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It’s been an amazingly busy week here at UNB. We just finished up our Reader Survey, Shot/published our swimwear guide and are redoing our content. But the blog never stops! We had to move Underwear of the Week to Saturday because of the Swimwear Guide release. This week our Underwear of the Week is the Pistol Pete Power Mesh Brief. It’s a really fun pair to end the week on!

Pistol Pete has always made colorful fun underwear. This pair is no different. It has a color block pattern that Pistol Pete is known for over the past few years. They also have been making super fun undies out of mesh. The prime example of that is anything in the Xpose collection. However, this pair won’t show off everything, like the Xpose, but will tease what you are hiding!

Reasons this pair is our underwear of the week:

  • Great color block pattern
  • Made of a “sports mesh” Poly Cotton Spandex material
  • Material is mesh but won’t show off everything
  • Has three great colors, White, Red and Blue
  • Available for $28.50 at the Pistol Pete website

We hope you enjoy this pair and will check it out. See the additional color combinations below. And be back next Friday when we bring you another underwear of the week. Find Pistol Pete at http://www.pistolpete.com

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UNBSwim2012-Clever4I want to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the 2013 readers survey. Its very important to me to find out the opinion of our readers. Because without you guys we would be no where! I have learned a lot over the last five years. A lot of the info given in the survey was something I either wanted to plan or possibly knew about the site.

Some things I learned:

  • Want to see coverage outside the US
  • Its divided who like long and short form posts
  • Review letters are confusing
  • Reviews can be too nice.
  • We are gaining straight readers

These are a few things I heard. The first one I want to say we are actively working on. Since I am not in other countries I can’t report on the underwear market. We have teamed up with Dead Good Undies to bring you some great coverage of the UK Market. We would love to expand to other countries and are working on it.

Next is the length of content. We received more comments then years past. It’s Divided be tween those who like long and short posts. We will have a mix of both so if you like them check them out. I have a feeling you may like some of the long content we have planned.

Reviews ratings are confusing. This was something I was wondering about and it was kind of confirmed in the survey. We needed to make a change after 4 years and we reformulated our reviews. We will be looking into changes to make them better. As I said when we reformulated them it would be a work in progress.

Reviews are too nice. I have heard this off and on and don’t think we are too nice. We have had our share of critical reviews and I had to defend a number of them this past year to brands. I think we are fair and honest but remember we are underwear lovers and I match up underwear with the guys who like the brand or style.

We gained straight readers. This really surprised me. I think last year survey respondents said about 9% were straight and this year we had 23% straight. I think this is a great thing we are gaining an audience with more guys. EVERYONE needs good undies regardless of sexuality. We have gained three straight staff members and I think they definitely contribute a different point of view.

If you ever have feedback email us we love to hear from you! Now on to the Winner of the Gift Card. The winner is Caden from Canada. We will email you today or tomorrow to find out where you want the gift card! Congrats!

We present the 2013 Swimwear Guide! Before we get into the guide I have to do two big thanks. First, Blackjack Mountain Inn (www.blackjackmountaininn.com) located in Marietta, GA. Thanks for letting us shoot at your amazing location. If you are traveling to the Atlanta area check them out! Second is Calera Vision Center, LLC (www.caleravisioncenter.com) of Birmingham, AL for furnishing all the sunglasses you see!

The companies participating this year are Clever, Vuthy, Cocksox, Modus Vivendi, N2N Bodywear and Erogenos.

Clever-unb-swim-2013-aClever Swimwear

  • From Left to Right
  • Matt – Clever 0563- Striped Swim Brief
  • Kyle – Clever 0562 – Koi Swim Suit
  • Blake (standing) – Clever 0554 – Striped Swim Suit
  • Cody – Clever 0559 Swim Brief Circular Graphic Swim Suit

Vuthy-unb-swim-2013Vuthy

  • From Left to Right
  • Blake – Vuthy 335 – Flower Square
  • Kyle (seated) – Vuthy 324 – Vertical Stripe Boxer
  • Matt – Vuthy 325 – Dot Swim Brief
  • Cody – Vuthy 339 – Blue & Yellow Square

vuthy-unb-swim-2013-cVuthy

  • From Left to Right
  • Kyle – Vuthy 350 – Leopard Print Bikini
  • Blake – Vuthy 318 – Hawaiian Flower Bikini

cocksox-unb-swim-2013-aCocksox:

cocksox-unb-swim-2013-bCocksox

Modus-vivendi-unb-swim-2013Modus Vivendi

n2nbodyewar-unb-swim-2013-aN2N Bodywear

n2nbodywear-unb-swim-2013-bN2N Bodywear

erogenos-unb-swim-2013-aErogenos

We will be posting more pics from this shoot over the next week as our brief distractions. Thanks to all those who participated. Also be on the look out for two videos from the shoot!

aussieBum-lowrideraussieBum is a company that isn’t afraid to have fun with underwear or swimwear. Every pair of aussieBum I have had, have been amazing. The next on my list is to try some of their swimwear. I may just have to make the LowRider that pair I try. It is available in three different styles. In order from top to bottom is the Bullet, Optical, Perspective and Slash. We have full pictures below the fold.

aussieBum says: “This sexy, Sleek ‘low riding’ swimwear range is anything but low key! The striking designs range from op-art black and white patterns to high contrast custom prints. Featuring a light-weight elastane material that is quick drying with a smooth matte finish. Get sexy – get low.”

