Two recent UNB reviewers, Martin Taylor & Andrew Sullivan, jumped on an Atlantis cruise out of San Juan to the Southern Caribbean. They spent the week relaxing by the pool and dancing their nights away, all the while sending us some photos of their super fun outfits and swimwear. After some reviews and social media posts, we’ve had so many readers ask about the cruise that we’ve conducted a Q&A with Martin about his experience.

• White Party- 1st look: White harness with white mesh jock and white garter. 2nd look: Garcon Model white and gold harness and matching underwear.
• Out there Space Theme: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
• Call of the Wild Theme: Boy Scout
• Classic Disco: Our group did The Village People…I was the cowboy.
• Dog Tag: We were sailors

Jocks have been around for over 100 years. They started out for athletes and in the 70’s it came to the gay fetish world. The 80’s saw some advancement to the style. It was available in colors. The colors were mainly black, red and blue. However, there were brands making other colors. It wasn’t until the late 2000’s that jocks really went more “mainstream.” I called 2009 the year of the jock. Every brand had them and they were no longer work out/athletic gear but a pair of fashion underwear.

Since 2009 the jock isn’t in as many collections. In the world of athletics, UnderArmour has taken over and certain sports now don’t even wear the classic style anymore. In our reader polls and through friends of the blog, I have had a few talks with guys (gay, straight, and bi) on the style. It tends to be the gay guys who love and still wear the jocks. Now, this is not a scientific study but more of an observation on my part.

Young Guys don’t wear them

I am on a few gear sites and it amazes me how many young guys never owned a jock. When you ask them if they wore them in sports they said they would wear UA gear. It’s more about compression gear than the jock. I remember playing little league and being given my first jock. I have a few friends on the sites who told me when they buy their first jock. Most of the times these guys are buying it for the fetish side and not for everyday wear.

Straight guys prefer thongs

Straight guys have bypassed this pair and gone straight to thongs. I asked one of our long-time readers why this is and he told me that his gf/wife didn’t get them. They think the style is silly. They would rather see their man in a thong. This has been echoed by several guys. On top of that, most of them find the thong sexier than a jock. It’s a matter of preference with them and their partners.

Innovation is being done on the Fetish Side

When you see what innovations are happening in the world of jocks, it’s on the fetish side. Look at brands like Cellblock13, Nasty Pig, 4 Hunks and AD Fetish. Each of these brands has some of the best jocks on the market. Timoteo’s Cellblock 13 has fully embraced fetish and been making neoprene jocks with matching harnesses. Which are super hot, well to me. Then you have Nasty Pig making jocks for fetish and fashion. They have done many colors, prints and more. And one that is really making statements is 4 Hunks. They are mixing elastic and mesh! (We will some reviews on them soon). Lastly is the new kid on the block Addicted Fetish.

Is the Jock just for Fetish or does it have a future?

I don’t think the jock is done yet. There are guys who still love the pair and it’s all they wear. It’s always had a place in the fetish world and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Like other things in life, it all happens in cycles. Just the way boxers/boxer briefs are popular, we will swing the other direction. Plus, there are still lots of brands making the pair. Such as C-IN2, JOR, Cocksox and more. I think we will have three areas. The first will of course be Fetish. The second will still be old school athletic jocks in athletics. And the last will be fashion.

If you have an opinion, let us know!

Did you know you could be buying Underwear wrong! Well, not that you’re doing the transaction wrong but rather some habits you have maybe costing you money and leaving you with underwear that you may not like, oh let’s face it, undies you hate! 

We came up with five mistakes guys make when buying underwear. I’m guilty of these myself. If you’re in a hurry and not looking, you can do any number of these 

Getting the Wrong Sizing 

The first mistake and probably the biggest is not looking at the size chart and ordering the wrong size. If you buy all your undies from a brand you know and love, this is less of an issue. However, if you buy from overseas or a new brand, ALWAYS check the size guide. Not all brand have a medium as a 32-inch waist. I have seen some brand where a 32 is an XL! 

Make it a habit to check the size guide for all brand you wear. It will make sure that if you get an incorrect size, it will be on the website and not you! 

Fabric composition  

I have done this one. You see a pair that is super hot. It’s everything you want in a pair. The color, waistband, and cut. It’s like it fell from underwear heaven just for you. You quickly order it. But once it comes in the mail, you realize that its a fabric blend you don’t like. Such as polyester with not a lot of give in the fabric. 

