors. In 2014 you can find a jock in any color of the rainbow and in just about any fabric. The design is changing as well. Many companies have taken the jock and made it their own. The perfect example of it is the C-IN2 Grip jock. Not only did they play with the design but they also made it in newer material that makes it perfect for working out or being active.
Each year more and more companies take the jock and put a new spin on it. I didn’t think in 2010 that the trend would last longer than a year or so. I was dead wrong on that. Second, the original jock had been around for decades with out real innovation. Would companies really design new jocks and experiment with fabrics? I really wasn’t sure, but they did and created a really great new category.
Some recent developments in the jock world are:
- Baskit developed the first hybrid, the Jockbrief –As you know it’s taking a brief and giving it a jock back. This only fueled to the jock fenzy
- N2N Bodywear created jock swimwear – You may say this sounds strange but the pair was very cool. I have two of them and while I never wore them as swim I have worn them as underwear. They were prob the best made jock I ever wore
- Bike Discontinues #10 Jock – It was a sad day when I learned from Jockstrap Central the #10 jock was being discontinued. This is a classic that all guys should have in their underwear drawer.
There are too many more to mention. Just about every company has their jock. So no matter what your love you can find a jock in that color or fabric! So which kind of jock lover are you? Are you an old school guy? Or Do you love the new? Or a mix of both? Let us know!
Alex is back with another amazing video review. This time he’s reviewing the Crochet Empire Jockstrap. You may remember the Kickstarter we promoted in Novebmer. Well this is one of those hand made jocks. Enjoy the review!
Underwear Nation has gone fetish on this shoot! Fetishwear is really starting to go more mainstream. Will it be 100% mainstream, we’ll see but more and more are accepting of it. This month the featured brand is Cellblock13. Jerrad did an amazing job on these. We will have more for you soon!
Let’s face it we’re not all 20 something’s forever. Eventually we all grow older and move beyond the college years. If you’re like me college was the first time you got to really explore your underwear. You could have been away from home or just had extra money you could spend. The latter was the case for me. I had a job and went to school. At the time it seemed like a lot of money but looking back the extra $50 a week isn’t anything.
I would run out and buy every color in my favorite underwear brands. To me I had to have them all and really started my collection back in these days. It really let me know that I loved briefs, hated boxers and colors were the most important! I went 5 years without owning any white underwear what so ever. I was so over the tighty whities and wanted to express myself.
Flash forward 20 years and this is where I am. Being a “responsible adult” you know have bills to pay, priorities and have to think about your purchases. Well, sometimes I don’t when it comes to Underwear! This brings me to the point of the post. Being a guy over 30 underwear is just as important as it was when I was in my 20’s.
Are there brands or styles a guy of a “certain age” shouldn’t wear? In the world of fashion you get labeled a douche if you’re over 30 and head out in Abercrombie or Hollister apparel. Its made for the younger kids, so they say. But underwear, we have a philosophy here that you should wear what makes you feel comfy and sexy. I don’t think you should be defined by an age. But they say fashion is for the youth!
One thing that sets the over 30 crowd apart is the ability to now spend $20 or more for a pair of underwear. If you’re single you have the expendable income. While a college guy has to think about what to spend the money on.
It has made me think being over 30 we have a local store here that has been known for underwear. When I was younger I’d go in and wouldn’t even enter my mind the guy in the shop would be saying “you shouldn’t be wearing those.” But I went in a few years ago and that’s the vibe I got. It didn’t offend me and I didn’t pay attention to his vibes. I looked at what I wanted and didn’t care what he had to say.
Ever since this happened it made me wonder who else has had this experience? You can go on many “dating” sites and see plenty of men over 30 who still look great. And can wear what ever they want. I have seen plenty of guys over 30 and 40 still wearing swim briefs. I’m working on getting back into swim brief shape! I have worn them this year but to accepting places where no one cares. I wouldn’t hit the beach and be the only on in them like I did when I was 22. At that time I didn’t care and loved the attention!
This is something we are going to explore. More and more guys are getting into fashion and as they age, they should be able to wear what they want. We are going bring you some interviews with industry guys and readers who are over this age to give a few different view points.
