Here’s a great deal: With every order of $100 or more, until Wednesday April 22nd, Jockstrap Central will throw in a free Bike #10 Jockstrap, and not just a Bike #10 jock but it’s the limited edition Vintage Throwback Version they import from Bike Europe.
Of course qualifying for the free jock will also qualify you for their Free USA Shipping or Discounted World Shipping Promtion.
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.
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GDD World furnished this pair.
We have this discussion on the blog. Do straights like undies? Well Kemuel Valdes shot a straight couple on the beautiful Miami beach. She is obviously loving her boyfriend Alex in PetitQ sexy new collection.
Gavin Harrison Photography shoots James in Marcuse for the Miami Living Magazine.
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
If you read the Ergowear X3D Bikini review, you know I LOVE Ergowear. It was great to try a new pair from a classic I have had in my drawer for a while. So, this review I wanted to step outside of my box a little. I wanted to try something I don’t normally wear, a trunk, AKA mini boxer.
I was excited to try this pair. One, because of the amazing Ergowear pouch. It’s one of my top 5 pouches of all times. To me a pouch is easy to do in a brief. But put that in a trunk/boxer brief and that’s where the trouble comes in. Some are able to pull it off while others aren’t! Second, I love the X3D line. The fabric, pouch and design is one that just feels great on me!
And before I get started I didn’t wear this in Vegas! I know you’re shocked. I wore it when I got home and was feeling better. I put this pair on and it really had a great pouch. I was impressed they carried over the pouch into a trunk. My biggest gripe with turnk/boxer brief pouches is you fall out of it. This pair, that never happened. They made it to give more support than most trunks out there.
My day wasn’t too busy but I did have some errands to do. So I was on the go for a few hours. I loved the support of the pouch. Yeah I can’t get over it. The fabric felt great. The fabric blend is 80% polyamid, 20% spandex. To me the more spandex the better. I love undies that conform to my body and hold everything in place. Some of you may not like this but, I have since I was young.
As the day went on the back of the pair rode down some. It was very noticeable to me when it was happening. I was hoping it wouldn’t fall all the way down. I had that happen with a pair a few years go. It was not fun to walk around with no coverage on the back. This pair never gave a full moon but did go down a bit. I don’t know if I had a smaller size if this would not have happened.
The sizing is awesome in Ergowear. They have one of the best sizing charts on the market. If you look at it, they will tell you when you should go up a size. If you get the wrong size in Ergowear then you are doing something totally wrong. !
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GDD World furnished this pair for review. You can find this pair at Candyman Fashion for $33.48 –
New swim season is here! This is the Darrell Low Rise suit from Timoteo! If you’re up for s fun floral print! If you want to check this pair out head to the Timoteo site.
I am on a roll with the color block briefs! This is my second review of the last line released from ManView Bodywear. The first was the 1001 Campus Class Joker Brief. This time it’s the Campus City Boy Brief. This too has one of my favorite colors, GREEN! Although, its not a bright vibrant green but a more muted almost neon green.
The brief has a similar cut to the Campus Brief. The pouch and design is a good one. Is it my all time favorite? No, but it’s still a great pouch. Guys of all sizes should have ample support. This pair also same fabric blend of the Campus brief, a 94% Soft Cotton & 6% Spandex. This I will admit is one of my favorite blends of fabric.
I wore this not running around Vegas at Magic. I wore it later in the week when I came down with bronchitis. There is nothing worse than getting sick out of town. The good part is I came down with it the night of the last day of Magic. But It didn’t’ hit me till the next day, Friday. I spent the weekend with friends in Vegas and instead of having a great fun filled weekend. I spent the entire time on the sofa sleeping.
I think the highlight of the weekend was going to the minute clinic. So this was not put through the paces like the Campus Brief. But, I wills ay when you are sick that’s the time you want to wear great undies. You don’t want to wear something that will drive you crazy. It felt great, I have worn them again in a regular day and they did a similar job as the Campus brief.
The design is fun. I love the orange around the bottom. It runs half around the back to just below the pouch. One benefit of this is it sets off the pouch. It will accent with you have! Plus its different and fun.
Sizing is pretty much spot on. I didn’t have any issues with the pair. Being sick I didn’t notice any bonding or being too small. Trust me had I felt it they would have come off ASAP. Again if you look at the sizing charts you should have no issues.