You go back to the site and look and see that the fabric was listed and you didn’t pay attention because you wanted that pair. I have had several pairs of these over the years! 

Unknowingly buying Knockoffs

This is a more recent one. If you buy from a brand or well-known underwear retailers, this will be less of an issue. If you buy from sites that are a conglomeration of sellers, you could run into this problem. Most big brands have knock-offs on sites big and small. One named after a river in South America. 

These pairs are usually way under the cost of the brand’s website. The quality of the fabric and construction are way less. As the old saying goes “You get what you pay for.” If you find a pair of Andrew Christian for $3 online, buyer beware. If you buy from these sites, make sure you’re buying directly from the brand or a seller you know and trust. 

Not reading the care instructions

One thing that isn’t pointed out as much as it should be is care instructions. There are so many pairs out there that look amazing on the site but tell you to hand wash and air dry. A lot of guys don’t have the time to do this and stick them in the washing machine, only to have them degrade or be destroyed in the washing machine. 

A lot of stores have the care instructions at the very bottom or on another tab on the page. If you buy lace, silk, leather or similar fabric. Check the care instructions before you buy. 

Buying styles out of habit 

The last one is for those guys who have always worn boxer briefs. It’s not venturing out and trying something new. Or could be said the same for any style. It’s important to try something out of your comfort zone. One thing that I discovered I like a lot are the longer, athletic boxer briefs. When I work out the support is great as is the support. I never thought I would enjoy them. On the other end, I enjoy some thongs too. 

Try new things and don’t fall into just one style. Enjoy all that underwear has to give! 

These are our five mistakes, what mistakes do you guys see other guys, or yourself, making

Guys come to this blog for some of the best underwear on the planet. From thongs to boxer briefs and everything in between, is what you guys want. Lately, it’s been a lot of thongs and skimpier gear. Bikinis have always been popular but there has been a big resurgence in thongs. This is not just gay guys but straight guys are loving the thong. So, you have a great underwear collection, but want to branch out a little, what gear is next? Glad you asked. I started my journey with undies but love a lot. Here are a few of my favorites. I have them divided up for guys who want to step out and try the waters. To those who have some experince, to those who are into it or just want to jump in the deep end:

Swim Briefs – Intermediate

A natural transgression from undies is swim briefs. Yes, we have out annual Swim Brief Challenge, but not everyone is convinced to try them. Imagine how amazing your bikinis and briefs feel every day. Now imagine you could have that same feeling on the beach. Amazing support along with a fit you love. Try the traditional Speedo and TYR brands most swimmers and divers wear. These won’t show off too much for a beginner and has a great fit. After you try them move on to more brads.

Singlets/Spandex – Moderate

This is my all-time favorite. Singlets that is but we include spandex as well. I currently have about 15-20 singles. They were not the first spandex gear I bought but they are my favorite. The look and feel of them make them amazing. Mix that with the fact you don’t have to wear anything under them. Granted, you could wear a jock, brief or thong under them. Singlets are no longer for HS and college wrestling. It’s entered the world as fetishwear. You can get the full cut collegiate style to cut-outs in the front or back for fun time. It all depends on what you like.

Spandex includes more than just singlets. Runners, shorts, and shirts are other gear to look at buying. Since the introduction of UnderArmour, compression and just workout gear made from spandex are having a renaissance of sorts. It’s made it main stream to rock a spandex shirt to the gym. Or wear compression shorts to the gym under your shorts. One reason I love this gear is that it gives you a lot of support when working out. There are more and more brands to try. UA is one of the most expensive but check around for different brands.

Fetishwear – Advanced

Last is fetishwear. I”m not talking underwear fetishwaear. I’m talking leather, rubber, and latex. Leather has been around for almost forever I think. It’s been relegated to gay men but the straight world is taking notice and starting to get into harnesses, chaps and jocks. Plus, you’re no longer a freak for wearing leather. I say go have fun with it! I have a few pieces and want more. Just be warned it’s addictive and way more than undies.

Start small in this with a harness or jock. Then see how you like it and grow the collection. Make sure you involve your significant other in the fetishwear. If you don’t have a SO, well then go explore and have fun. Once you get into looking at fetishwear it will grow exponentially. Let that side you resist come out and play!

Recommendations

1. If you love undies, branch out and explore more
2. Get competitive style swim briefs if you want to step out on a limb before committing
3. To go a bit wilder, explore spandex. Singlets, runners, shorts, and more! It’s not too expensive to buy.
4. If you want to plunge into the deep end, go right or the leather/latex/rubber gear. Let that freak flag fly high and proud.
5. Don’t let anyone discourage you from trying something you want to wear. Go have fun regardless of size, shape, or body type. Be who you are!