Underwear should not only be comfy but I think should give back at times. That is exactly what Garçon Model is doing, they have teamed up with Grupo Ruas e Praças. I spent some time with Garçon Model guys in Vegas. They are really great guys who really have turned their passion into a business. They really impressed me before but now that they are giving back, they are amazing! If you are looking to spend your money on a pair of undies that could make a difference go by the Brazil trunks!
Here is the press release:
Canadian mens underwear brand Garçon Model partners with Brazilian NGO Ruas e Praças to raise money for the street kids of World Cup host city Recife ahead of the 2014 tournament.
With the world’s focus turning to the South American country Garçon Model is re-launching its sell-out Brazil national flag coloured trunks in time for the event.
All profits from the Brazil trunks will be donated to Grupo Ruas e Praças to help support hundreds of Recife’s homeless children living on the streets and exposed to drugs, gangs, prostitution and violence.
The Northeast coastal city is one of Brazil’s most football-mad and home to a new $240 million dollar football stadium 20km from the favelas of Coelhos and Ibura.
“We want guys to show their support for Brazil and enjoy the World Cup but at the same time raise funds and awareness to help educate and inspire the youth, to keep them safe and engaged with society.” – Mehdi Mebarki, Co-founder of Garçon Model
During the month long event Garçon Model’s iconic GM logo will be transformed using the Brazil national flag whilst a documentary film and imagery shot in Recife by photographer Klaus Thymann will be showcased on the garconmodel.com homepage.
#TEMVIDANASRUAS – There is life in the streets
The film and imagery shot by Klaus Thymann over four days in Recife highlights the courage, talent and dreams of some of the children that the money raised will go to help by funding arts and cultural projects to build positive lives off the streets.
The campaign is part of The International Exchange program which brings together NGO’s from developing countries and communications professionals, and was funded by City of Good – an initiative set-up by Nicolas Jayr from ad agency BBH London.
Garçon Model Brazil Trunks
$34 / £22 / €26 via garconmodel.com
Tom Cullis does amazing work for Timoteo! This is the Double Cross Jock brief. It just is a great team work by Timoteo and Tom, every image they have is awesome!
If you are a boxer fan, this weeks Baskit $12 Tuesday is for you. The Active Boxer Short is the pair you can get for just $12 today. If you get this or want some more deals, go to the specials page!
Joe Snyder is about to release another campaign very soon. We got some really great teaser images for you guys. This is model Daniel Petro photographed by Anibal Velasquez. It’s a very fun campaign! If you’re looking for these find them at MaleBasics
Todd has released his second collection. This is Todd modeling the New Jock from his Todd Sanfield Collection. It retails for $22.50 at his site.
Marek+Richard is one of those companies you can tell really enjoys and has a lot of fun designing underwear. Their designs are very eye catching and not afraid to step outside of the box. This collection was inspired by something you wouldn’t think would make for great underwear. The inspiration is Junk Food. Yes that’s right the stuff we love to eat now is the inspiration for an underwear line. So the new line is called “Junk Collection”
I have heard of a lot of inspirations for underwear but this one is prob one of the most creative. If you aren’t familiar with M+R they are out of Dallas, Texas. Founded by in May 2011 by Neil Marek and Robbie Richard (two boys who met while pursuing fashion degrees at The University of North Texas). In fact, all their stuff is made in the USA.
“YUM! Do fries come with that? Inspired by drive-thru junkies and pizza-faced punks, Junk is a calorie loaded collection that features bold mesh details in a variety of your favorite colors. From cropped tees and calf-sweats to briefs and trunks, Junk offers you a wide range of menu options. So have it your way and remember Marek+Richard doesn’t make it ‘til you order it.”
The there are two things I like about the collection. First, the activewear has an 80’s feel. It’s pretty cool to have the bright colors and almost neon color blocks. M+R has a way of making retro work very well. Second is the jock. Jocks are becoming one of the must have’s for any guy to have in their collection. The use of mesh and also waistband really make it work well!
If you’re interested in finding out more, go to the Marek+Richard site and check out the entire collection.
The pair I am reviewing is a pair of black MyPakage Weekend Boxer Brief. I had never heard of this brand so I was really curious. On the front of the package it mentions keyhole comfort technology, which looked really interesting from description and the picture. When I pulled them from the packaging they were so soft. I don’t remember the last pair of underwear I got that was this soft.