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GDD World furnished this pair for review. You can find this pair at Candyman Fashions for $25.48
NOTE: UNB Tim does consulting work for GDD world.
When you want sexy underwear that is hot, skimpy and wearable all day who do you turn to? Our go to answer is Gregg Homme. They make some of the best erotic wear on the planet. I have often said these undies aren’t made to come off after an hour but be able to wear all day!
The PLAYHOUSE collection provides some frisky fun for underwear lovers of all kinds. Faux leather entwines with 8-way stretch in the TWO-TIMER, while sexy mesh meets original micromodal in the KASANOVA. Their infamous NUDE pouch is reinvented in the G-LOVE series, and their wildest fetish gear to date is sure to make jaws and panties drop.
“This year, we wanted to make something that lived up to our utmost attention to detail, and take it to a new realm of erotic energy,” explains GREGG HOMME President Eric Boisvert. “Using the highest quality fabrics we could find and an unmatched penchant for design, I am sure all who come inside our ‘Playhouse’ will experience total pleasure and satisfaction.”
So when the new collection came out we are super excited. Here is the new collection!
Get naughty and nautical in this retro swim look! ! The AHOY swim- wear collection will make you want to jump ship from all responsi- bility and enjoy a life on the sea. The classic tri-color design fea- tures colorful leg and waist bands, a red metal tasseled closure, and four bright stripes that encircle the entire design. Everyone will be begging to be your first mate!
Meet your BEAU: a fresh and sexy take on classic men’s underwear. Breathable semi-sheer micromodal material keeps things soft and light while airjet technology ensures silky, stretchy flexibility even after multiple washings. The tricolor waistband completes this traditional-with-a-twist collection.
Transparency is key in the EROTIK collection. The Erotik leaves little to the imagination, but luckily reality is even hotter! A firm GREGG waistband leads into an ultra-sheer, ultra-soft mesh mate- rial. The best part of it all? A semi-concealed internal cockring that supports and engorges you to ultimate show-off capacity.
Can you say jungle fever!? The FRISKY tiger print design will make you feel sexy and savage while providing the best in underwear comfort! Thin, breezy microfibre with a tiger print meets faux- leather detailing in this wild collection of tops and bottoms, perfect for hot summer nights.
Like our quintessential “Nude”…with even more attitude! The holy trifecta of our G-LOVE brief series offers the same high spandex content fabric you loved in our original NUDE design, with faux leather accents for extra flair. The “second skin” pouch now fea- tures multicolored material or “mini-bondage” style cockrings for both sack and shaft. No one will question who the boss is when you unleash these briefs.
The Hipnotic just might be our softest collection yet! Bring out your sporty side with the punchy colors and fiesty fabrics that define this collection. Unique banded stitching adds a fun streak where you want it most. The Hip-Notic’s supersoft, barely-there material keeps things soft yet supportive, while its unique front pocket stitching highlights your best assets.
Strap yourself in for a wild ride! This risqué gear will shock and arouse your partner with its thick leather bands, firm metal loops and buckles in both front and back. Whether you dabble in domi- nance or submission, the HOOKED collection will fit your lifestyle like a glove.
You’ve mastered the art of seduction – now get the underwear to prove it! The KASANOVA marble collection is elegant and erotic, chiselled to the level of perfection you expect from Gregg Homme. Its supersoft, streamlined aesthetic spares no detail, and feels as good as it looks – just like you. Try it and believe it!
One of our raunchiest collections to date! If you’re into whips, chains, and mind games, try the LURE collection on for size! Featur- ing soft, body-hugging faux leather, peekaboo mesh, and shocking zipper & stud accents, you’ll be ready to get freaky in this BDSM- inspired gear. You’ll have them begging for mercy!
Be an even bigger stud on the beach this summer! Hip studs add a bold accent to this beach look, while subtle diagonal stripes lead the eye exactly where you want them. Firm, thickl material keeps everything in place even when you’re baring it all. The signature metal Gregg Homme emblem in front polishes off this rockstar swimsuit attire.
Get wild! Our TRYST collection features a raunchy mix of black sheer mesh and leopard velour, with sexy gold accents to boot. Put your best bits on display with this ultra-lightweight peekaboo design. Super lightweight, semi-revealing, and perfect for a big night out – if your date will let you out the door!
