You guys said you love real guys in undies. This is @pleep1 from Twitter. He and his partner are big gear lovers. They constantly post pics of them at the gym and at home in gear. Plus they are super nice guys as well. Head over and check out all their pics on Twitter and say howdy! BTW he’s wearing a Gregg Homme Thong!
We spoke to Ajdin at the last Magic show and thought he would be a great addition to our model profile series which he was happy to do for us. We love that his first gig was an underwear runway show, right up our alley. He continues to share with us his special diet, desire to inspire, and Lady Gaga connection.
UNB Kyle: I am glad that you spoke to UNB at Magic and joined us in this showcase. Tell me how you got started in modeling?
Ajdin: My first gig was walking in an underwear runway show. I got the gig through the agency that I was signed to 
at the time.
Kyle: Starting off in our favorite department, underwear! What made you want to pursue modeling?
Ajdin: People at my gym would come up and tell me to try it but then a friend that was with an agency really suggested his agency multiple times. I thought that it would be really cool to try it but kept dragging it. Each time I saw him, we would talk about it and I would tell him that I’ve been wanting to but haven’t gotten a chance to go in yet since they only did open calls once a month. I finally got a chance to go in on the day that they had the open call and took digitals as well as filled out a form. They interviewed me and said they would e-mail me in two weeks. I ended up getting an email a few days later with a contract offer.
Kyle: Sounds like your friend steered you in the right direction. The agency clearly liked you because they snatched you up very quickly. Since that first day, have you had a breakthrough moment yet?
Ajdin: There’s a few shoots that got me some good exposure but one of the biggest ones had to be playing lead role for a Lady Gaga music video “G.U.Y.” Once the video came out, I was receiving all types of e-mails, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. messages from all types of people. A lot of interviews came in from all kinds of web portals, T.V. networks, radio stations, etc.
Kyle: I don’t doubt you became a big name after that. Part of such a big pop phenomenon will definitely give you so much exposure. What have you done in your career so far that has been a favorite moment?
Ajdin: I don’t know if it’s fair to pick only one so I will list my top 3. One would have to be when I was flown out to Montreal, Canada to be a lead role for an international commercial. I spent a whole week there filming as well as shooting some stills and I loved every moment of it. Another one would be a commercial where I got my racing license and was able to drive an Indy Car on my own at 158 mph. The final and probably my all-time favorite up to date has to be the Lady Gaga shoot because I got to work with her and her complete team. Since my role in the video was to seduce her and it was just me and her on a floatie, we got to know each other really good in between takes and during takes. We had normal conversations where she asked me my name, where I’m from, and other casual questions.
Kyle: Great choices! A little modeling and acting combined in 3 great experiences. I’m sure the music video was quite an experience and something you would think would be out of this world but probably felt very intimate and comfortable just talking like two normal people. What have you found challenging in your shoots?
Ajdin: One of the most challenging ones was a stop motion shoot I did for an app that will soon be available. It was a shoot that took over 12 hours to do. It was all still shots that were put into a motion and made into a commercial. Took forever to do and was dragging but I had a blast doing it.
Kyle: That does sound like a very tiring but rewarding day. Can’t wait to see what app this is. Now I feel like everyone should have one, what about an embarrassing moment?
Ajdin: I don’t know if I would consider it embarrassing but it was definitely funny to me. I was fortunate enough to be booked as the face for Envy Menswear. We took a couple test shots in the beginning to make sure everything looks how it’s supposed to. As they were looking at the screen to see if everything was how they wanted it, I noticed them talking to one another about something. Couple minutes go by, and they come up to me saying “everything looks great but since we’re working with a black backdrop, the little hairs on your legs and arms are sticking out and it would take forever to remove each piece of hair for the final shots especially since we are shooting the complete line.” They ended up making a trip to the store to buy me shave necessities and after about 30 minutes or more in the bathroom, I walked out with shaven legs and arms along with quite a few cut marks since it was my first time ever completely shaving legs and arms. They also had two ladies shaving my gluteus maximus which was also a first for me.
Kyle: Feeling like a new man that day, or at least a smoother man! That was nice of you to take one for the team
and do what needed to be done for the shoot. Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Ajdin: I’m pretty sure that every fitness and underwear model will agree with me that the dream client to work with would be Calvin Klein, There’s a ton of other companies I would love to work with including Men’s Health, Nike, Adidas, Reebok and many more. We will see what happens.
Kyle: I see you in those sporty mainstream lines. Can’t wait for the dream to become a reality for you. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Ajdin: I was born and raised in Bosnia and Hercegovina, lived in Michigan for 15 years before moving to LA so my accent can be unique sometimes. Also, I tend to use my Snapchat quite a bit. I try to get a lot of behind the scenes at my shoots, gym updates, selfies, funny clips, and other random stuff that I see on the daily.
Kyle: You just gave me an idea for a new post here on UNB. We will have to talk about some of those behind the scenes and selfies! Your body looks great! What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Ajdin: I have a customized diet I created for myself and been using it for a couple years now. I eat my breakfast which is two parts, 4 of the prepared meals that I always have ready for me, and then for dinner I do a salad with either tuna or chopped up grilled chicken. I drink a gallon+ of water every single day. I slow down a lot couple days before and the day before and during shoot, I only drink when I absolutely have to.
Kyle: Quite a routine you have there. But clearly it pays off and you look incredible. When you aren’t so strict on yourself, what is your favorite cheat meal?
Ajdin: In N’ Out and Chipotle is a priority after my shoots. It’s tradition upon completion of my job 😉 When I am visiting Michigan, there’s quite a bit of cheat meals which are usually all Bosnian foods that my mom makes or that I get when we go out to eat.
Kyle: I love that you have treat completion meals after a shoot. Nice tradition to have. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Ajdin: I have to make it the best shoot possible.
Kyle: Well since you have been doing underwear since your first runway show you probably are very comfortable. Speaking of underwear, what do you like outside of shoots? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Ajdin: 75% trunks and boxer briefs and 25% briefs.
Kyle: Pretty standard choices among many men. What is the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Ajdin: There’s been a few crazy ones but if the Borat one piece counts as underwear then that one is definitely the craziest I’ve ever worn and it was for a campaign I did.
Kyle: Haha that iconic piece of underwear. I am sure that was the one and only time you have worn that. What are your goals for your career?
Ajdin: I will continue to push myself to keep booking shoots whether they are print, commercial, music videos, etc. I’m always trying my best to push others and motivate them to chase their dreams because with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. It’s an amazing feeling when I get an e-mail or a message on social media from other people (a lot of times people I don’t even know) saying that I’ve been inspiring them and proving to them that anything is possible.
Kyle: I love that you want to inspire people. We get many comments on these profiles from aspiring models who appreciate the feedback that you share. Finally, what is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career that you want to pass on to those reading this profile?
Ajdin: The best advice that I get is from my mom and from the motivation quotes. I’ve been looking up and coming up with my own motivational quotes for a while now and it’s the first thing I turn to if I’m having a bad day or if I haven’t booked for a while.
Check out more of Ajdin Sefer below:
Ajdin Sefer Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
This is something that everyone wants to know. Retailers, brands and other guys. We all want to know what people want in underwear. Our Reader Survey asked you guys this question. The results were not included in our initial report released Tuesday. We had to manually tabulate the responses. We have more results to deliver soon!
What are the top 5 things guys want in Underwear?
Fabric – this was the top reason 47% of guys mentioned this was their top reason for choosing underwear. This could be they like a certain fabric. Many expressed that they like cotton, modal and other fabric blends. Others want fabric that wick moisture or can be used when active. On the other end of the scale fabric also will rule a pair out. One respondent said he hated 100% cotton pairs. Regardless of what most of you look for fabric that is comfortable and feels great is the main factor you use to rule in or out a pair of undies.
Pouch – This one really surprised me. I was’t expecting this to rank so hight. 27% of you guys want a pouch that fits. You maybe thinking that guys want a bigger pouch. Our readers have a mix many wanted larger pouches that fit them but others hate a ‘floppy’ pouch. Oversized pouches are a big turn off for many guys. We included support in this category since it’s related. Underwear that gives great support is something all guys want. This is one of my biggest criteria that the pouch fit me and also give amazing support.
Color – Its a Wonderful Wold of Color and we want it in our underwear. This one didn’t surprise me at all. Most of our readers love color and want to show it off. In fact 24% of you think it’s a deciding factor into getting underwear. This also include patterns. Which is one of the biggest trends in men’s underwear. Included in color are guys who only want certain colors. We do have readers who only like black, white or another color. I say wear what you love! Color is a personal choice we all make so go with what makes you happy and feel sexy!
Cut – This one is a bit more tricky. Many described this as the way the underwear fits you. Where as a few more described this as different styles. 23.5% of you guys mentioned this as a major factor. Styles such as boxer brief, brief, bikini and such. Did if fit you well or did is loose its shape. Some brands make cuts that are better than others and we have to do some research to what fits us best! Some like briefs with wider leg openings while others mentioned the length of boxer brief legs. The way the underwear is made is another big factor! More mentioned the way the underwear was made over which style they preferred.
Style – This isn’t the bikini, brief or thong kind of style. This is the fashionable look of the pair. Is it interesting and fun? Around 15% of you specifically mentioned this as a factor. Style could be guys who love a classic cut or want something cutting edge. Fashion plays a big part of this and not many wanted boring underwear. A few guys mentioned they loved innovative underwear designs. Underwear is another way for us to express ourselves and our fashion. I am not a fashion forward guy in everyday wear but love undies that are. You guys want something new, exciting and fashionable!
These are the top 5 criteria you look for in new underwear. I have to say I thought sizing would come in higher. It came in 6th as a criteria. So what are we going to do with this information? The first thing is to redo our reviews to include this going forward. I have been looking for new things to include and these are amazing. We already include sizing but we will in corporate the rest of them coming up soon!
This survey was a lot of fun. As I have mentioned it has been the survey that had the most respondents. I think thats because we asked about what you guys like and don’t like, rather than about the site. You guys love talking undies and sharing with us and I love it. I am definitely going to keep the conversation going. Those who expressed an interest in our Focus Group those emails will be going out next week. It will be more information and how things will move forward.
Thanks to everyone who participated this year We will have another survey next year, who knows we may start doing them 2x a year!
This is the first time we have revealed out reader survey results. Mainly because we have always asked about UNB and not about you guys. So this year we want to know what you guys love and what is your passion in underwear, swimwear, eroticwear and spandex.
This was the biggest turn out we have ever had in a survey. You guys really loved sharing your love of undies and we love it! It will help us draft new content that you guys will find valuable. With out further talking let’s get on to the results, which is what you came to see.
Before we go into those, one last thing. We have great mix of gay, straight and bisexual guys. We have a lot more of the later than I ever thought which is awesome. When I first started 7 years ago I never thought we would have such a big bi/straight guy fan base! 
How many pairs of underwear do you guys have? You guys about 20-60 pairs a piece with a few having 60-120 pairs (23%). I thought we would have more guys with massive collections. But that requires space for all the undies and not many have that kind of drawer space.
How often do you guys buy underwear? I was surprised we didn’t have one person answer every day! But almost 50% of you buy a few times a month. The rest guy a few times a year. Shopping almost have do their shopping online. If you are shopping in person the top three store are Underwear Specialty stores, Department stores and Close Out stores are the most shopped by our readers
Do you wear more than one pair a day? It was something we hear every so often and it’s almost 50/50. 53% of you wear more than one pair of underwear a day. That could be going to the gym, changing throughout the day.