Have you been thinking about trying out one of Joe Snyder’s Bulge bikinis or thongs? If so head on over to Joe Snyder and take advantage of the Bulgetastic sale they have going on right now! If you want something with that doesn’t show off quite as much they’ve got you covered there too with more modest boxer style suits. Joe Snyder offers all of their suits in numerous color options and sizes for all men. If you are unfamiliar with Joe Snyder’s Bulge line, take a look at my reviews of the Bulge Bikini, Bulge Tanga, and Bulge Briefs. Let me know what you think if you try a pair!

Let me start this post by asking, do you remember if aussieBum ever made a thong before? I am racking my brain and since 2008 I don’t recall them ever making a thong in either underwear or swim. If they have made one it’s been years ago! This makes me hesitant to say this is their first thong. Simply because I’m not sure.

The new line is made for those who want to show more skin. To do that the styles are a jock brief and a thong. Which they call a G-string. Both of these styles look awesome. The fabric looks super comfy. They say it’s a silky smooth second skin feel. The fabric is an 85% Nylon 15% Elastane blend.

The colors in this line are Neutral and black. They kind of fit the nude feel of the line. I, personally, am not a huge thong fan. I like them but unlike other members of UNB they aren’t my favorite for everyday wear. After seeing this one, I really want it. There is something about the design that speaks to me and I think it would be super comfy.

I say this new line should be on your MUST buy list. However, there is one downside you must know. These are machine washable but they do not recommend you tumble dry them. That means air dry. Many pairs out there is air dry or hand wash now. It really depends on how much you want this pair.

You can find this pair and many more on the aussieBum site. Plus some amazing swim such as the classic Aussie nylon swim briefs.

Fetishwear is ever evolving in the world of men’s underwear. It used to just be leather and mesh, but in the last few years more brands are producing fetish underwear and gear. Gone are the days where you would find the fetish gear in the back pages of magazines. Now it’s front and center and both gay and straight guys are wearing it! Here are the top Fetish types for this year. 

Neoprene

Neoprene is no longer for wetsuits. It has been on the rise. It has a few advantages. The first is the shape. You can create a silhouette that will enhance what you have. It can be made into jocks, briefs and more! Brands that have embraced the fabric are BodyAware, Cellblock 13, and Cocksox.

Lace

Lace has gone from an unheard of fabric to one of the most popular in men’s underwear. The mixture of masculine and feminine is what I think most guys love. It’s the wearing of the forbidden fabric.  There isn’t any style not made in lace, although the popular pairs are, of course, thongs, bikinis, and briefs. In recent years bodysuits are being made in lace. Brands that have embraced lace are BodyAware, PetitQ, Pikante, Andrew Christian and Joe Snyder

Harnesses

One thing I didn’t think would catch on would be harnesses. They have been a staple in the world of leather. However, these harnesses are not made out of leather. Many of them are made out of neoprene and elastic. They come in many different styles. From the traditional cross over the chest, bulldog (just at the top) and shoulder. Some brands sell them separately or tied in with another pair. The brands making harneeses are Cellblock 13, Maskulo, Garcon Model, Andrew Christian

Cod Pieces

This is a new trend in the world of fetishwear. They aren’t exactly new though. Cod Pieces basically pouches that detach. A lot of the times they are padded. They are to enhance the pouch and show off, well that’s my opinion about them! I have noticed more brands starting to make these in their underwear. The most well known is Maskulo. They have mastered the Cod Piece. Other brands using them are the new Mertailor Men, BodyAware and more.

Singlets

Just like codpieces, these aren’t new to the world of fetish. Originally they were made for wrestling. To get them you needed to go to a sporting goods store. Now they are designed for play. With cut-outs in the front and back. Brands are designing them to fit in with their other gear. Including making them with codpieces! If you are a fan, like I am, of the traditional wrestling singlets, they are still around! It’s just a more diverse market now! Brands making them are N2N Bodywear, Barcode Berlin, Andrew Christian, 4 Hunks, and more.

These are 5 of the most popular fetish wear styles of the year. I fully expect each fo these to grow and hopefully get a few new trends happening!

PICTURES:

• Neoprene – BodyAware Bulge Thong
• Lace – PetitQ
• Harness – Garcon Model
• Codpiece – Maskulo
• Singlet – N2N Bodywear