This range really reminds me of the 80’s. We are seeing a resurgence in all things 80’s lately. Brands are using neon/day glow colors and now aussieBum is embracing the optic prints. Back in the day, and I mean the 80’s, there were pants, shirts and more with fun black and white optic prints.

I love that aussieBum isn’t afraid to step outside of the underwear/swimwear box. Whether you like or dislike the design you can’t say they are boring. Find these on the aussieBum site for $53.87

heroSocks are something we don’t cover much here and we should. We have something in the works now and it will be out soon! I like socks a lot, the styles I like range from ankle socks, gym socks and dress socks. Granted this is not as much as my big love of underwear, but I still like them. 2(X)ist has come out with a brand new N0-Show athletic sock collection.

Their site says: “Our slip-on athletic, casual, and dress socks are tricked out with an amazing design that simply vanishes into your shoes.” 2(X)ist made them for athletic, casual and dress. These maybe the perfect sock to wear under loafers if you don’t want your socks to show. The No-Show socks are $10 on the 2(x)ist site

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tumblr_static_commander-in-briefsFreshPair.com has started a great new Tumblr blog! It’s called “Commander in Briefs”, this is a follow up to the really incredible Confidence Project. Unlike the Confidence Project this is an ask the expert blog. They have their Commander in Briefs answering your underwear related questions. The blog just launched so it doesn’t have a lot of questions but they will be adding new answers often. Between when I first read it this afternoon and now they have updated a new answer.

Over the past year FreshPair.com has seriously impressed me with their marketing and outreach to underwear lovers. They are doing what we are in the process of doing here at UNB. That is making it personal and getting to know more of the people in undies world. It’s my philosophy that undies are one of the most personal things we wear and when we choose to share our undies or info about them we want it to be in an accepting place. There has always been a stigma in the media about men’s underwear. This is a change that is happening as more guys, gay and straight, are wearing great undies. We don’t see this trend ending anytime soon.

FreshPair.com is making it easy to ask questions about undies. Its the old adage that there are no stupid questions. How many times have you had a question and either were afraid to ask it or didn’t know who to ask it too. Now you can relax and know you can ask anything you need to know about undies. I believe this blog is going to be focused on men’s underwear.

Some of the posts on the site are:

  • How to avoid pit stains on tshirts
  • Sizing in undies
  • A photo tip for how they make pics look good, and you will “wonder”
  • Popular Men’s Undies in the different areas of NYC

It’s great to see an underwear company take an active interest in the underwear consumer. Add this Tumblr to your list of followed blogs or check it daily! If you have any questions let us know and we will pass them along and get them answered. The address is http://commander-in-briefs.tumblr.com/.

 

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Do you have what it takes to be…  GREGG HOMME’S NEXT TOP MODEL?

Enter to win an ALL-EXPENSE paid trip to Montreal, QC JULY 2013 to shoot our new F/W Collection and video!

  • Please submit photos and measurements to marketing@gregghomme.com
  • Open to all countries
  • Must have a valid Passport
  • All Entries must be received by June 16, 2013

Last year we helped them find their model and hope we can do the same this year! Grab your best pics and email Gregg Homme today!

papi-3-packs-2013Papi just released two new 3 packs for 2013 and Jockstrap Central has got them. Last year’s (which are still available) were in white but this year’s packs are in solid bold colors.

Papi knew guys were going to love this ultra-comfortable and stylish sport meets fashion jock so much that they packaged them in threes – but for the price of one. Considering you can wear this to the gym, to the office or on a date, you’re going to need three just to insure there’s always one clean.

Here’s the details: A super soft cotton pouch with center seam for support and help provide a natural contour. A matching cushioned 1 1/4 inch elastic waistband white woven logo. Finally, 3/4 inch elastic legstraps provide the support to keep things in place.

Like we said, there’s two different packs available for this year: Either get a pack with a red, blue and black jockstrap or a pack with a blue, light blue and navy blue jockstrap.

Here’s an idea: They’re so inexpensive, why not get both packs and you almost have a new jockstrap for every day of the week!”

Note: Post contains affiliate link for Jockstrap Central.