What Styles do you guys love? This question we allowed more than one answer or you could choose them all! The most popular style is a Brief. Almost 70% of you wear them. The remaining top 5 are Boxer Brief, Trunk and Jock and Bikini tied for 5th. Don’t worry a thong wasn’t too far behind!
Have you ever worn a swim brief? This has been a running question on the blog and 74% of you have worn them! The next question ties in to this one is what style of swim wear do you wear now
Surprisingly the Brief is top of our charts at 36%. Followed by Shorts and Trunks almost tied. Shorts are at 22% and Trunks at 21%. The board short number still surprised me it was that high. Thongs are still the smallest in number of guys wearing and size! Yeah I had to put that in
Do you guys like singlets and Spandex? The biggest answer is No, which again surprised me. But when you combine the other numbers it is close. You guys like singlets and spandex. It’s more split than undies but there is still guys out there who are just undies lovers. On the converse 66% of you love eroticwear. So I”m sure many of you erotic lovers love spandex as well. I knew you guys loved erotic wear but didn’t think it would be so high!
Do you like real guys or models? This is a question we always ask internally. I have always thought a mix is best for the blog. And I was right in thinking this 52% of you guys want a mix of models, real guys and up and coming models. Then there are the 32% who want real guys over models. Well we are “real guys real underwear”
What size are you guys? Over 2/3 of you guys are Large and Mediums. With Mediums being the most common size on the blog. This was one I figured would look this way. Not too many small and XL and more mediums and Larges.
We hope you enjoy this look at results. Myself and the staff will use this to come up with new ideas for the blog and content. Fell free to always email us and give us feedback on the blog. We love hearing from you guys! And thanks for filling out our Survey!
As we posted last week, David Benjamin is the face of Cellblock 13 for the next year. We got the chance to talk to him about this new project and what the year will hold. We also talked to him about underwear. Here is the interview:
UNB: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. This past month Timoteo announced you would basically be the face of the Cellblock13 brands. How did this arrangement come about?
DB: First, thanks for asking me to sit down with you! I’m really pleased to have the chance to talk about this new collaboration with Timeteo and CellBlock13, as well as introduce myself to readers of UnderwearNewsBriefs.com!
I first met Timeteo Ocampo, the Founder and Creative Director of Timeteo, last year during a photo shoot in their LA offices.
We hit it off immediately and had a long talk about the need for an underwear line made for mature, sexually confident men. I told him how I hated walking into stores only to find rows of poorly constructed, candy-colored jocks featuring weird pouches and even weirder cutouts. He told me how he designed CellBlock13 for men who were comfortable in their own skin and looking for well constructed, playful, sexy underwear.
After seeing the proofs from our shoot together, I approached Timeteo about partnering with CellBlock13 as their first-ever exclusive model. To my surprise he said yes, and the rest is history!
UNB: It sounds like you had a great time working with Timoteo. What about that first shoot made you want to be the “face” of Cellblock 13?
DB: I had, and continue to have, an amazing working relationship with Timoteo. He is a creative man, a businessman, and a decent guy. He’s exactly the kind of man I love to work with: creative, intelligent, and thoughtful.
During that first shoot together, Timoteo and I talked extensively about trends in not just underwear and the adult industry, but also in the gay community at large. We both agreed that all three are on the cusp of movement towards embracing a more masculine, mature esthetic. We further agreed that the trend for young muscle guys and twinks was waning.
Both of us talked about how our friends were starved for clothes, models, and a culture that embraced a more masculine and mature sexuality: Clothes designed for and flattering of men, not boys; porn featuring men enjoying passionate sex, rather than youthful boys cavorting; and a culture that honored and respected a new generation of men who are not interested in recapturing their youth, but rather in exploring the benefits and privileges of maturity.
I knew that Timoteo and CellBlock13 had the design sensibility I wanted to represent, and I believed that I was the right kind of model to represent that sensibility. Being “hot” will always be important, but the defining feature of CellBlock13 and me is that we are both “sexy”. And there is a difference between being “hot” and being “sexy.” Hot is all about genetics: tall, well-muscled, nice teeth, etc… Sexy on the other hand is all about attitude…being “sexy” is about how you interact with your environment. That kind of awareness is usually lost on youth, and more often seen in people who possess a measure of maturity. Exp. Megan Foxx is “hot” Amal Clooney is “sexy.”
So with that in mind, I asked Timoteo if they would be interested in signing an “exclusive” model. He said, that since they were a relatively new brand, they had never tried it before – but that they would be willing to discuss it. After meeting with Timoteo again, this time with his staff present, we agreed to a partnership. I couldn’t be more pleased.
UNB: Sounds like you two have a solid foundation for a great year. So what do you guys have planned and what can we expect over the next year? Other than great pics like the ones already released
DB: I hope so! As for the coming year, I’m not sure I have an answer for you. As CellBlock13’s first-ever exclusive model there is no script written that we can follow. From my point of view, I have never been in a partnership like this, so I am unsure what to expect. I can tell you that Timoteo and I will be shooting more photos this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago (He will be there for IML and I will be there attending the Grabbys).
What I do know is that the foundation has been set for a mutually beneficial relationship, and that men in the underwear market who feel that their needs and esthetics are not being addressed will finally have a go-to brand for sexy, fun, and flattering underwear. In fact, they can go and check it out now at www.cellblock13.net!
UNB: What is your favorite style of underwear? (Brief, jock, boxer brief, thong)? Did you have any of the Cellblock 13 before working with Timoteo?
DB I prefer jockeys for daytime, commando for night, and jocks for playtime 😉
As for owning CellBlock13, I actually did have a few pair…as I said, I love the styles, cuts, and colors. They are flattering for a lot of men, me included!
We thank David for his time in this interview. We will be doing some things with him over the year and Cellblock13. Stay tuned for more soon.
It’s always a privilege to talk to someone who has had experience both in front and behind the camera. They can offer so much experience and knowledge to various models and photographers they work with. SILV talks to us about his life in front and behind the camera, his passion for the art he makes, and his unique vision.
UNB Kyle: Thanks for contacting me about being featured in a double feature profile! Let’s start with the 
modeling side. What was your first modeling gig and how did you come to get it?
SILV: My sister is a wonderful photographer, and I used to assist when she had projects in mind. My first collaboration with another photographer came with Sam Cummins, also known as Sam Apple Photography. He was working on some interesting, arty concepts and asked me to be part of it.
Kyle: So there is a gene in the family with this amazing talent I see. What made you want to pursue it all?
SILV: Co-creating with photographers, as I prefer to discuss it, has come from my own interest in photography and ridding of shameful concepts. I dove behind the lens years ago when I began working on my newest book, Toy Soldier. Initially, I thought it would allow me to network and find more individuals willing to pose for me, but then I acknowledged how liberating it has been for me.
The first time I posed nude in front of a camera was the first time I was nude, as an adult, in front of another adult. There was intention in utilizing photography as a means to work on the disconnect with my own body.
Since then, I have realized how important it is for me, being the person that I am, to be doing the work that I do; nude, gender-bending, etcetera.
Kyle: That is a great vision of pictures to portray. You seem to have developed a great comfort in the nude. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
SILV: This photographic journey has been full of excitement and great thematic work. However, the way I see a breakthrough, or epiphany, if you will, is the way I manifest life-changing connections with others. Through this creative path, I have found, met and fallen in love with a few fantastic friends. The first time that happened within the first months of me being in front of the lens consistently, was in San Diego with the man known as Yoga Bear Studios. It was not only my first more-than-one-day photographic extravaganza, and more mainstream session, but I now consider him a wonderful friend.
Kyle: That is great that you have made some lifelong friends and consider those relationships breakthroughs instead of necessarily being on the cover of a magazine as a breakthrough. Have you had a favorite shoot?
SILV: Coño…there have been many wonderful sessions which are favorites. At the moment, anything with Drew’s Pride or Humon Photography. Andrew Graham is one of those magical beings who come along and shake you to the core. He is love, kindness, creativity and passion all in one tall, bearded package. By now, we have such a natural flow which makes the sessions effortless. Peter, Humon, like Andrew, has such a precise eye for detail. Our work together goes from athletic to erotic; somber to silly.
However, I will say the first session with Yoga Bear was pretty stellar. I remember seeing this image of me in jeans, a tank top, and a cap hanging from this train and thinking ‘holy vegan cupcakes, Batman, I feel like a Colt model!’. I do not know exactly why that was a fun thing to feel, but it was. I guess my twelve year-old self was thinking of sneaking Steve Kelso photographs through my dial-up connection and basking in his confident, nude glory.
Kyle: What a great feeling! I can imagine the joy, excitement, and feelings you get when you are on set or see some of these finished results. What has been challenging about some of your shoots?
SILV: The concept of challenging myself is always present. Physically and creatively challenging myself is part of the charm of it all. However, I find it challenging when I rely on others to convey something that I am doing usually alone with the photographer. My first time posing with another model was very much about learning how to convey an emotion considering yet another person. Not to mention any outdoor session where there are spectators. I have yet to figure whether I am a true exhibitionist. I am leaning toward no.
Kyle: Spectators can definitely be a little nerve wracking for photo shoots. Probably taking up some of your focus. I love this part; how about the most embarrassing photo shoot situation as a model and as a photographer?
SILV: As a photographer, I have a few interesting stories. There was an instance with a vegetable in some one’s anus. That is the end of that story. But mostly, I found amusing the amount of men I photographed who felt they had to ejaculate at the end of the session because they could not handle it. One of the first men who did that said to me ‘could you give me a few minutes?’ and proceeded to guide me outside of my own space.
As a model, the only time I am timid is when I am holding a pose in a forest, lake or beach and there are one or two men lurking from a distance staring. As I said above, I do not appear to be interested in that energy at the moment.
Kyle: Those are definitely some crazy moments. You definitely see everything as a photographer and model. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
SILV: It often does feel like the first time. Especially when not having worked with a photographer before. In a way, it is like making love with someone. I am nude, they see all of me, and eventually I begin revealing my emotional side through poses and concepts. Knowing this, I simply hope that the photographer reveals herself or himself to me so that there is an amount of reciprocity.
Kyle: I like that. That is a good comparison. You have been photographed in underwear and we are an underwear blog so we want to know what you like. Looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
SILV: My underwear drawer is shrinking due to my nudist lifestyle. When looking into it, there are probably 45% trunks, 35% jockstraps, 7% briefs, 7% boxer-briefs, 3% thongs, and 3% bikinis.
Kyle: Good variety thought. And the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
SILV: The craziest thing I have worn was this spider-looking thong-brief hybrid design which had three separate pieces on each side. It was not comfortable, and to be honest, not too appealing.
Kyle: I guess that isn’t one you wear often then! Being in these nude shoots, what kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
SILV: None. Thus far, when I have collaborated with a photographer, we have discussed ideas, intentions and then make it happen. My appearance is part of the charm. So I do not attempt to look a certain way for a session.
Kyle: You have a great look so I think that is part of your brand. So I guess since there is no special diet you don’t have a favorite cheat meal or do you?