I wore this pair twice. The first day I wore them when I went to work. I was curious how the “keyhole comfort technology” would feel. It is some elastic that your bits fit inside. I must say I wasn’t that impressed since I didn’t do these justice in the pouch region. This pair is very soft to wear, but I noticed I was having to pull my pants up constantly because they were sliding on the underwear. I wore them to work and the constant readjusting was troublesome. They were comfortable but not the best for work.
The second day I wore them on the weekend when I was just going to be lounging. They were extremely comfortable and seemed to perform better when I wasn’t as active. Though once again I wasn’t filling the pouch area and so the keyhole comfort technology didn’t do much for me.
This pair is a size small that covers a 28 to 30 inch waist. I am a 28 to 29 inch waist and have a bubble butt so normally have no issue. The waist of the pair fit me perfectly, it stayed in place and looked good. The rest of the boxer brief seemed loose on me, even on the butt. Normally my butt stretches all pairs but this pair had some extra room on the butt. These felt more boxer like to me than boxer brief. This pair is made of 95% modal and 5% spandex which makes them so soft. I love how that material felt against my skin.
Pros:
- Super comfortable material
- Waistband stayed in place
Cons:
- Pouch was too roomy for me
- Fit more like boxers
- Caused my pants to slide down some
Ratings
- Daily Fit – 7
- Sizing – 8
- Construction/Material – 9
- Styling – 8
- Daily Performance – 7
- Overall – 7.8
MyPakage furnished this pair for review.
I LOVE that men’s underwear makers have started using crowd funding sites to get their lines out! Its a great way to let the consumers vote with their money. The latest to enter this market is ZPHELA. If you haven’t heard of them they are, as they say: “a brand is focused on Men’s underwear and lounge wear. A brand that is bold, sexy, tasteful, and tempting yet refreshingly classy. The sexiness of our products is not intended to attract raw carnality, it is rather refined into sensuality to arouse and excite the senses. Zphela intends to push boundaries, make bold statements, while creating long lasting aesthetic of men’s underwear and loungewear that extends beyond the status quo, translating into bold irresistible statements . ”
They are a new brand but the new Dark Horse collection looks pretty cool. I suggest you guys go check out out and be a part of starting a new company! Here is the write up of the campaign:
To get to the final phase of our launch, Zphela is looking for assistance with further funding needs. To make this possible we have designed and developed a Limited Edition Collection, with over 100 design combinations. The full collection will only be available to 100 individuals.
Zphela strives to provide customers the best quality experience; a top of the line Nylon/ Spandex fabric will be utilized to ensure this lounge collection remains soft, airy, durable, functional, and comfortable for long periods of time in various situations at home or where comfort truly matters.
Considering the unknown potential the public expects from Zphela, “The Dark Horse” became a fitting name for our first lounge collection. The mysterious vibe and complete construction will vary depending on the backers preference, giving them the possibilities of creating something no one else will have.
If you are interested go check out the ZPHELA Kickstarter Campaign
Croota has been releasing quite a few new ranges this year. I think they are really coming into their own. Its great to see a company develop it style over the years and start releasing great line after line and keep growing. The first time we worked with Croota was back in 2009 or 2010. They were just brand new and getting exposure.
The one thing I love hearing about in the men’s underwear market is inspiration. It’s really cool to hear that they got inspired by the dessert. Designers get inspired from the least likely things at times. When you think underwear would you ever think underwear? I know I wouldn’t. But they did and made some amazing underwear.
Here is the press release and info about the brand.
Croota underwear (www.croota.com) has just released two final underwear ranges for the first half of 2014 before it gets ready to release its brand new line of t-shirts. The “Oasis” and “Great Sandy Desert” ranges bring a new cut to men’s trunks! Light and form-fitting, these ‘second skin’ ranges of underwear are made from 95% polyester and 5% elastane.
“Great Sandy Desert” was inspired by the Australian Outback’s great desert landscape. The range features a unique feel and two very distinctive gradient colors called Day Time (Red) and Night Time (Blue). The material is so light it’s as if you’re naked!
The “Oasis” range was inspired by the cool and refreshing feel of an oasis in the middle of the hot, dry Australian desert. This range combines the Croota logo with tribal designs that come in two color variations: Salmon Pink and Bijou Blue. (Pic above)
Both ranges of underwear offer a stretchable fit and are available in two size options (S-M and L-XL). They retail for $22.90 – $22.95.