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This year having pride is big in the underwear world. N2N has released a few lines that focus on pride. They are the Power Pride G, Power Pride Sport and the Pride Sheer Pants.

When I met with N2N in Vegas, Andrew told me that they were going to produce a pride line. I pictured the new lines to be one similar to the Prism line. That is it would be a line that has a rainbow print rather than one with items in every color of the rainbow.

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The Pride Power G

The Pride Power G is one of the latest swim thongs. The swim thong started to regain popularity last year and this year we are seeing them in more swim lines. The G is a thong with no draw cord but held up by an elastic waistband.  It also is liner-less, so it’s not for the guy not afraid to show off. Made out of 83% Nylon and 17% spandex blend. The colors available are red, orange, green blue, purple and yellow.  Available for $26

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Pride Sport

N2N is always up for showing off the body you have worked hard to achieve. The Pride Sport is similar to the G. It has no draw cord and is held in place with an elastic waistband.  It is also liner-less. This pair is similar to the G because it will show off your assets. Meaning that the back is sheer. And yes we said it was sheer back swimwear.  I can’t think of many swim pairs that have had a solid back. If that wasn’t enough it also has the famous N2N N-Hance pouch.  This pair is made for the guy who is not afraid to show it all off! Made out of 83% Nylon and 17% spandex blend. The colors available are red, orange, green blue, purple and yellow.  Available for $26

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Pride Sheer Pants

You may think that there is no way you could possibly show off any more with the pride line. YOu would be wrong because the Pride Pants are 100% sheer.  I can’t think of a place were you could get away with wearing sheer pants in public.. If you want to wear them but not bold enough to show everything you may consider wearing either the Power G or Sport under them. These are made out of a 83% polyester and 17% spandex blend. The pants have a loose fitting waistband and did we say VERY sheer. The colors available are red, orange, green blue, purple and yellow.  Available for $30

Find all these daring pairs on the N2N Bodywear website.

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Zylas is one of those brands I have never worn. Believe it or not! So when I got the chance to try it I was excited to get a pair. I specifically made sure I received a brief to revieww, if you are a long time reader,  I am not a big boxer brief fan. The brief I received was the 4020 brief. It’s a nylon/spandex brief with a semi transparent pattern. Green is my favorite color and anytime I get a chance to find green undies I usually snap them up. A matching Boxer brief is also available in this pattern and color.

Let me start this review by saying that when I first put them on they seemed small. You know when you look down and wonder if you are A.) going to fit in them and B) would they last all day. I took a chance and decided to wear them and hoped they made it through the day. So I was worried wearing them to work they would loose their shape and let everything hang out. Luckily that didn’t happen. I wore them to work and they held up pretty well. I do office work but if you are more active I may not recommend them. While I wished their sizing was a bit bigger they didn’t stretch out or loose their shape during the day. I was very surprised they  looked the same at the end of the day as when I put them on. If I would have had a very active day I’m not sure they would have held up.

As I mentioned above the sizing seemed a bit small. I am now in a 36 waist. The Zylas sizing chart says and XL is a 34-36. The 36 fit me really small. I would recommend it if you were a 35 inch or below. The pouch did something funky when I wore it. It didn’t look right on me but I think that its part of the overall sizing issue. During the day it didn’t bind or drive me crazy. If you are a fan or want to try Zylas I would suggest going with the lower end of sizing rather then the upper end (ex get the 34 rather then 36 of the XL).

Some of the positives of this pair are the following. The first is the color. I love the light green color. It’s rare I find green undies and this isn’t a typical green you find in the world of men’s underwear. It’s light and bright. Second, I loved the pattern in the fabric. It’s a little see through in those areas of the pattern but you won’t be showing off everything you have. Last is the waistband, its green need I say more. What I didn’t like was the sizing. It didn’t look right in the mirror and had I been any bigger it would have not fit at all.

I love the look of Zylas but due to the sizing I’m not sure I will wear them again. I’m working my way to get a 34 waist. When I reach my goal I will give them another shot but the sizing just took too much away from the pair. Which is sad because I really love the color and pattern!

Pros:
•    Green Color
•    Pattern in the Pair
•    Waistband is GREEN

Cons:
•    The sizing just didn’t fit me

Ratings
•    Daily Fit – C
•    Sizing – C
•    Construction/Materials – B
•    Styling – A
•    Daily Performance – B
•    Overall: C+

Zylas was furnished these for review.

s1100_simple_brief_f_whiteToday’s  $12 Tuesday is the Baskit Simple Brief. It is just as the name implies simple. It has the Baskit name in the waistband and a simple design. But that doesn’t mean it’s not comfy and a great pair of underwear. Sometimes you just need to go simple. These would be great to wear to the gym. To find this pair go to the Specials page on the Baskit site. Make sure you look below it on the page and you can find some other great deals.