SILV: Everything I eat I enjoy. I am very into Ethiopian cuisine at the moment. I find really good places where to reside and visit, and they usually have a great sense of eating. Portland, Oregon has been my main base in the past year and I enjoy eating there; tremendously.
Kyle: You are quite an adventurous man, not only in your style but also your cuisine! Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
SILV: I am open to working with underwear and clothing companies which are diverse and inclusive. Animal-aware and eco-friendly brands would take top priority. You have no idea how many times I have been told that I am not an underwear model due to my shape and amount of body hair.
There are many photographers out there breaking the mold and doing it beautifully. As long as someone is willing to be creative, and seeing photography as a means to make art whilst connecting to one another, I am interested in discussing working with them.
Kyle: It’s great to see someone embrace the “real man.” We love seeing that here at UNB and see you as a great underwear model and photographer. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of this art that you want them to know?
SILV: This is a humorous question to me. If there are individuals out there who are enjoying my photography work: thank you. A lot of individuals may see one frolicking naked in an image and forget that we are more than the purpose of objectifying each other.
I have always enjoyed cultivating my sense of intellect. I began writing and drawing when I was very young and still consider those two to be the base of all the things I do.
Doing nude photography has actually been a tool for me to be able to showcase that outside of being an intellectual, I am also still living and breathing inside my human shell. So, you could say that the sentiment goes both ways.
Kyle: It is refreshing to see someone embrace different so well and represent a whole genre that is needed. What is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your career?
SILV: Seek within to find your strengths and charm. We all have something. Photography is a great tool with which
to find what is special in a person, other animal or thing, and document it.
Kyle: You have done some work behind the camera too? Tell me about how that part of your career started.
SILV: When I began working on Toy Soldier, I wanted to collaborate with a photographer. I had compiled poetry for a few years and was ready to add a visual to my usual process. Eventually, I found myself photographing friends as I composed photography based on drawings and doodles in my notebook.
Kyle: You embrace and showcase art is so many different ways its beautiful. Do you have a preference on whether you are in front or behind the camera? What are the best parts and worst parts of both sides?
SILV: When behind the lens I do not have to compromise my idea or intention. I love a lot of my self-portraits because it was only me and my ideas. However, when I am in front of the lens I have this capacity to be in a moment with someone and, like making love, it is magical.
Kyle: Your attitude towards all of this is so positive and refreshing. Finally, what are your goals for your career?
SILV: Through the process I find that it interests me to showcase my body as a way to inspire others to do it. Perhaps just for the sake of it. But most importantly so that we can all keep exploring and celebrating our differences. My goal is to keep being part of interesting projects which allow me to grow, and hopefully do the same for others.
Check out more of SILV below.
SILV Twitter / Facebook / Toy Soldier / Tumblr
Interested in having your model or photographer profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
Andrew Christian supports a lot of great models and when I saw fresh faced southern boy Jacob Ford he quickly shot high up on my list of models I needed to interview. This genuine man sits down to talk to us about his fun moments with Andrew Christian, work he has done and how he hopes to use his fame and good name to help others one day.
UNB Kyle: It is so great to have the chance to talk with you. Tell me about how your first modeling gig and how you got started with Andrew Christian?
Jacob: My first modeling gig came from Andrew Christian actually! Back in September of 2014. I managed to get a test shoot through a promotion on their Facebook page. They posted an email address to send in photos and I did it! They posted the pictures along with a few other guys and within 12 hrs I had accrued over 30k likes, destroying the competition in all honesty!!! They called me the #truefanspick.
Kyle: I can see why. Beautiful face, great look, and wears the underwear very well. It’s also nice that all of the underwear lovers were choosing you to showcase such a fun brand. What made you want to pursue modeling?
Jacob: It was always something I had wondered about but never knew how to get into it. I started frequenting LA and meeting people, photographers, and other models, things like that. I started making friends with people in the industry, guys like Murray Swanby and Colby Melvin. It all really started to fall into place after that.
Kyle: You put yourself out there, showed ambition, and met the right people. Drive will get you far in your career. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
Jacob: I would say the “breakthrough” shoot for me was the Launch of the AC Blow brand. The first video and photo shoots we did for BLOW was huge! Revolutionary really! Andrew was breaking the underwear mold once again! But the blow pictures were everywhere, and I was blessed to be one of the poster boys. I was in ads all over the Internet, banners, and pop ups on cell phone apps. My face was everywhere!
Kyle: I can imagine the feeling of seeing those pictures everywhere. It must make you feel like you have arrived and your drive paid off. Do you have a favorite shoot you have done?
Jacob: I think my favorite shoot honestly was just something we did goofing off at the studio. Nick Jonas had just 
remade The iconic Calvin Klein ad that Mark Wahlberg made famous in the 90s. So of course I wanted to do an Andrew Christian style remake of the photos! It didn’t blow up or anything like that but I had a lot of fun doing it!
Kyle: It is a picture that is iconic and regardless of how many people see it, there is always a personal pleasure with recreating such well known poses. What shoot did you find to be more challenging than the others?
Jacob: I recently did a water balloon challenge with Ryan Rose! It was so cold outside and we were soaked! Not to mention I lost the challenge!!
Kyle: Yes I think people don’t always realize that these beautiful outdoor shoots aren’t always done on 90 degree days! I have seen the video. It was close and you put up a good fight! Now we want to know because you have to have one, most embarrassing photo shoot situation?
Jacob: Any situation where I have to dance! Ask any other AC Model, if I have to dance it’s going to be a long day! I have absolutely zero rhythm!
Kyle: I am sure southern boy has some moves! There always seems to be some hip shaking in those videos. Time to get in the studio and practice! Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Jacob: I would love to shoot with Mark Henderson eventually, and Id like to do a NOH8 photoshoot as well. I always enjoy the AC shoots, but I have many friends that I enjoy working with as well, guys like Jason King, Shaun Vadella, and Paul Boulon. As far as brands, I’m not really picky if I like the products I’d gladly work with them! I’m really into Tatteeboy as of late though!
Kyle: I love your shoots with Shaun Vadella and I would love to see you do NOH8. Those are some of my favorite pics and would love to see your pic with them! We know a little bit about you through your work with AC and on social media but what else can you tell us about Jacob Ford outside of modeling?
Jacob: My passion and goals are to help people. I would love to get involved with LBGT Activism on a larger scale. I have aspirations of possibly releasing my own brand someday something along the lines of NOH8, well the same message anyway!
Kyle: It is wonderful that you are keen on helping people. So humble and a great way to use your status and 
contacts for good. Your body looks great! What kind of diet and exercise do you do to keep that body in check?
Jacob: Diet is easy. I don’t portion meals or anything like that but I try to eat clean. That means no junk food, candy, chips, soda, you know things like that! Just get your protein in and watch the carb intake. Don’t over do it and it’s all good! As far as workouts go, I wrestled growing up for about 10-11 yrs and because of that most of my workouts are based off of the stuff I’ve always done. I use the BFS (bigger faster stronger) system, isolate body parts, and always get in my cardio, at least a mile per day!
Kyle: Great advice and I love how you have incorporated things you have done all your life. But when you really want something bad, what is your favorite cheat meal?
Jacob: Hot wings! The hotter the better! I think my record is 3 lbs in one setting, and not boneless either. I’m a real man!! But I also have a real weakness for Red Velvet cake, I call it “almost chocolate”
Kyle: Wow that is quite a helping of hot wings! And I love red velvet too. So we have seen you in lots of great varieties of underwear. On the personal side, looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Jacob: *cough* Drawers! I have a lot!!! Id say briefs and jocks make up the biggest percentage maybe 70% followed 
by 20% boxer briefs, and 10% thongs… We are literally talking about hundreds of pairs!
Kyle: Wonderful! What a collection! You need to model them all for us! In all of that, what is the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Jacob: That’s easy! The Andrew Christian Blow Spider Jock!
Kyle: Yes, I have not worn that pair but looks like quite a tangled web of fun though. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Jacob: “Do I look fat? Really guys! Am I fat today?!?” Im my biggest critic!
Kyle: Well, take it from us, you look amazing! What are your goals for your career?
Jacob: Who really knows what modeling will hold for me in the future. It’s hard to say. As I said earlier though, I want to help the cause. If I’m going to gain fame at all from this experience, I want to use that fame and notoriety for the greater good! I want to make a difference in this crazy world.
Kyle: That shows a lot about your character. I am pleased to hear you say that. Such a good man with such a great heart! Finally, for others out there who look up to you as a model they want to be like, what is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career?
Jacob: Above all else, take care of yourself and don’t become one of “those” guys. What I mean by that is, don’t forget the things that matter most, friends and family. When the looks fade and your star doesn’t shine as bright, they’ll still be there! And PLEASE! be humble, we are all capable of the same greatness. At the end end of the day however, none of us are curing cancer, we’re just in our underwear.
Check out more of Jacob Ford below.
Jacob Ford Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Andrew Christian Profile
Watch Jacob Ford leave little to the imagination in the Fling Brief
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
Over the last few months a few of the underwear stores have closed. The most recent are the Rufskin stores in NYC and Miami. It got me thinking, shopping for underwear is a big joy of mine. I love to go to a store and see the undies and feel them. It’s way different than shopping online. I”m not saying I don’t shop of line but when you get an underwear speciality store its worth spending some time browsing.
I first started shopping for underwear here in Atlanta at the Boy Next Door. They had a wall full of underwear and swimwear. I was in heaven. I would spend an hour in the store looking at everything new. This also was the time before many blogs on the net like UNB. (Yes I am dating myself). I got introduced to many brands I have never seen before. At the Boy Next Door I found Go Softwear, Baskit, Praipewear, and more. Many of them now are out of business.
Most of the specialty underwear stores are in bigger cities. Most smaller cities really don’t have the regular market to support a men’s underwear store. Which is sad. I know many of you reading this may have never been in a men’s underwear store. This is something we need to change.
Why don’t guys shop at a store?
1. Prices are higher in a store – The first thing you need to know about an underwear store the prices are often higher than those on the net. They have overhead of rent, employees and such to cover. A retail space is much more expensive than warehouse space. Internet you don’t have to do display the product or staff during certain hours. You can work anytime online.
2. I’m embarrassed to go in a store – Many guys are really embarrassed to go in a store and buy a thong or skimpy undies. Underwear is a personal being decision and they don’t want others in the general public to know what they like. They think the person behind the counter will judge them. Speaking from experience that person really doesn’t care and has seen people buy everything. In fact you can get more recommendations from that person you may not have thought of!
3. I can judge a pair of underwear online – While this one is mainly true. There are pairs that don’t convey well in pictures. I have seen many pairs at Magic that photograph horribly but when you see them in person you are like, “OMG this pair is amazing.” This also goes for fabric. If its a newer fabric until you get it the first time can’t judge it on line.
4. Someone I know may see me in the store – Well if they are in an underwear store shopping and see you. Well you’re both there for the same reason, amazing underwear! So what your friend seen you with that Clever thong or Cellblock 13 Jock. I bet if you look at what they are buying it’s equally as revealing.
I’m not saying abandon online shopping. I am all for a great sale on a pair of undies. Who out there can afford to buy full price all the time? Not me! I do it but if you’re close to a store mix up your purchases. Frequent the store and see the new stuff they get in stock. Give them advice on what you want in the store. If customers are asking for it, stores will carry it.
I am long over due for going into the Boy Next Door here and will go soon. So next time you are in the vicinity of an underwear store go in and check it out!