Leather feel meets sheer, body-hugging eight-way stretch with the TWO-TIMER. Its unique design highlights and enhances your main attraction, while stylish faux leather banding provides bum-perking support. This shiny spandex material is the perfect mix of showy and supportive – quit playing games and try it for yourself.
If you like the collection see it all at the Gregg Homme site.
Would you be bold enough to wear the Body Art Jupiter Swim String? I know we have plenty of fans of skimpy swimwear out there. Who would wear it?
The pair I am reviewing is ManView Bodywear Campus Brief. It is a long overdue review from when I was in Vegas in February. This is the third pair of ManView I have tried. The first was the 69 brief which ran way too small and the second was the Fire Brief, which was awesome and fit amazing! I loved this pair. I’m not sure where it is now.
The first thing about the Campus Brief that I loved was the colors. It has my two favorites Blue/Green. Green is my all time favorite color and it’s becoming rare in men’s underwear. The design has a color block design. I love how the pouch is a block of each color. If you aren’t a fan of blue/green it’s also available in yellow/grey for a more muted tone.
I wore this on not my busy day in Vegas but one where it was over 10,000 steps. The first thing that I liked was the pouch. It gave me ample support. The 94% Soft Cotton & 6% Spandex fabric was really nice. I liked the way it breathed and held it’s shape throughout the day. I have had pairs that didn’t offer support and on a busy day it just drives me insane. This pair felt great all day
The color block design is a big trend in men’s underwear. It’s a design that will catch your eye and can be used with any color combination you would want. This pair the blue/green just pops and looks amazing. I am not sure I would care for the other combo. I wished they had a few more color combinations. I think the blue/red or a yellow black combination would be amazing.
The sizing is pretty good. It fit me well in XL. The previous pair I had didn’t fit me, I think it was missized. This and the fire brief both fit well. If you follow the sizing charts you shouldn’t have too much of a problem finding the right fit.
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GDD World furnished this pair for review. It is available for $23.48 from Candyman Fashion.
What happens when you get Steven Dehler to get pics shot in Marcuse? You get some seriously hot pics! Stephen is no stranger to taking super hot pics for may brands. We love these pics!
I have said it before and say it again. Max Emerson is making one of the best underwear web series to date. This episode features a return guest by Colby Melvin. Enjoy the Video
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!
Combination deals don’t happen often but for until Sunday, April 19th at Jockstrap Central you can combine a site wide sale with their free / discounted shipping offer for a dual deal. Here’s the details:
For the discount it couldn’t be easier, simply browse their online store and you’ll find all jocks, underwear, singlets, shorts, swimwear and even socks all marked down by at least 10% (sale and clearance items are 15% to 50% off). There’s no discount codes to remember or enter, it’s already done for you.
For the shipping deal, as long as your product total is $60 or more USA customers will be offered a free shipping option and customers everywhere else will be offered a discounted shipping option (discount is based on 10% of your product total). Just as an FYI, what many people don’t realize is free shipping isn’t actually free, it’s just another form of a discount – a cost that Jockstrap Central is covering so the combination is a pretty big deal working out to a 20% or more discount for most customers.”
NOTE: post contains an affiliate sales link
Swimwear season is around the corner! For those who love skimpy swimwear then you need to check out the Jasper from Ruskin. This bikini has string sides and a 3/4 back. Also available in orange for $2 at the Ruskin Site.
One of the models I profiled reached out to a photographer he worked with and suggested jumping on the profile bandwagon and I am so glad he did! Max Woltman shows us a unique side to photography with his out of the box thinking and vision. He also shares information on his photo book, Funderwear, which we will be featuring next week!
UNBKyle: Max, thanks for contacting us after working with Austin Tacious. How did you get started in the photography business?
Max: I don’t remember my first photo shoot, but I do recall taking my first camera with me everywhere I went, including the dentist office where I took macro shots of my mother’s teeth. I guess I’ve always had a fascination for the bizarre. Even though I mostly photograph people, I still like to take abstract images of objects, flowers, and 
textures. And I still like taking photos of teeth, but more often in the context of a smile.
Kyle: I’m sure your mother loved that! I see your unique and out of the box ways started very young. What made you want to pursue photography?
Max: While working as an archival assistant at the Center for Creative Photography in the late 90’s, I became serious about wanting to pursue photography. One of the benefits of the job was getting to see rare photographic negatives, personal correspondence, and limited edition books and manuscripts by artists such as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. This prompted me to purchase my first camera. The rest is history.