Singlets were only worn by wrestlers in High School and College, but in the last year their popularity has taken off. I have loved them since the early 90’s. I have had a variety of singlets; some that official wrestling singlets, fetish singlets and ones that are just fun. You can wear them  under clothes as a tank (jeans or workout wear), for public viewing or where ever you’re bold enough to wear them!

Here is our selection of 5 of the newest, hottest Singlets for this year. Here they are in no particular order!

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N2N Bodywear – University Singlet – $47 from the N2N Website University line has been refreshed with colors. 83% Nylon/17% Spandex – Available in White, Black or Navy

Modus Vivendi Painter line 02Modus Vivendi – Eighties Bodywear 11281 Singlet – 32.70 Euros from the Modus Vivendi site. Has easy snap release – Cotton pw 93% & elastane 7%. – Available in Blue, Yellow, Red and Pink

tk257-117Pistol Pete – Xpose Singlet – $52.50 from Pistol Pete – Based on the Xpose mesh underwear line. Available in Black, Red and White

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Cellblock13 – $48 from the Cellblock13 Site. Cellblock13 is Timoteo’s fetish inspired line. The singlet is available in Black, Red, Yellow or blue.

R10-13-AN2N Bodywear – Sheer Singlet – $80 on the N2N Website – New singlet with sheer panels. 83% Nylon/17% Spandex – Available in Black, Red and White .

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Modus Vivendi has released a special limited edition range of shorts, pants and jackets for summer 2013. The range is called Floral and is part of the Painter line of apparel. Floral prints are a hot trend this spring and summer 2013, with many fashion houses and designers around the world featuring flower patterns in their collections. Botanic beat-nicks and herbaceous hippies everywhere will love this gear!

Below are the descriptions for each product, with the pictures attached to this mail.

Floral Bomber Jacket
Cool, super fashionable bomber jacket in neo-retro floral design. Beautifully textured high-quality Italian athletic mesh-look fabric with white trim, zip front, low collar, side pockets and discreet Modus Vivendi detail at the cuff.

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Floral Short
Funky, super comfortable jogging cut shorts in neo-retro floral design. Beautifully textured high-quality Italian athletic mesh-look fabric with white trim, loose fit and extra high-cut thigh. Fully functional and fun, Modus Vivendi style, with buttons to each side.

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Floral Bermuda green
Bermuda style pants in neo-retro floral design. Beautifully textured high-quality Italian athletic mesh look fabric with white trim, Y-front and deep pockets. Soft cotton elasticated waistband and a discreet Modus Vivendi detail at the side.

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Floral Bermuda red
Bermuda style pants in full-on red-fuchsia-orange combination floral pattern. High-quality Italian fabric with white trim, Y-front and deep pockets. Soft cotton elasticated waistband and a discreet Modus Vivendi detail at the side.

Splashing even more color into any of these creations is easy: double up the prints using matching pants and bomber jacket for maximum impact or combine with a favorite red or green T-shirt.

CURwear.com

I love bringing you guys new underwear companies. So when I got an invite on my personal facebook for a new page I was intrigued. The owner added me as a friend and then sent me an invite to the page. Curbwear looks like they are going to be off to a great start. Not only do they make underwear but they also have work out wear with shorts, tops and gloves. It’s a very cool company. Here is some info they sent us about the brand.

Curb, a new UK brand, unites the category of underwear with sport, creating designs that support performance and enhance comfort.

Athlete Brief and Hipster

  • Everything has been consider here – a super smooth care label and a panoramic pouch to enhance and eliminate the need to re-adjust.  Lo-rise design prevents riding up and a ‘hungry-bottom’ – your arse eating your underwear! – as you stay active.

Sport Gloves

  • Colourful gloves that provide an even better grip using gel zoned padding on the palm to support your training programme.

Stadium Short

  • Styled to fit straight on the leg using a 4 panel construction and single-layered to provide a smooth, sheer and shiny look.

Adrenaline Vest

  • You go to the gym to look buff and Curb provide a top to enhance your look – curved bottom, muscle back top to enhance your cut look.  Short-drop hood completes your Circuit style.

Check them out at their website, http://www.curbwear.com. We hope to see more from them!

curbwear_hooded_vest-top curbwear-shiny-blue-footie-short

 

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Cocksox just released the new Backstage range last week. But they haven’t forgotten about some of the core lines and refreshed the with some great new colors. Those colors are royal (more of an electric blue) and Lime! Both really fun and great colors. Here is a breakdown of the styles and colors:

  • CX01N – Royal
  • CX03N – Royal
  • CX05 – Royal
  • CX12N – Lime
  • CX12N – Royal

Check these out and the Backstage line at the Cocksox website.