Cocksox invite you to upgrade your underwear and swimwear collections with our Fifty Shades of May sale. We’ve selected fifty colour combinations across some of our most cherished styles and prices have contracted by 30-50%.
Looking your best will cost a bit less, so now is the time to surrender your inhibitions. Our sensual fabrics unequivocally prove Cocksox to be the best underwear and swimwear a man could get.
Whatever your desire Cocksox aims to please with our enhancing designs. But don’t get tied up as stock levels are as skimpy as the attire itself.
The full spectrum of Cocksox underwear cuts are featured in this sale. Whether you need new boxers, briefs or something a bit more tantalising, you are bound to have your demands fulfilled.
With so much gratification to be had, where would you explore first? How about the original – dare we say, legendary – CX01 Brief, which can be exclusively yours in Lime, Risky Red or Gold.
The swimwear selections epitomise everything Cocksox stands for. The sporty CX79 Boy Leg Swim Briefs in vibrant colours sits alongside mischievous sexy cuts like the CX22 Swim Thong.
With these irresistible prices there is only one place to shop – it’s time to let us dominate your wardrobe. Cocksox will see you now..
We have a new partner in the “What’s Hot” series. Now the boys at Drawerfull.com will be telling us what’s hot every month in the US. This is their first time doing it and we look forward to a lot more of them from Drawer Full.
The 2EROS Olympus Collection Brief in Gold
We just love this brand, they have outdone themselves with every collection. From the soft modal fabric to the iconic 2eros waistband we LOVE this brand and everything they do.
The Black Diamond/Red Lava Party Jock
The guys at Blue Collar Underwear have designed a jock that is both sexy and comfortable to wear all day. We wear it to the gym and work. If your headed to the club this jock is sure to spice things up.
ErgoWear Limitied Edition Pink Collection
This limited Edition collection is a must have, the super soft modal and cotton blend is wearable all day and one of the most comfortable we’ve had on all season.
This boxer is genius from the wonderful designers at Clever, its look and feel are incredible. People will believe your wearing jean shorts until they are close enough to see your best assets.
YOCISCO Where Sexy Starts Jock
This jock is on fire right now in the market, it has a great price point and is both comfortable and super sexy.
Again we are back to the amazing 2eros line. This swim brief is the perfect addition for the summer season, with its bright colors and design it is sure to stand out.
This is the perfect tank for summer, it is light weight and comfortable.
Find these and more at the Drawerfull.com site
It’s great to learn so many different aspects of a model’s life past what we see in a photo shoot. Meet Phil Bruce. Our overseas model, personal trainer, exercise instructor, and football (American soccer) coach takes on each aspect of his life with passion and determination.
UNB Kyle: You have quite a list of titles that you bring with your name. Regarding modeling, what was your first gig and how did you come to get it?
Phil: My first piece of modeling work was done around 3 years ago, when a mate who is a photographer thought I would be good at modeling and do well in the industry, so I completed the shoot, really enjoyed the experience, and the rest is history.
Kyle: I think your friend knew he had good talent in you. Was there anything besides your photographer friend’s encouragement that made you want to pursue modeling?
Phil: It was originally through recommendations of people saying that they thought that the modeling industry would be a good path for me to go down. As my confidence in front of the camera grew and my physique improved, I became more open in regards to the types of shoots that I would do, which has opened up opportunities for me.
Kyle: It’s probably nice to see how much you have grown over these past few years in terms of your modeling. Noticing how you become more open and it opens doors for you is an important aspect for all newer models to realize. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
Phil: I would say that there were two particular shoots that really contributed to the success of my career so far. The first was a shoot with Gavin Harrison, that ended up with me featuring in the official calendar for Vanity Hype, and the other was the first shoot that I completed with Simon Barnes, as he is widely regarded as one of the very best photographers out there, and shooting with him helped to boost my level of publicity.
Kyle: Both are great photographers and have some beautiful shots in their portfolio. Any shoots that stand out as favorites for you?
Phil: I don’t compare photographers to one-another as they all have their own ways of doing things, and I have really enjoyed working with all of the photographers that I have done so far. But I would say that I do really love working with Simon Barnes, we have completed four shoots together so far, hopefully there will be many more to follow, and we have become really good friends from working with each other.
Kyle: I love that answer. You definitely understand how each photographer contributes a new vision and you don’t compare them to one another because of that. Have you had any shoots that you consider to be challenging in one way or another?
Phil: I haven’t found any of my shoots particularly challenging in the sense of the poses that were needed to be done or the people that I have worked with. I could say that my first few shoots were the most challenging as I was pretty inexperienced, and completing a shoot recently with food poisoning was a test too.
Kyle: Wow I am sure that was difficult. It is never easy going to work when you are not feeling well and I can imagine the same is said for that situation on set too. What about that most embarrassing photo shoot situation? Have you had one?
Phil: I’m lucky as there hasn’t been an embarrassing situation in a shoot as such, but maybe when I was having to do topless outdoor shoots in public areas with people around would be the answer for this.
Kyle: Yes, I can see how that can be a little embarrassing and uncomfortable. But I am sure after you do a few you relax and it becomes second nature. What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Phil: To be honest, there’s no real diet that I follow just for shoots, as I eat a healthy, balanced diet throughout the year, and exercise on a daily basis. With the demand of the work that I do, it would be very hard for me to cut out food altogether or cut out carbohydrates, as I have found out from past experience.
Kyle: With fitness and football I imagine you get a good amount of exercise in and eat very well to stay in shape. 
But when you want to be bad, what is your favorite cheat meal?
Phil: This would be pizza and a bowl of ice cream, and I do like birthday cake.
Kyle: All great choices! With stripping down in these underwear shoots or even less, what goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Phil: The thought that often goes through my mind before having to do revealing shoots is a combination of excitement for what doors these pictures could, and usually do, help me to open, and the potential one-liners that my mates and players who play for my football teams are going to come out with when they see them.
Kyle: Clearly, they will be jealous! You look amazing! Now we are an underwear blog so we are always curious about people’s preferences. Looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Phil: I would say that most of them (around 75%) are sports pants as I teach a lot of exercise classes, then the rest consist of boxers (15%) and briefs (10%)
Kyle: Underwear that fits the man and the lifestyle. How about the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Phil: That would probably the pair of boxers that have a picture of a tiger on the front of them (yes, I do still wear them).
Kyle: Haha aren’t you just an animal! Seeing who is out there in the industry, are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Phil: There’s still a lot that I want to achieve yet. including working with as many of the top photographers as I can, and becoming the face of big companies is an ambition of mine too.
Kyle: I think spreading it out with different photographers is a great goal because you experience so many different visions that it will really transform your portfolio into something unusual. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Phil: I think most of my fans know that I am also an Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, Football Manager and Coach, and I have my own Football Coaching Company called “The Phil Bruce Soccer School”. I have played football against Premiership Footballers, as well as training a footballer who has played in the final of the Champions League, and I have taught exercise classes to Professional Football teams.
Kyle: I love watching Football and it’s such a fascinating sport. Your dedication to the sport and teams is quite admirable. What are your goals for your career?
Phil: To set up Football Academy Teams for children at The Phil Bruce Soccer School, in order to allow Football to be played and enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities
To play and Manage/Coach Football at as higher level as possible
To set up my own Charities and raise as much money as possible
To open up my own Gym, giving accessibility and affordability for people of all ages, fitness levels and well-being to be a part of
To do as well in the Modeling Industry as possible, aiming for lots of publication and to be a face of companies
To help to get as many students qualified in their associated Fitness Qualifications as possible
To be as successful as I can be and help people as much as possible
To help to motivate and inspire others
Kyle: Those goals are impressive and show your character very well. You have a real desire and determination to help and support others reach their potential. We wish all the best for you in these endeavors. Finally, what is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career?
Phil: The best bit of advice I received was to just be confident in front of the camera and to keep relaxed with my poses. Also to give everything my very best shot and have no regrets.
Check out more of Phil Bruce below.
Phil Bruce Twitter / Instagram
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com.
In collaboration with the PnV network – follow them on Twitter at @MrPeaksNValleys
A man of many talents who most know as a popular model through his impressive portfolio. We recognize the face, the body, and the many pairs of C-IN2 he wears. Now, Chris Campanioni sits down to share with us more about who he is and his life as a model, professor, and author
UNB Kyle: Thanks for taking the time to sit down and discuss the many aspects of your life with us. First let’s talk about your modeling career. What was your first modeling gig and how did you come to get it?
Chris: My first modeling gig was a C-IN2 shoot, but the first job I booked was a Cosmopolitan shoot that was for an editorial called “Sex & Desire.” The shoot was in the Hamptons and involved another girl, a shower, and a flesh-colored thong. Halfway through the editorial, I remember having to call in late to work. It would be the first of many similar phone calls.
Kyle: I can hear that phone call now. I am sure it is second nature now and probably easier understood from work too. What made you want to pursue modeling?
Chris: Curiosity. Boredom. I also had nothing better to do on a Thursday morning and my friend asked me to accompany him to an open call.
Kyle: Sounds like another case of right place, right time. It’s funny how curiosity helped pave the way for greatness in your modeling as well as your creative writing side in becoming an author. What was your modeling breakthrough moment?
Chris: Without a doubt, the DNA “Sexiest Man Alive” cover and spread/interview that was published in 2009.
Kyle: A title which you definitely deserve! What a great honor to be featured in that magazine. Have you had a shoot that stood out as a favorite?
Chris: I always enjoy working with Harol Baez, if only because he is one of my best friends. We’ve shot a combination of portfolio stuff and big client jobs, like the Revel Casino campaign.
Kyle: It’s good to have that constant connection and relationship that benefits the both of you and goes beyond just a simple working contract. Which shoot has been your most challenging?
Chris: I think every shoot presents its own (often very different) set of challenges. I can’t think of one that has been more challenging than any others. I think that’s what makes modeling still interesting to me, that constant challenge. The requirement that to succeed, you need to perform and adapt, for very different roles and circumstances.
Kyle: I like that answer. Every modeling gig offers its own challenge to you which keeps you interested and continuing to achieve something new each time. And I know in one way or another they always happen so how about most embarrassing photo shoot situation?
Chris: My balls are almost routinely out of the package. That’s not to say this is embarrassing for me, but I am considering other people here. In general, embarrassment is not something I can identify with, at least in terms of my body. Being raised in a mixed household, particularly on my father’s side, we’ve always embraced our body and have always been comfortable with ourselves. That’s Cuban culture for you. A long history of exhibitionists.
Kyle: Gotta keep those in that underwear! That’s great that your upbringing helped you be comfortable in your
own skin and with who you are. I assume revealing shoots do not cause you any anxiety as other people may get. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Chris: What this might read like after I transpose it onto paper.
Kyle: They transpose beautifully. I especially love the black and white shots you have done. Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Chris: No one comes to mind, if only because I don’t really forecast anything in terms of modeling. So much of my life is calculated and written in advance (literally, because I’m an author and poet), so I enjoy using my modeling career as a vehicle to be spontaneous and (hopefully) also unexpected.
Kyle: You seem to be a man that appreciates opportunity and being in the moment with your modeling career. That goes back to your first gig, right time and right place. What is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career?
Chris: Trust yourself.
Kyle: Very sound advice! Tell our underwear viewers what brands are in your drawer?What is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Chris: It’s probably 95 percent C-IN2 (no surprise there), and I mostly wear briefs.