For more information about Croota, or to make a purchase online, please visit www.croota.com.
Eric has been one of my favorite photographers on the Fitness market. Every time I turn around he’s flying all over the country to shoot the hottest fitness competitors. This picture features David Romano. So check him out at his Facebook Page!
My first review for UNB is a pair of Sly Collective Torn Denim boxer briefs. When I received them in the mail I was excited. When I took them out of the package I was beyond excited. The print is awesome. They really look like a pair of work jeans. You know the pair: your favorite jeans that are worn and torn and perfectly broke in, rips and all.
The material is a cotton/ elastane blend. The waist band is snug but not too binding. The logo is flashy and fun too. Before I tried them on the first time I laundered them. I washed them in cold and dried them on the cool setting. The color and shape didn’t change.
I wore them to work to give them a real test. I do a lot of walking and climbing of stairs. These boxer briefs didn’t ride up or pinch in the crotch. I often find that the legs of boxer briefs ride up as the day goes on but the Sly boxer briefs didn’t move. I also do a lot of lifting and bending at work and they never were uncomfortable. During the day I kept thinking of the awesomely fun underwear I had under my actual favorite comfy jeans. They are fun and sexy at the same time.
One fun little feature of these underwear is a small pocket on the right leg. It’s the ideal size for a pocket watch, or, a condom perhaps. The little pocket was just one more great feature on what has quickly become one of my favorite pair of underwear.
I have worn them three times since I received them in the mail. I have laundered them four times and the print didn’t fade at all and they have kept their shape. I have found in the past that printed underwear doesn’t always last but these are holding up great.
The underwear is a size medium and the size is accurate. They cover a size 32 to 34 inch waist. I have somewhat athletic thighs and the leg openings were not so tight that they cut into my legs.
Pros:
- Great material
- Amazing print
- Comfortable, from the beginning of the day to the end of the day
- Great fit for your butt and crotch
- Stands up after washing and wearing several times
- Pocket watch/condom pocket
Cons:
- I only have one pair so far.
- But really, I cannot think of a con with this underwear
Ratings:
- Daily fit – 10
- Sizing – 10
- Construction/Material – 10
- Styling – 10
- Daily Performance – 10
- Overall – 10
I recommend you guys give the Sly Torn Denim Boxer Brief a try. If you are not a boxer briefs kind of guy these will change your mind and make a believer out of you. This pair was furnished for review by Sly Collective.
Cellblock13 has really entered the fetish market. The new G-Force collection has a mesh pouch and a cup. Its one of the few times that I have see a cup in fetishwear form a brand. Check out the video and we’ll have more about the line soon!
The PetitQ boys sent over some great pics. Some we can’t show here (they are without PetitQ, and naked). but They took these pics at Indulge resort in Palm Springs. We hopefully will have some reviews from them soon!
When I”m in Vegas I always, ALWAYS get Gelato. It prob is one of my favorite things in the world. Here in ATL there are few places to get it, that are really good. So when aussieBum releases a range called Gelato, they have my attention. To mix two favorite things how could it go wrong?
The new range is a cotton range made in really fun colors. The names are inspired by gelato flavors. The colors are: Bubblegum (blue), Berry (purple), Blue Berry (light blue), Melon (pink), Espresso (Black), Cherry (red), Mint (Green), Licorice (Navy). All really fun colors. The styles that are available are a brief and Jock.
One thing I like, besides the main name is the waistband. aB has amazing waistbands. They always create new ones to match the undies they come out with. So this one is super fun and is similar to ones they have had in the bast but really set off the pair. The second thing I love is the contrasting trim on the legs. So often that is either the same color but it adds a little something to the pair.
These are available at the aussieBum site for $15 for the jock and $18.29 for the brief. These are some of the more affordable pairs from them. So def check these out if you’re a fan!
If you’re a boxer brief fan you need to check out Xtremen Underwear. They are a brand out of Columbia that has a few briefs but mainly trunks, boxer briefs and long boxers. They are sexy and fun and come in solids, stripes and patterns. If you can’t find them at a retailer they are on Amazon.
Nasty Pig has released their Spring/Summer 2014 video. The video features clothing but also their underwear. Nasty Pig has really increased stuff outside the world of underwear!