Kyle: Sounds like a very inspiring job, especially since it helped pave the way for who you are today. Do you feel that you have had that breakthrough moment yet?
Max: I distinctly recall being contacted by a handsome man named Jonathan who was impressed with my portfolio and asked if I would take portraits of him. At the time I had no idea that my underwear photo shoot with him would motivate me to photograph hundreds of other men, young and old, skinny and plump, all beautiful and brave. Not only did this photo shoot give me the confidence to know that I have the eye to take sexy portraits. I also discovered how much I enjoy using the camera as a tool to get to know people on an intimate, personal level. I am honored that people invite and trust me to see them at their most vulnerable.
Kyle: You do have that eye for taking sexy pictures of men of all types which I love. We always talk about models stepping out of their comfort zone in these revealing shoots but it is also the photographer who has to be able to have confidence in his ability as well. Any shoots to date that have been your personal favorite?
Max: I can’t name just one favorite shoot. That being said, my most successful photo shoots are those in which the 
model/subject approaches the experience with spontaneity and creativity. Working with dancers is fun because they possess mental and physical discipline, know how to improvise, and are eloquent with their bodies. I recently had the pleasure of getting to photograph Seattle dancer and boylesque performer Paris Original. I’m in awe of his flexibility!
Kyle: That is true. Dancer do posses a great control and ability with their bodies that I’m sure a photographer can’t wait to utilize. How about challenging photo shoots?
Max: Any shoot that involves water tends to be challenging. Whether it is a shower or pool, water has its own fickle personality. Trying to spray water on a model without it irritating his eyes or messing up his hair can be difficult.
Kyle: Haha I am sure that can be difficult. Water has a mind of its own sometimes. I can imagine the models hate multiple takes with that, as you do as well probably. Any embarrassing or funny photo shoot moments to share?
Max: I remember photographing a nude model near Abiquiu, New Mexico last year. The area was fairly secluded, but some hikers stumbled upon us. I think they were more embarrassed than we were.
Kyle: Sounds like they received more of a scenic view than they planned on that hike! Are there any brands or models you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Max: I have a long list of accomplished models I would be privileged to photograph. Some of them include Marlon Teixeira, Henrik Fallenius, Jesus Luz, and Brian Shimansky. However, I’m also drawn to the raw energy of athletes and dancers with little or no modeling experience. They often possess a fresh vitality and are open to trying new things. When it comes to underwear brands, I’ve always been a fan of Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss, but I also like the risks that companies like Andrew Christian and Rufskin take, especially when it comes to marketing to a more openly gay clientele.
Kyle: I think you have a good mix there that shows how versatile you can be in your portfolio and vision. How do you prepare creatively and determine your environment for the shoot? Is it determined by you, the brand, or a collaboration?
Max: Most of the time I choose the environments for my photo shoots. Living in New Mexico, I have access to wide open spaces that serve as ideal backdrops for my models.
Kyle: Beautiful landscapes I can only imagine! What a place to utilize. What are some tips you give models in 
order to be comfortable in front of the camera whether as a new model or for more intimate/revealing shoots?
Max: I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement. In addition to being a photographer, I also act as a coach, therapist, and confidant. It is important to me to make the model feel safe, encourage him to take risks, and provide him with a nonjudgmental environment in which he can experiment with posing, feel free to move, and be emotionally expressive. I like to make my subjects laugh, smile, and feel comfortable. If I can make a fool of myself, I in turn give the model permission to be himself and not feel pressured to be perfect or try too hard to impress me.
Kyle: Great mentality! There is so much vulnerability put out there by these models that it is nice to see a photographer who can take that and ease the nerves and encourage the experience. What are your interests away from the camera?
Max: In addition to photography, I enjoy singing, acting, eating, and sleeping. Dreams are often the inspiration for much of my work.
Kyle: Well, sounds like your dreams in photography and art are happening. With your experience and knowledge, do you have any tips for people wanting to get into photography?
Max: Taking photos is a great way to discover what inspires you and to have a tangible record of your observations. With any art form, it is helpful to acknowledge your history and what you already know. Never take for granted your own unique life experiences and beliefs and how they influence your self-expression. Beauty is all around us and it is our responsibility as artists to recognize this. Often, what we think is mundane or uninteresting to us because we see it everyday is exactly what appeals to someone else. We all have a story. I admire Ruven Afanador for infusing his Columbian ancestry into much of his fashion and portrait work.