Kyle: Haha, yes we have seen your extensive C-IN2 collection! From your shoots, what is the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Chris: I really don’t find anything “crazy” … I guess it’s all relative, right? The underwear industry has gotten more and more creative and forward-thinking with every passing year, thankfully.
Kyle: Yes, crazy or different is all relative. I like your open mind with underwear. Your body looks incredible. 
What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots and keep up that shape?
Chris: I don’t ever diet. I don’t do anything special before shoots in terms of exercise, but I do run every morning, before breakfast. I think this is probably the best thing anyone can do if they are looking to get into shape, no matter their genetics or how their body responds to certain activities and foods.
Kyle: Running is one of the best forms of exercise. So if you don’t diet regularly, what are some of your favorite “cheat meals” as they would say?
Chris: Have you seen my Instagram? Haha … I don’t have “cheat meals” … every meal is an opportunity to cheat (and treat) yourself!
Kyle: Eat whatever you want, run, and have that body. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Chris: Mostly everyone knows about my writing career, and my journalism and college professor roles at work. I’m very Google-able, for better or worse, if only because I’m the only person in the world (or at least the Internet, which is basically the same thing, right?) with my name. I was born premature, two months and two days. I’m not sure anyone outside of my close circle of friends knows that.
Kyle: Yes you are Google-able and well known. With all of the media attention on the British math teacher that 
was a model, what has been the reaction from your students, fellow teachers, and administration seeing your modeling career?
Chris: CUNY has been pretty quick to embrace the various roles I play, mainly because this is also what I teach about. In other words, I have never separated my modeling career from my journalism career or my teaching career; as an author and poet, the best thing has been the opportunity to synthesize all of these experiences in my writing. I teach a class at Baruch College and the College of Staten Island called “Identity, Image, and Intimacy in the Age of Internet and Celebrity” so I regularly bring in my experience in the fashion industry into our seminars. At John Jay, I teach a class called “Ripped from the Headlines: Making Art from the News” so the emphasis from the administration has always been on hiring me to specifically teach about my life and the work I’ve done in the last decade. Maybe there was some initial surprise from students, fellow teachers, or even the English department, but I think the new cultural norm for our generation is reinvention, so I doubt the surprise lasted very long.
Kyle: That is great that everyone is so accepting. Your experience probably helps those students learn better and enhances your teaching. What are your goals for your career?
Chris: I want to keep writing, every day, and grow as a person through the experience afforded to me by my teaching and modeling opportunities.
Kyle: Speaking of your writing, your book Going Down has some incriminating content about the modeling industry. How much is truth vs fiction and where did you draw the line?
Chris: I don’t think there’s any really incriminating content in Going Down; if there were, I’d probably no longer be able to work in the industry. In all seriousness, people steal each other’s designs all the time, it’s nothing new. I think most of the “behind-the-scenes” reading experiences have come from those readers outside the fashion industry because of how unfamiliar certain cultural practices are to them. In that way, I really love how so many different people can experience the novel in so many very different ways. I never wrote Going Down as an industry “tell-all” kind of book, but I imagine a large readership has come to the novel either expecting that or in some way receiving that. That’s why art is so beautiful; everyone can get something out of it and what they get might be vastly different from the person next to them.
Check out more of Chris Campanioni below.
Chris Campanioni Twitter / Instagram / Official Site
Going Down by Chris Campanioni
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
In cooperation with the PnV Network – follow them on Twitter at @MrPeaksNValleys
After my first try with Clever and wearing their thong, I was interested to see how other pairs in their catalog fit in comparison. Next up on my review list was the Clever Spinel Latin Brief. The first thing I noticed about this pair of underwear was the beautiful yet subtle design on the pair. The white and gold brief has a white diamond on diamond design that doesn’t overdrive the pair of underwear but adds a little bit of style to what you would think is a simple white brief. The brief is stretchable microfiber fabric made up of nylon and spandex, giving it the ability to stretch and fit to your body. This is a great selling point for Clever because they are designing underwear that fits to your body, not something that your body has to fit to. The waistband features the bold Clever logo in a metallic look that I find so visually stunning.
I prepared myself for a busy day at work and slid the pair on to accompany me. The material felt great and the design looks nice when contoured to your body. I did notice, similar to the Clever thong, that the pouch did not have much give when I slipped the pair on. I immediately felt constricted and smashed and was nervous about the long day ahead. Having read that the material forms a body defining wrap around your body, I hoped for a little bit of breathing as the day went on. I will say that the information was accurate. The pouch was actually more comfortable during the day than I thought it would be. I expected to have that smashed feeling all day but in reality, my pouch was tight and comfortable with no other issues. For guys who enjoy briefs that are low rise, this is another great pair to add to your collection. It comes
right up to the top of the butt, adding to the sexy feel it gives you. The coverage in the back was great, covering everything it needed to with no riding up during my day. I wear a medium and felt like Clever was fairly true to that size. Again, the only negative on the sizing is the pouch so well endowed men may have a harder time than the average man. It does stretch but maybe not enough for those guys!
Overall I enjoyed my second adventure with Clever. I think Clever is one of those brands who really makes simple designs pop and feel sexy. I love their same color on color designs that take solid color underwear to another level.
Pros:
Cons:
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GDD World furnished this pair.
I had the privilege of sitting down and talking with successful model and HIV activist Jack Mackenroth on his past modeling days and his desire to be a voice and support system for those in the community.
UNBKyle: First, thank you for reflecting back on your modeling career with us as well as sharing your passion for helping others in the HIV community. Tell us how you got started in your modeling career?
Jack: My first modeling job was in a gay magazine that is no longer in print called Genre. I think it was about 1989.
The photos are horrifying to me now. HA! I also did a series of book covers for a line of pre-teen books called The Sunset Series. I believe my character’s name was Kyle. Hilarious.
Kyle: I think that is a sign for us speaking today! Great name! Did you always want to pursue modeling?
Jack: I was going to fashion design school at Parsons in New York and people kept telling me I should try modeling. I never really “wanted” to do it. I just needed the money. In the beginning I just went to all the agencies in New York for their open calls which they used to have once a week. I did that until I got signed. I think the business was a lot different then. This was back in the early 90’s.
Kyle: I think once we are encouraged on so much we start to take that path as you did. Thinking back, what was that breakthrough moment that happened for you when you thought this was all truly real?
Jack: I never really had a breakthrough. I had some degree of success. I spent a season in Milan and did some work for Versace. I did a lot of catalog work which is what really pays the bills. I got much more attention after being on Project Runway Season 4. But by then I was already 38 years old. And I had been lifting weights for a long time. There is a huge difference in the industry between “fashion” models and “fitness” models. Fashion models are usually between 18 and 25 and they are super tall and thin–at least 6 feet. You have to fit the sample sizes which is typically a 30 waist and a 40 regular jacket. I’m now a 52 chest and even back then when I weighed 160 pounds I was too broad from swimming.
I never made much of an impact as a fashion model. Just a few jobs here and there to pay the bills. After my exposure on Project Runway I had photographers hitting me up all the time to do photo shoots. You can see the progression of my career in my photos as I get older and more muscular and then anything in the last 4-5 years I have had a beard or at least some scruff.
Kyle: In social media I see a lot of different people who distinguish themselves as “fashion” or “fitness” models so it is nice to get some perspective on that. Sounds like Project Runway gave you some great exposure as well. Do you have any favorite photo shoots you want to tell us about?
Jack: Hmmmmmm. I had a great time with Justin Monroe. I’ve shot with him a couple of times. He’s fun and the shoots are sexy and a little bit slutty and he’s always well prepared with a good set and concept. I don’t think that people realize that modeling isn’t really much fun most of the time. You’re in the same awkward position for a long time and usually there is not much budget so you don’t get many perks. It’s not like in the 90’s when we had location vans and food and full wardrobe, make-up and hair teams. That’s only high end editorial now for the most part.
Kyle: Not the glamorous lifestyle and perks that people perceive. I am sure many people don’t know how hard the work for a model is and how difficult on set can truly be. Besides holding awkward poses, what challenging photo shoots have you had?
Jack: I’ve worked with photographers that basically just want to get you naked and are so overtly sexual that it 
becomes uncomfortable. I won’t name names but some of the well known photographers are notorious for unsolicited groping and fluffing. I’m no prude but that can be annoying. I’ve been in shoots where I’m literally freezing but I have to look warm like I’m having the time of my life. Many freezing swimming pools. I remember being chased off of property because we didn’t have permits–crazy stuff like that.
Kyle: I am sure those situations turn you off from wanting to continue. I can only imagine standing in cold water and acting like you don’t want to scream and be wrapped in a blanket! There are always some so how about most embarrassing photo shoot situation?
Jack: Boners.
Kyle: Haha to the point! I am sure that happens frequently and can halt some things. You have a great muscular build. What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Jack: Nothing special. I used to have to starve myself when I was trying to fit into samples. I did the Atkins no carb diet for 2 straight years, So gross. Now I don’t care too much. Photoshop didn’t exist when I started modeling but now they can fix your abs and do pretty much anything. I’m a competitive swimmer so I’m always in pretty good shape because I swim 4-5 times a week in addition to lifting weights. I eat like a pig for the most part.
Kyle: Swimming is a great workout though plus we appreciate the speedos! Besides speedos which I am sure you have for swimming, what is your underwear collection made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Jack: 30% boxer briefs, 40% briefs, 30% jocks. I’m sort of known for my ass and I don’t mind showing it. 😉
Kyle: Yes, I am a fan of you showing off the assets as well! Notice the collection of jockstrap pics in our gallery of you! So most of us don’t know the real you, only what we see in pictures. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Jack: They can always reach out to me on social media with questions (@jackmackenroth). Twitter is the best outlet. I always answer back when it’s about HIV issues. I tend not to respond to “You’re hot.” or “Tell me your workout routine.”
Kyle: I love that you have put yourself out there to support others. That is exceptional and admirable. Where do your goals go after you feel that your modeling career is shifting from not being in front of the camera as much?
Jack: Well I considered my modeling career to be over a long time ago. I’m actually surprised it lasted as long as it did. I’m 46 now. I’m always surprised when someone still wants to photograph me. Now I’m a full time HIV activist and advocate. I was just hired as the Senior Communications Officer for The Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF.org). I’ve been HIV positive since I was 20 so it has always been an important cause to me. I’ve created several successful social media campaigns in the past like HIV Equal and The HIV Shower Selfie Campaign #weareALLclean. With MSMGF I will be working on advocacy on a more global scale.
Kyle: Congratulations on those great endeavors. Education and understanding are key on these important issues and you are doing your part helping others. Over the course of your modeling career, are there any regrets or things you wish you had done differently?
Jack: I wish I was more secure when I was younger. The fashion industry is rough. I used to go on 8-10 castings a day and they would flip through my portfolio in 30 seconds and say, “No thanks.” That’s hard not to take personally. If I had been more confident I would have been more assertive and taken more chances. You have to realize that often they are just looking for a specific look. It’s not personal.
Kyle: I can imagine that understanding comes with time and getting past the personal to professional views only comes with experience. We can see how much you have grown into that. What advice would you give to those looking to get into or newly involved in their modeling career?