Alexander Cobb is back with some more great pics. They have been producing a ton of pictures lately. This time they feature their model David by the lake. We hope you enjoy. If you’re not familar with them here is some info, and more pics below:
Men’s underwear brand Alexander Cobb® is setting new trends in garments industry through its revolutionary underwear products. Recently introduced underwear product by the brand has gained men’s attention around the world, which is driven by creativity perceived its products. Through its high standards of productions, this brand has managed to manufacture special fabric with original tattoos consisted of micro capsules, which are filled with strawberry fragrance. These micro capsules work with skin contact, and produce sweet strawberry fragrance that lasts for approximately 30 washes. Regarding the micro capsules, researchers have declared that there is no side effect or skin infection associated with these micro capsules. Other than sweet and strawberry aroma filled capsules, the fabric used in these underwear products ensure the comfort, smoothing and freshness for consumers.
Ready for something sexy? Check out the Baskit $12 Tuesday. This week the Ribbed Jock Brief is the $12 pair. It’s one of their more popular pairs and is super sexy. Check out this and all the other pairs on sale at the Specials page on the Baskit Site.
Garcon Model wants to know more about the men’s underwear market. They have a survey you can fill out right now. If you are familiar with their brand all the better! Go give them some feedback – https://www.surveymonkey.net//s/garconmodel
I was recently was given the opportunity to test wear a pair of trunks from the Sly Collective. Sly Collective is a new brand in my collection. I had never heard of them prior to them showing up in my mailbox. I was very pleased with my first time wearing them. The fit and wear was very comfortable. I was told that these wear trunks, but I would say that better fit the description and cut of boxer briefs. While I do not know the exact measurement specifications for trunks versus boxer briefs. I feel this pair better fits in the boxer brief category. There is a very distinct difference between Sly’s trunks and boxer briefs, so making the right choice is easy. Browsing the website of Sly reveals that they have a wide variety of colors and patterns. They also offer a small selection of briefs if that is your preferred cut of underwear. I would encourage you to browse the website of Sly Collective and see for yourself.
I took Sly Collective on a test wear during a normal day in my life. There was nothing uncomfortable about them from the moment I first donned them until I removed them at the end of the day. The sign of a good fitting pair is the not knowing you have them on and Sly did that for me. Often times you have to readjust the leg placement or fix a wedgie. Sly required no adjustment at all. I wore them while doing extensive walking and also during some seated time in a vehicle. Getting out of a car will usually mean having to pull the legs down on a pair of trunks or boxer briefs. Again, not with Sly as they stayed right where they were supposed to. I call into question the longevity of the legs and their ability to keep the underwear where they belong after normal wear and tear.
Since I was given a pair of trunks to review the size I wore was small. I follow a general rule of thumb that when I wear trunks or boxer briefs I go with smalls. This rule has suited me well and in the case of Sly Collective also holds true. The measurements for the small size is 30 to 32 inches. I would say that this sizing is very true to reality. If you consider yourself to be a small then ordering a small in Sly would not disappoint. I would definitely consider myself a small in Sly Collective trunks and boxer briefs.
Considering that the Sly Collective trunks I reviewed were more along the lines of boxer briefs than trunks. I still rather liked them. As I mentioned before I wore them during a normal day and did not know I had them on. They required no adjustment throughout the day and stayed in place from beginning to end. The material was soft and waistband was the perfect size. The bands on the bottom of the legs were tight enough to hold the legs in place not so tight they made the underwear uncomfortable. They even included a cute little pocket on the leg in which to hide a small item. This a catchy feature that makes them unique and fun. I have no real complaints of Sly Collective. I still stand by my original belief though that they would better fall into the category of boxer briefs. That is a small issue in the grand scheme of things. All in all a great pair of underwear that I strongly recommend checking out. I know I’ll be shopping for another pair, briefs this time.
Pros:
- Soft comfortable fabric
- Strong leg bands to hold in place
- Unique pocket feature to set them apart
Cons:
- Better suited to the boxer brief category
Ratings:
- Daily Fit – 8
- Sizing – 8
- Construction/Material – 9
- Styling – 8
- Daily Performance – 8
- Overall – 8
Sly Collective furnished this pair of underwear for review. They retail for $20 at the Sly Collective site.