Kyle: Inspiration and a personal touch sound key to what you believe. I am sure it can be difficult in an industry where you feel that you need to shoot what other’s want you to shoot and lose yourself. What are some of the things that you feel set you apart from other photographers in the market?
Max: I tend to think outside the box. What I find sexy is not always what we’re told is attractive by the media. For example, I am not afraid to feminize men, to have my models smile, and to sexualize obesity. Though not always commercially advantageous, it is imperative to glamorize different types of people. As we become more accepting of the transgender community, for instance, our representations of masculinity and femininity will continue to expand and we will see more variety in the modeling world. As a photographic artist, I have a greater responsibility not just to serve the commercial needs of our capitalistic marketplace. I hope that my work will impact society in a deeper way, broaden our sometimes limited notions of what beauty looks like, challenge us to be kinder to each other, and look at people beyond the surface.
Kyle: We definitely see this outside of the box thinking in your photos. It is nice to see a photographer who can display something we are not seeing too much of and really stand out. You have a new book out called Funderwear. Tell us about the book. What inspired you to put this together?
Max: In an effort to make people smile and laugh, I decided to create a book that makes it okay to like ourselves. I know it might sound silly, but not a single person I photograph doesn’t express some sort of insecurity. We tend to be most critical of ourselves and feel like we aren’t good enough or measure up to an unattainable ideal. And that makes me sad. Our lives are too short not to glorify how extraordinary we are. Funderwear is more than just a collection of men in their underwear. It is a celebration of freedom and sexuality. These brave men share their near nakedness. By being vulnerable, they in turn realize their own strength and confidence to proclaim their bodies. Funderwear encourages us to embrace our inner child’s sense of play and look at masculinity from a not-so-serious side.
Funderwear is available here. Check back next week for more information on this great book!
Check out more of Max Woltman’s portfolio below.
Interested in having your model profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
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.
Colt is back with some new underwear and we are loving the thong! Brian Maier celebrates Thong Thursday!
Have you seen Little Rok? They are a great swimwear company that has some fun suits for the geek in all of us! We got a chance to talk to Rocco, the owner, about the brand.
Tell us how you combined your love of comics and bodybuilding and mixed it the world of designing clothes, specifically swimwear?
Since I was a little boy I loved drawing and also reading all kinds of comic books. When I’ve started working in the fashion industry, many years ago, I’ve put into practice my qualities as an illustrator to create and personalized some of the graphics of the new coming collections until, back in 2012, I finally started my own line Little Rok. I’ve realized that there are only a few lines out there that put together the world of superheroes and fashion that still allows you to feel comfortable and sexy and that’s why I decided to focus on swimwear.
You have two of my favorite swimwear, and made my geek side very happy, with the My Swim Cap and Star what was the inspiration? Who are your favorite comic characters?
It all started as a joke when I draw for a friend of mine a sort of my own reinterpretation of one of his favorites superheroes. I pictured this character with sportswear and sneakers giving him this way a newer and fresher look, and everybody loved it. I personally don’t have a favorite one myself, but what really fascinates me is the fact that undercover they are all normale people with normal lives but with superpowers.
What is the inspires you to take something from comics and put it down as a design?
I love comics because is like living in a fictional and fantastical world but with real people. For many years, I’ve followed the work of some of the most famous cartoonist out there, but only when I personally met Claudio Castellini, an Italian artist now working and living in the US, I’ve realized that I wanted to keep drawing superheroes and also keep working in the fashion industry. He was my true inspiration.
The Cap and Star are not the only pairs you are known for, tell us us about the “Huge” character. What was the inspiration? How popular has he become in the world of bodybuilding?
The “Huge” character was born from the idea of creating a superhero from the real and everyday life. A real man, in this case a bodybuilder, who cares about the way he looks and trains everyday harder and harder to always becoming bigger and more powerful. This way, he inspires people from all ages to become like him, not only physically but also mentally showing then that with determination and hard work anyone could achieve their goals.
The swimwear was the first thing that caught my eye. The Star picture made me stop and take notice. But you do things other than swim. Can you tell us about your other clothing you make?