Jack: Do it for fun. You are not going to make a lot of money as a male model. EVER. Only the top male models make a decent living for a few years and that’s if they book huge campaigns. If you keep that attitude then you can be successful at some level. Learn to promote yourself. You can practically become famous on Instagram these days. This is the age of shameless self promotion so embrace it. And shoot a lot. It does take some practice to know what you are doing. There are just as many photographers out there who are trying to build their portfolios as well. Work with them.
Check out more of Jack Mackenroth below:
The Global Forum on MSM and HIV
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
Men’s underwear and swimwear retailer Deadgoodundies is pleased to see an emerging trend. It seems that more and more UK gents, and fellas from further afield, are planning their summer holiday wardrobe early this year! These latest swimmers online at DGU are flying out to customers around the world as fast as the briefs and trunks are arriving…
Modus Vivendi Super Low Cut Swim Brief GBP29.00
This popular swim micro is available in new shades of yellow and green plus white for this season. A simply but utterly stylish bikini slip.
Joe Snyder Capri 07 Camo Bikini GBP18.00
Fans of this stand out collection will know that lots of the designs can double as underwear or swimwear thanks to the fast dry fabric. This camouflage brief is new to DGU.
HOM Invisible Swim Micro Brief GBP42.00
When this HOM men’s swimwear gets wet, the block colour fabric is transformed as lots of little anchor motifs appear!
Ergowear Feel Swim Trunk GBP34.00
The comfort of our favourite ergonomic collection is world renowned. The innovative FEEL range is designed to perfectly accommodate your preferred pouch position.
Body Art Agios Swim Pant GBP29.50
This stylish swimming short is a great alternative to plain coloured design. The black panels add striking contrast to the rich red, blue or green shades available.
Olaf Benz BLU 1458 Swim Sun String GBP36.00
This dreamy print from the European Olaf Benz collection is proving popular right now. It’s great to see such a fashionable fabric made available as a swimming thong for men.
Find these pairs of swimwear and more at Dead Good Undies!
I don’t know if any of you readers out there adore Rupaul’s Drag Race the way that I do. It definitely was the motivating factor for me to try Justin Case underwear for my next venture into the world of the underwear undiscovered (or at least undiscovered to me). See, within the cast of the show is a pair of men called the “Pit Crew”: essentially two muscly hunks who assist with the show. This season, they are always shown sporting Justin Case briefs. In previous seasons, the crew rocked out other brands like AussieBum, Andrew Christian, and Marco Marco. And to be honest, I had seen and heard of Justin Case underwear before but for a couple of reasons, never felt the urge to invest in a pair. But seeing those tiny briefs on hunky men on television made the idea of buying them that much more compelling.
As I mentioned, I had heard of Justin Case before, but hadn’t made a purchased based on two factors: the fabric content (synthetic, which I don’t usually go for) and the price point. As to the latter, there’s something about the way that I make financial decisions that cannot get over the $20 hump. Paying that much for underwear feels too decadent and wouldn’t pass the “prudent person“ test for reasonability.
But, driven by images of pit crew members in skimpy Justin Case briefs and the need to do a write up for a new brand. I logged onto the Justin Case underwear website and placed an order. Just a quick word about my ordering experience: the website is easy to use and it looks like the put a few coins and hot minute into its development. I placed the order on a Thursday evening, got a confirmation instantaneously and a shipping notification the very next day. My briefs arrived on the following Monday, encased in a tiny black gift box. I was very satisfied with that interaction.
I ordered blue polka dot bikini brief underwear. As far as the selection of garments goes, the site has thongs, bikini briefs, jock briefs, boxer briefs, and swimwear available in a variety of vibrant colors and interesting patterns. They also have “Rupairs”, specially designed, limited edition pairs of briefs that are like the ones worn by the Pit Crew on Drag Race. The underwear is primarily fabricated in a polyester/spandex blend, and despite my misgivings about synthetic fabric, I found the brief to be both lightweight and surprisingly breathable. Due to the fabric blend, it was also able to hold onto a very vibrant hue of aqua as the main color, with white dots. I think had it been cotton or another natural fabric, the white dots wouldn’t have “popped” as much, and for me, would have made the design less interesting.
I wore it the brief for a work day and it held up to the demands of my desk job. It didn’t ride or bunch, but stayed where they started when I put them on in the morning. I am a 31-32” waist, with an athletic build, but I still opted for a size small, and it worked out pretty well. The thin, stretchy fabric hugged my anatomy and provided nice, breathable, barely-there support. The fabric was also soft. Everything about the garment spoke to quality materials and manufacture, and I think, having worn them for a day, that the price is somewhat justifiable. So, overall, based on my experience, I’m going to recommend that you all try them to.
One cautionary note, don’t get them delivered to your place of work. I had them sent to my office and the return label read “Justin Case Underwear”. That probably explains the look of judgment in the eyes of the receptionist who brought the package from the lobby to my office. Oh well-she done already done had herses.
I was having a great conversation on Twitter Monday morning about BodyAware. It was between UNB Brandon (@firstthingon) and Bikinisnthongs (@bikinisnthongs) about BodyAware. They make some really cool undies, don’t rule out undies companies because you think they might be “fem” This is the Invisible Mesh Jock Brief, which is SUPER HOT and fun. Check them out and step outside your underwear box and have fun with your undies.
Our good friends over at the PnV network hooked us up with another great recommendation for our profile series. In comes Braeden Wright! Braeden shares an intense passion for the arts which adds so much value to his creative side. He sits down to share his passion through his heart and puts everything out there for us in his words and portfolio. Definitely one to remember!
UNB Kyle: Thanks for taking your time to talk to me today. I love your portfolio. How did it all start?
Braeden: My first big modeling gig was walking Calvin Klein S/S 15 exclusive in Milan this past summer. My New York agency (Soul Artist Management) got them to fly me in for a casting a couple of months before the show. There 
are always so many guys competing for only a handful of spots, so it was really exciting to book as my first fashion week show. They actually ended up confirming me on my birthday. That phone call from my agent was probably the best birthday present I have ever gotten. Actually, calling my family to tell them the news was maybe the only thing better. It was all pretty surreal.
Kyle: Wow what a great way to spend a birthday and a great memory to always have. Fashion week is huge too so that is an amazing first chance. What made you want to pursue modeling as a career?
Braeden: After I graduated from University back home in Canada, I knew that I wanted to spend some time pursuing music. I’ve always felt that music and fashion owe a lot to each other, so in many ways fashion has always been a big part of who I am as well. I’ve always had a love for the arts– music, poetry, photography, film. The fashion world is full of a lot of brilliant creative minds and that was something that attracted me as well. After spending one winter working on demos, I was scouted by Mode Models and eventually decided to go in and meet them. The rest is history.
Kyle: A love for the arts definitely enables you to showcase that creative side. I love how someone can have such a passion and vision for something and be able to pursue it with such love. Do you feel that you have had your breakthrough moment yet?
Braeden: Well I just shot with Bruce Weber for VMAN 33, my first major editorial. It was only just released this week. But I do have a couple of other surprises on their way out this month, and I think the collection of work all coming out at once is going to be very fun to see. You’re just gonna have to stay tuned.
Kyle: I will eagerly await the releases! Any favorite or great moments in shoots that you have had?
Braeden: As far as what’s been released, I would definitely have to say shooting with Bruce for VMAN in Miami. It was an incredible experience. Shooting with Bruce is like stepping inside his world for a moment, and he just captures you within it. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before; such an authentic, relaxing, and creative atmosphere, with a crew that feels like a family. It was also my first time in Miami– and after having a winter blast here in New York and being back in Canada for the holidays, I was pretty excited to spend a day in the sun surrounded by palm trees and jellyfish. An experience I will definitely never forget.
Kyle: Yes I can imagine the warmth and sun was a welcomed place to be after that cold winter. Sounds like a special photographer who can transform a model and shoot into such an internal world. Which shoot has been your most challenging? Why?
Braeden: Actually, I would also have to say the VMAN shoot with Bruce. This is only because I actually had a family member extremely important to me pass away only a week before having to fly to Miami for the shoot. It was all a bit of a whirlwind for me, and having to get my bearings in order to be prepared was actually really difficult. But once I was there, shooting with Bruce, feeling the amazing energy, that stress faded away pretty quickly. I actually remember having a moment to myself on set, lying in this hammock on the beach, with the sun looking down on me through the palm trees. In that moment I felt her looking down on me, and I really felt her presence. She was one of my biggest supporters in pursuing this career– and I knew she was smiling down at me.
Kyle: I can imagine that was a difficult time and how hard it is to have to throw yourself into your work. Those moments sound pretty personal and something that you will always keep in your heart. And it’s kind of nice how you will be able to see these pictures and remember your family member and know she is smiling down on you. Now no one wants to admit it but they can be funny. Have you had any embarrassing photo shoot moments?
Braeden: I’m a pretty open and easygoing guy, so most photo situations that would maybe seem embarrassing for other people usually are the ones I find most interesting or exciting. There really isn’t anything I can think of. Yet.
Kyle: That is a good attitude to have though. Makes them more exciting as you said. But yes, yet, is the keyword there haha! Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Braeden: There are definitely too many to list. There is such an array of bold and creative minds out there in this industry. It’s really incredible. I remember sitting down and going through some books by Mario Testino—“Alive” is one that comes to mind. It was totally captivating. I sat there and stared at the pages over and over for maybe two hours. It just completely blew my mind. I’ve also always loved seeing what Mert and Marcus are up to. Their work is always so surreal and otherworldly, yet always so incredibly fucking perfectly beautiful. It’s like this perfect dream world where only the most badass get to live. Same goes with Steven Klein. They are all really great. I also really love Hedi Slimane. He’s seemingly capable of anything. He takes some of the coolest photos, designs these amazing pieces of clothing—and he draws so much from rock n roll and injects even more right back in. I remember when I first realized that the same person who took the photos for the album artwork of Phoenix’s ‘Alphabetical’ (one of my favorite bands) was the same person who was, at the time, creative director at Dior Homme. And now he is making such amazing things for Saint Laurent. Just incredible, man.
Kyle: This is what I love, the passion. This will probably please so many brands, photographers and other arts outlets as you continue to excel in your career. Your portfolio ranges from fully clothed to artistically nude. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these 
revealing shoots?
Braeden: “…This is gonna be fun.”
Kyle: Haha! That may be the best answer! Your body is very nicely defined. What kind of diet and exercise do you do to keep up this physique?
Braeden: I am always exercising. My routine is very constant. I work out five times a week, full body split, with heavy weights and a little trick that I learned from my good friend Nic Palladino—“the burnout.” I also learned a lot of ab tricks from the late, great Greg Plitt. He was one of my heroes. He’s the reason people stare at me like I’m slightly insane, as I’m hanging upside down from a chin up bar doing crunches. That never gets old ha.
Kyle: Yes insane but clearly pays off. I am sure you have a weakness here and there for something fun to eat. Do you have a favorite cheat meal?
Braeden: Panago (Canadian pizza chain) Tropical Hawaiian pizza. Hot wings with blue cheese sauce. Salsa Verde Doritos (special flavor I’ve only found in Las Vegas). Chocolate raspberry cheesecake. If there was a dream cheat meal for me, this would be it. Add a mojito and call it a day haha.
Kyle: All good choices. I hope you don’t hate yourself after eating all of that. We have seen you in some underwear shots and we are an underwear blog so we all want to know your personal tastes. Looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Braeden: 10% boxer briefs, 90% briefs. Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.
Kyle: Nice, good quality brands. Outside of your drawer, what is the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Braeden: Definitely my white Calvin Klein thong, they give you one to wear under your clothes at the show. Tiniest piece of underwear I’ve ever worn. No lines under the clothes though—big points for functionality ha!
Kyle: I am guess that did not make it into your favorite underwear pile! But as you said, it serves a purpose in those fashion shows. We have really enjoyed seeing the man in the pictures and getting to you know your model side. What is something that your fans don’t know about you that you want them to know?
Braeden: That I can sing. I promise. And that I really like to play guitar, drums, and program strange and dirty little synth sounds. Guitar effects pedals are one of my obsessions. And that I’m not always a good boy.
Kyle: Hmmm not a good boy? I will have to get the private exclusive answer on that one! What are your goals for your career?
Braeden: Honestly, I really don’t want to say. I have many lofty goals for my career, some you could probably guess but many you wouldn’t expect. And it’s just so much more fun when it’s all a surprise.
Kyle: We look forward to following your journey of surprises! Finally, there are a lot of up and coming models out there who enjoy getting all of the advice they can. What is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career?
Braeden: I think the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to know yourself for yourself and just be that person. In this industry it’s very easy to get lost trying to match everyone’s expectations for you– one market telling you to be one way, and another telling you the opposite. Sometimes it’s enough to make your head spin. At the end of the day, you do need to keep yourself very open to growth and wisdom from all avenues, and even though who you are and want to be can grow and evolve over time, the bottom line is being able to know exactly where you fit and who you are and need to be. You just need to be the best version of yourself possible. You need to stay true to your vision, and work your ass off. There is power in authenticity– and when you are your best and authentic self, that is exactly when good things start to happen.
Check out more of Braeden Wright below.
Braeden Wright Twitter / Instagram / Soul Artist Profile
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com or on twitter @UNBKyle
In cooperation with the PnV network – follow them on twitter @MrPeaksNValleys
I love to search pictures on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram and just wait for someone to catch me eye. There are faces I have seen and then when I find them on these social medai sites I can associate the name with them and hope they want to be profiled. Alec Leddy was one of those finds and you can imagine how happy I was when he agreed to talk to me about his career and share some of his pictures with UNB.
UNB Kyle: Alec, thanks for sitting down and chatting with me. I have seen your pictures and you have some great work. How did it all start?
Alec: My first official modeling gig was with Andrew Christian, and surprisingly I got it just by emailing them saying I was interested in modeling with them, and they liked my look.
Kyle: You definitely went big on your first shot and it paid off! We have seen their taste in men and you definitely fit the bill. Glad they snatched you up. What made you want to take that chance and pursue modeling?
Alec: I think it was actually everyone around me that would always tell me, “OMG you look like a model, you should model, do you model?” And I thought hmm, well why not give it a try.
Kyle: Clearly, they all have a good eye. You have the face and body. Do you feel that you have had that breakthrough shoot yet and which one was it?
Alec: I would say Andrew Christian because it gave me the most exposure in the industry.
Kyle: They definitely have made a name for themselves with their models and advertising. Is there a particular shoot that has been your favorite?
Alec: I did a shoot with Bobby Shahideh, which was by far my favorite, because he took me out of my comfort zone to do weird things that I wasn’t sure would look good, but turned out looking amazing. For example he had me walking down a staircase in underwear with a suitcase which was so bazaar but ended up looking amazing,
Kyle: I’m sure these photographers have some crazy ideas but you have to trust them and know that they understand their vision and how to translate it into a photo. What shoots have been challenging for you?
Alec: I would say my most challenging shoot was for the Fckh8 2015 calendar. This is because it took me a bit out of my comfort zone because I never shot implied nudes before so was something I had to adjust to.
Kyle: The first time naked in front of the camera can be a scary thing. Any embarrassing photo shoot situations to tell?
Alec: I don’t have one yet luckily.
Kyle: Well, that is a good thing. So you have been with Andrew Christian which is huge. Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with in the future?
Alec: I would love to work with Charlie BYMZ because I love their speedos and love his photos. There’s also a few New York photographers I would like to shoot with.
Kyle: We wouldn’t mind seeing your speedo work! Let’s hope that happens. Apart from modeling, what is something that your fans don’t know about you?
Alec: I am not just a pretty face/body. I’m actually pretty smart, I’m finishing up my degree in Accounting at USC. Also I am a professional dancer. I have been dancing since I was about 5 years old being trained in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary.
Kyle: That is great! It’s important to get that education and have a career available when you have done what you want to do in the modeling world. Dancing is such an amazing outlet that has really increased visibility over the past several years. To keep that body for modeling and dancing, what kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Alec: I drink lots of water, and if possible always try to work out (especially abs) before a shoot.
Kyle: Water and ab workouts get that stomach. Got it! Haha! When you are not being good, do you have a favorite cheat meal?
Alec: CARBS! My favorite cheat meal would be anything with carbs in it, like pizza.
Kyle: Pizza is delicious and a personal favorite of mine as well. So we have seen you in underwear shoots but let us in to your own lifestyle. Looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Alec: Basically every pair of underwear I own is a brief 🙂
Kyle: Hmmm, we need to expand that for you! How about the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Alec: Not going to lie I am not too kinky with underwear, but I do now own my first jock strap, which I actually love. I have multiple pairs now.
Kyle: You will definitely have to let us post 
some jockstrap shots for you! Doing these various shoots, what goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Alec: Usually just remind myself that this is fun, I love being in front of the camera and if your nervous, it shows in your pictures, so to just have fun with it and keep flexing, lol.
Kyle: That is a good attitude to have. That definitely proves why your shots are so amazing. What are your goals for your career?
Alec: I would love to one day be a model for Calvin Klein, Gucci, or some of the big named brands out there and really make a name for myself in the industry.
Kyle: Can’t wait to see you on the billboard and in those magazine ads for those big names! Is there any advice that you were given that stands out in your mind when you started modeling?
Alec: To have fun! I think this is the best advice I was given because if your not having fun whats the point in doing shoots anymore, right?
Check out more of Alec Leddy below.
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
Colt is a brand that is coming on strong. Last month we brought you the new swimwear from Colt. Now we bring you the new Color Block collection. This line is designed and made by Timoteo. It’s super sexy and fun. They have four new styles in the line. They are CB Jockstrap, CB Thong, CB Jock Brief and CB Low Rise. The Model they use is Brian Maier.
CB Jockstrap in Black and in White – The CB Jock Brief comes in two colors; black and in white. Both styles provide the ultimate level of support and style! Perfect for the gym or everyday wear! Made of cotton and spandex for super comfortable fit and stretch. Distinctive COLT logo waistband.
CB Thong in Black – The CB thong provides the ultimate level of both support and style! Perfect for the gym or everyday wear! Made of cotton and spandex for super comfortable fit and stretch. Distinctive COLT logo waistband.
CB Jock Brief in Black – The CB Jock Brief provides the ultimate level of both support and style! Perfect for the gym or everyday wear! Made of cotton and spandex for super comfortable fit and stretch. Distinctive COLT logo waistband.
CB Super Low Brief in Black – This form-fitting brief has a revealing cut and sits low on the hips. Made of cotton and spandex for a great fit and stretch. Distinctive COLT logo waistband. Super comfortable.
All styles are 96% Cotton, 4% Spandex and made in the USA by Timoteo Studio. Find more about Colt and their underwear and swimwear at the Colt Apparel site.
I will admit one of my favorite things about underwear is you can express your style no matter what you are wearing. You can be in coveralls or a suit but still can wear something skimpy fun and sexy. No one else will know. And there is something fun about wearing underwear no one would expect you to wear.
A few weeks back we brought you some of Cosmos Colors from BangX. The brand is not afraid to show some bright colors and metallics. The cuts range from turns to thongs! The collection is just fun. You can tell they love what they do and bring that passion to the production. It’s also very different from a lot of other brands on the market.
Cosmos Colors is fresh and original. Their style reminds me of Modus Vivendi, I say this because they are taking their own way of designing underwear. Modus Vivendi took their Greek culture and put a fresh spin on the world of underwear. The designs of Cosmos Color can seem out there, but it all meshes into a cohesive collection of underwear. You can tell each pair is distinctly Comos Colors. If you wear Cosmos Colors and people see it, we can almost guarantee that people will ask who the brand is and where they can buy it.
So who is Cosmos Color. They came to life by three women. One was a financier, one a designer and one a manger. Their goal was to color the world of men and make it fun and sexy. The second goal was to not only reach men on their continent but all over the world and the universe. The collection was designed by Çiğdem ÖZDİNDAR. he is a designer who prefers to use striking colors and new materials in the men’s underwear industry. The fabrics were dyed specially for Cosmos Colors, so that’s why you won’t see similar fabrics in other collection.
Cosmos Colors hopes to continue to surprise you and everyone with new collections. If you want to find them go check out the Cosmos Colors website.
I came across Robert Michael over a year ago on Tumblr and was immediately intrigued by the beauty of his face, body, and personality. Since then I have been a fan of his and when I started doing profiles on UNB, I immediately thought of him and knew I had to feature him. Robert joins us to discuss his modeling start in his community, big dreams, and some amazing selfies.
UNB Kyle: Being a fan of yours I was happy that you were able to sit down and discuss the start of your career with me. What was your first modeling gig and how did you come to get it?
Robert: My first ever modeling gig was when I was a kid for a local event. I have no idea how I got the gig but I remember I was really excited.
Kyle: Starting off so young probably made you feel like quite the celebrity! Im sure you were just smiling ear to ear with the opportunity. Any particular reason that made you want to pursue modeling?
Robert: Hmm, I really don’t know! Haha, I like being in front of the camera. It’s fun.
Kyle: Based on what I have seen in your work and selfies, you have such a natural and intriguing look. In front of the camera is where you need to be. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
Robert: I don’t think I’ve had it yet! But a shoot that got me noticed by some people was a shoot I did for NVRLND which is a fantasy type circuit party in Chicago. They do really amazing promotional work.
Kyle: That sounds like a great connection to get you noticed that can be a stepping stone in elevating you to the next level. Do you have any favorite shoots?
Robert: My favorite shoot was for NVRLND’s purity ball promo posters. The photos came out amazing and a shot of mine was made into a drawing and put on a shirt. They also used that shot as an icon for their app! It’s some what of the company icon which I love.
Kyle: So great that you have helped define their brand! Quite a local honor there! How about your most challenging shoot?
Robert: A shoot I did for TYPE/FACE magazine was a rough one because it was the swim suit issue and I had to shoot it before swim suit season, outside, in Chicago!! I was freezing the entire time. I would do a couple shots then run into shelter to warm up so I didn’t look like a cold corps in the photos.
Kyle: I am sure the elements and time of year can definitely make things difficult for a shoot. Not the glamorous shot that so many people think about. Other embarrassing shoots to mention?
Robert: Sometimes the room is super cold and we all know what happens when a man gets too cold… Yeah, that’s embarrassing.
Kyle: I can imagine you thinking “why am I not doing this on a tropical beach?” Haha! You have done a lot of local work. Moving up in your career, are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with in the future?