Little Rok has a wide range of T-shirts, tank-tops, shorts, and sweaters made with different types of fabrics from cotton to mesh fabric, and also with different styles like the “raw edge cut” which I’ve noticed people like it a lot. Basically, a line for people who prefer a more sporty and casual look, and also for those who like to dress comfortable and fashionable while doing their physical activities.
Do you have any new comic collections coming out soon?
Yes, soon the new collection will come out with lots of cool and interesting characters. I’ve designed new t-shirts and tank-tops with the “My Star” graphic on it which now sort of represents Little Rok. New swimsuits are coming, and last but not least I’m launching this year a limited edition of the “BOOM” swimwear that was a huge success last year, not only among costumers but also among other designers from across the ocean.
Find them on the net at http://www.littlerokoriginal.com
Adrian C. Martin just show with Charlie by MZ and fitness model Karim Gasmi. The photos were taken in Maspalomas dunes in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.Credits:
Photos. Adrian C. Martin (instagram.com/adriancmartinphoto)
Model: Karim Gasmi (instagram.com/k_gasmi)
Underwear: Charlie by MZ (www.charliebymz.com)
Location: Maspalomas dunes, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
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.
In my quest to “Pump” myself up, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Pump Fever jock. Anyone who is a fan of underwear has seen how this jock beautifully showcased the assets of Bryant Wood, therefore we can only hope for the same personally. This jockstrap is a hot red color but also has the patriotic side with the red, white and blue (could be great for Memorial Day and 4th of July cookouts right?) As I have learned with Pump underwear, this pair encompasses everything we love about Pump.
It is made up of a nylon/cotton/spandex material, great breathable mesh, and showcases the iconic PUMP! logo across the waistband. It is a very sporty looking jock which will be very appealing to the athletic community. It’s masculine yet sexy. A rare combination that Pump in my opinion has succeeded in dominating. After my amazing experience with the Pump Raver brief, I had no hesitation on wearing this jock through my workday.
I slipped the jock on and was immediately taken back to the feeling I had when I slipped into my first Pump pair. The excitement and the feel! The mesh is so soft and feels great against the skin. The straps reach underneath each cheek giving great support and lift. I may not have a butt like others but I felt a little something extra after these straps wrapped around me. In fact, throughout my day I could feel a sense of lifting from the straps. They were tighter than some of the jocks I have worn in the past but not in a negative way. They were tight with a purpose. The front of the jock is just as supportive and appealing as the back. It offered 
enough room for everything to sit nicely with plenty of room. The pouch is not too small to squish everything nor is it too big to make you feel inadequate. I wear a medium and am an average size guy in all of the departments. They stay true to size. This is important to know as well because when I was picking out the Pump underwear I wanted to review I was told that they are European sizes which I had never experienced before. If you have purchased pairs that are sized European, keep that in mind. So far with Pump, I am 2 for 2 on my actual size.
Anyone who is a fan of jockstraps needs to add this one to your drawer. This was such a great jockstrap and offered so much support and comfort I don’t think you would go wrong wearing it. I think this would especially be an important pair for a guy to wear who was looking for some extra help on the butt but doesn’t want anything out of the ordinary. I may not look exactly like Bryant Wood in this jockstrap but it definitely made me feel good, especially on the backside! Damn Pump, you gave me FEVER!
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Pump Underwear supplied this pair for review. Available online for $22.00
This is the year for color in men’s underwear. More companies are going out and picking colors that we don’t normally see in men’s underwear. 2(X)ist is the latest company to do some amazing colors in underwear. The newest line they released is called the Tropics. You maybe asking why did they call it Tropics?
The line has a very beachey feel. The colors are summery and remnant of colors you would see in the tropics. The colors are laser (yellow), Honeysuckle (pink), Methyl Blue (blue) and White. Each color has a tropical waistband in which colors of the main style are featured in print. Its a great addition to the pair.
Tropics is available in 2 different styles. They re the No Show Trunk and No Show Brief. Both of these are standard styles offered by 2(X)ist. The brief retails for $26 and Trunk for $30. Made out of a 87% Polyester / 13% Spandex blend as well.
I love this line for the waistband. The typical print is just a lot of fun. Its great to see brands having fun with the waistbands! The waistband with the color just makes this a great pair. I will have to tell Jason, great job! You can find this and some other tropical prints at the 2(X)ist site.
For the studious, intellectual men out there, Garcon Francais reminds us to achieve our wisdom in style. Do you read, work at your desk, or do your college homework in your underwear?