Robert: So so many! I have a lot of photographers who have asked to work with me but I haven’t had the chance to travel to go do the shoot. One of those photographers is Rick Day, so the minute I’m in NYC I’ll be doing that for sure. As far as brands go, I’d do anything that I felt was good for the path I want to take in this industry.
Kyle: Well we can’t wait to see you in NYC with Rick Day! What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Robert: Fans?! Haha that’s strange to think about! Maybe that I love to debate with people. I’m very opinionated so any chance I get to speak my mind I take it.
Kyle: Yes, fans! You have many of them! That is how I found you! Your body is absolutely amazing. What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Robert: Before a shoot, I’ll eat a light breakfast, a few eggs and that’s about it. I’ll hit the gym after breakfast try to get a mini full body workout in. Throughout the workout I’ll work my abs in between sets, Your abs need to look sharp for a shoot.
Kyle: Well your abs look phenomenal. But I know you have a weakness. What is your favorite cheat meal?
Robert: PIZZA! I was born and raised in Chicago and our pizza is some of the worlds best. I can’t live with out it.
Kyle: You have done some underwear work and we love your underwear selfies. Everyone reading the blog wants to know what is in your drawer? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Robert: 30% jocks, 60% briefs, 10%boxer briefs, 0% thongs. Thongs are not for me lol.
Kyle: Thongs aren’t for many people and are rare in the underwear drawer. In any of these shoots, what has been the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Robert: I had to wear a bedazzled/metal spiked athletic cup with clear straps for an event I did. Hopefully I never have to wear that again lol.
Kyle: Oh I am sure you secretly still have that in your drawer just waiting to wear it again! Wearing underwear, little clothing, or even nude, what goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Robert: Nothing bad, I get really excited and think of all the positive things like how cool the shot will be when its published
Kyle: Confident and with a great attitude. That will take you far and make photographers enjoy shooting you. What is the best advice anyone gave you when you started your modeling career?
Robert: Don’t take anything personal. This is a business just like anything else.
Kyle: Good advice. We can’t wait to see more of you and hope you keep showing us what you are doing. What are your goals for your career?
Robert: As far as modeling goes, I’d like to cover a magazine one day, like DNA or something like that. I’ve just started modeling, it’s still very new to me and I really haven’t dove in deep, I think this summer you’ll see a lot more from me.
Check out more of Robert Michael below.
Want your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
The one thing I love about doing these model profiles is the wide range of models that I have come in contact with. This next model I happened to run across one morning while looking on Tumblr and immediately sent him a message to see if he was interested in being featured. Meet Austin Tacious.
UNB Kyle: I got a taste of some of your pictures on tumblr. What was your first modeling gig and how did you come to get it?
Austin: My first paid modeling gig was a BDSM shoot for a corset and leatherworking company. A friend of mine put them in touch with me and basically asked if I wanted to make a bit of cash in exchange for letting them lace me up. The shoot itself was kind of a nightmare. I was told that I just needed some slacks and boots for the shoot and upon my arrival it was revealed to me that I would be needing the boots but it was expected that I would be in a thong. I thought they were joking, but it turned out that they were serious. I explained that I was told that the shoot would be clothed, and that I did not just so happen to be wearing a leather thong or jock. They asked if I could do the shoot in the undies I was wearing. Much to their displeasure, I was wearing some tartan boxer briefs. They wound up asking my waist size and ran out and purchased some briefs that did not fit quite right and lead to my accidentally exposing myself all day.
Kyle: I am sure that is not how you imagined your first gig going but look at how you grow from it. What made
you want to pursue modeling?
Austin: A lot of encouragement from a former lover as well as from a late friend of mine. After doing it for the first time and seeing some of the images I grew to appreciate it greatly as an expressive outlet. I am always stoked to be a part of a project that can evoke feelings in the viewer. After seeing the images from some of the shoots, I only became more interested in taking on more projects.
Kyle: It is fascinating to put so much emotion into one photo. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
Austin: I don’t know so much about my career, but in a personally meaningful breakthrough, I would have to say that the first nude shoot I did with Max Woltman was probably it. The shoot was a huge step in my confronting and dealing with body dysmorphia. Since then, most of the shoots that come across my desk have been nude work.
Kyle: That is wonderful and I think what you did is courageous and many people admire you for that. We get stuck in what we think a model should look like and there is so much more beauty than that. Which shoot has been your favorite? Why?
Austin: My favorite shoot was really spontaneous. My friend had a sudden cancellation and he asked me if I was free. I didn’t have any plans and lived just a few blocks from his studio so I took him up on it. Neither one of us had any expectations or anything planned which allowed things to happen organically and we both really liked the results.
Kyle: That was probably fun because you didn’t have any time to think about it and just accepted the moment. Which shoot has been your most challenging? Why?
Austin: That would have to be a shoot I did with a really great photographer named Daniel Peebles. He wanted to feature performers and had contacted me. We did a shoot with me in my lyra, which is a steel hoop suspended from the ceiling, and the specific pose I was holding had over the time we were shooting made it increasingly difficult. In 
the end I was bloodied but it was worth it.
Kyle: I guess that is when the saying “no pain, no gain” comes into play right? How about your most embarrassing photo shoot situation?
Austin: That would definitely be getting an unwanted erection during a shoot. I believe I actually said, “Sorry, sometimes I wish I could leave this thing at home.”
Kyle: I am sure that happens more than you think with other models! You were clearly just excited for the opportunity! Are there any brands or photographers you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Austin: I am always excited to work with new people! There are easily more than I can mention. As far as brands go, I think it would be really awesome to be asked to work with any brand! Photographers I would like to work with? I would really dig being able to work with folks like Tim Walker, Mike Ruiz, David LaChapelle, and Predrag Pajdic.
Kyle: Hopefully that chance will come for you. What is something that your fans don’t know about you outside of modeling that you want them to know?
Austin: My regular day jobs have proven to be soul crushing and disheartening. After all my time an effort I put in to becoming college educated and get my degree, I’m planning to run away and join the circus.
Kyle: Yeah, welcome to the real world and life as an adult after college! What kind of diet and exercise do you do to prepare for shoots?
Austin: I am a fairly active fella in general. I hit the gym about 4 days a week and between that, martial arts, circus, and dance, I stay in a good place that is functional. As far as diet goes when I have a shoot coming up, I try eat exceptionally well and avoid alcohol, if for no other reason, than out of fear I will not be up to snuff when it comes time for the shoot.
Kyle: I love the avenues you have for exercise such as the dancing and martial arts. But I know you have a weakness so what is it?
Austin: I am a sucker for green chile cheese fries.
Kyle: As an underwear blog, we always want to know what you have. Looking at your underwear drawer, what is it made up of? % boxer briefs, % briefs, % jocks, % thongs.
Austin: It seems to be an even split of 33% boxer briefs, 33% briefs and 33% jocks.
Kyle: And outside of that drawer, what is the craziest pair of underwear you have ever worn?
Austin: I think it would probably have to be a pair of peacock feather patterned trunks covered in rhinestones I wore for a burlesque act. The rhinestones made them very heavy and I was concerned that they were going to come off while I was dancing.
Kyle: Sounds very elaborate though! Finally, you have had experience in underwear and nude. What goes through your mind right before you have to do these revealing shoots?
Austin: If I am to be honest, no matter the shoot, I get pretty nervous beforehand. I want to make sure I do everything well enough, make sure it is worth both my time and that of the photographer, that sort of thing. For revealing shoots I run the gamut of universal worry. I hope I get along with the photographer, I hope we get a good shot, have I eaten right, is my hair alright, worrying that I am not muscular enough, fearing that I look to have a gut, worrying that I look to be modestly endowed (although there is nothing wrong with that), do I have something stuck in my teeth, what if I fall and embarrass myself at the shoot? I go through all sorts of superfluous worry, but a lot of that goes away when I actually get on set and ready to go. When we get started there is a hush that falls over everything and I am present in that space and time. It is a pretty cool sensation.
Check out more of Austin Tacious below.
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
Filling menswear drawers and wardrobes with brand new fashion colours is one of the joys of spring. At UK men’s underwear and swimwear website Deadgoodundies shoppers can’t get enough of bright and cheerful multicoloured designs kicking off the new season in style. These patterns are perfect for indecisive minds who can’t possibly limit themselves to just one shade!
Doreanse 1213 Africa Micro Brief GBP9.00 This new tribal print is available as a thong, trunk, boxer brief and this gorgeous bikini slip.
Olaf Benz RED 1477 Bikini Brief GBP25.00 How great is the retro palette used in Seventies stripes across our classic shaped brief? This European designed range is selling fast at DGU!
Mundo Unico Favela Corto Boxer Brief GBP24.00 This Colombian collection really knows how to do stripy underwear. This shorty has a really summery look and the cotton rich fabric is great for feeling cool when the weather (finally) starts warming up.
Doreanse 1358 String GBP9.00 A male thong that glistens in a variety of colours. Your very own disco ball for your underwear drawer!
Bruno Banani Crazy Swim Mini Brief GBP31.00 Nostalgic swimwear for men with brightly coloured distressed stripes which blend into each other for an effect that’s going to look amazing in the water.
HOM Nemo Swim Short GBP47.00 Our favourite swimwear print so far this year! The tropical fish design is the perfect camouflage for snorkelling in exotic waters this summer.
Find these and more at Dead Good Undies.
Several weeks ago, UNB Tim asked me to select the top 5 bikinis.
While researching the available pairs, I noticed that some pairs I consider to be a bikini style are called a brief by the brand. That got me thinking about what makes a particular pair a bikini vs. a brief. I engaged my Twitter followers to give me their opinions and tried to get input from various brands as well. Here’s what they had to say:
@UNBKyle – I think bikinis have a slimmer side. Just like how trunks are usually shorter than boxer briefs in the legs, bikinis are smaller and shorter on the sides than regular briefs.
@In2yourbriefs – Briefs are more full, more material where bikinis are very thin sides, small cut on the bum.
@Bikiniboiatl – Bikinis have at a 3” lower rise than full briefs and 2” lower rise than low rise briefs.
@Undyguy79 – Bikinis have a higher cut in the front leg and are smaller around the package. They often don’t have a separate waistband. Plus the distance between the leg hole and waist is smaller.
@Underweardude – I’d say the major difference is that the bikini is higher cut around the legs, and possibly a smaller read, both to varying degrees. Some modern low rise briefs might be called a bikini by someone who only wears the classic kind of briefs.
@underwearCEO – A bikini is a more petite version of a brief. Thinner on the side and not a full sear on the rear!
@cambiocalzones – I think bikinis are narrow at the sides and back the waistband is smaller too and they don’t have any kind of fly.
@UndieLvr – For me bikinis are similar to briefs but much thinner than your average brief. You can have bikinis from possibly an inch on the sides down to a side string (the thinner the sexier). To me briefs are your typical full brief and I’m not much a fan because they tend to not flatter a person’s shape the way a bikini 
would.
@Jockey292 – Bikinis have sides of an inch or less, or just a waistband with a pouch and back.
@N2NBodywear – Bikini 1” sides, Brief 3” or more.
Almost everyone uses the height of the sides to distinguish a bikini from a brief. But is this enough? Bikinis are a version of a brief and are typically smaller as most of my Twitter followers alluded to; however, I think there’s more to the distinction. Here are the criteria I use:
In my opinion, the top two criteria are the most important and the third is more of a guideline.
NOTE: Was written by BikinisNThongs on Twitter
