Introducing the gymwear section of the UNB Reader Survey! As the popularity of spandex continues to rise, we have decided to include this relatively new section in our survey. And rest assured, as the demand for gymwear increases, we will continuously expand and enhance this section to provide you with the latest and most comprehensive insights

We are pleased to present the gymwear section of the UNB Reader Survey, which aims to gather insights on the use of spandex among our readers. One of the questions we asked was about running attire, specifically inquiring about the preferred choices of our participants. While a substantial number of respondents (approximately 50%) indicated that they incorporate runners or spandex shorts into their workout outfits at some point, we were hoping for a more significant portion. It’s important to note that participants had the option to select multiple responses. We appreciate the feedback received so far and will continue to explore this area in future survey editions.

Let’s highlight a significant statistic from the results: a noteworthy 6% of respondents are embracing singlets as their gym attire. It’s encouraging to see an increasing number of individuals sharing pictures of themselves in singlets from their gym sessions on Instagram. This trend brings me joy. However, it’s worth noting that gym shorts continue to dominate, as they remain the preferred choice for the majority. Initially, I questioned whether I had copied the incorrect results since the combined percentage for singlets and gym shorts stands at an impressive 61% across both slides.

As we delve into the realm of cardio exercises, an interesting trend emerges: the dominance of gym shorts becomes even more apparent, accounting for a significant 65% of reader’s preferred attire. It’s safe to say that when it comes to cardio workouts, the trusty gym short remains the go-to choice for the majority of individuals. This finding reinforces the notion that gym shorts have established themselves as a staple in the fitness wardrobe of our audience. Their versatility, comfort, and practicality seem to make them the preferred option for staying cool and unrestricted during cardio activities. With such a high percentage in favor of gym shorts, it becomes evident that they have truly solidified their position as the preferred gymwear among our readers.

rossFit is a high-intensity fitness regimen that combines elements of weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises, and bodyweight movements. It focuses on functional movements performed at high intensity, aiming to improve overall fitness and strength. CrossFit workouts are designed to be varied and constantly challenging, incorporating elements from various disciplines such as weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance training.

In the CrossFit community, gym shorts have emerged as the most popular choice of attire. This preference can be attributed to the demanding nature of CrossFit workouts, which require a wide range of motion, agility, and flexibility. Gym shorts offer athletes the freedom and mobility needed to perform explosive movements, such as squats, lunges, and box jumps, while keeping them cool and comfortable during intense training sessions. With their lightweight materials and non-restrictive design, gym shorts have become synonymous with the CrossFit culture, reflecting the focus on performance, functionality, and practicality.

When it comes to yoga attire, it’s interesting to note that both gym shorts and yoga pants are popular choices among our respondents. While gym shorts maintain their dominant position, a considerable number of individuals also opt for the flexibility and comfort provided by yoga pants during yoga sessions. Surprisingly, the percentage of men wearing yoga pants or spandex gear isn’t as high as initially expected, indicating that other options still prevail. Nonetheless, the presence of yoga pants in the mix demonstrates a growing acceptance and appreciation for their functionality in the realm of yoga.

This slide has really changed over the years. I asked “Are you confident in just wearing spandex to the gym (such as a singlet, full-body suit, UA shirts, and runners? No cover-ups) ” Only 25% of you said Yes you are but almost 50% said no, but almost 20% said they wear something over it. Yeah I forgot to convert to percentage! I want to grow this number to over 50%, that is my goal

Unlike Underwear, gymwear can be pricy and some pairs I have seen for $100+, next year I think we will have to up our prices. But most of you pay 21-50 bucks on gymgear. I think we need to ask what gym gear do you buy each year. I would love to know your thoughts.

This wraps up the gymwear section. I had a bad day when I wrote this so it was super bitchy so I had to run it through ChatGPT to rewrite it. All but the last two sections were rewritten so if you ask “hey did you hire a writer?” nope chat GPT can do miracles!

We will have more for you on Friday!

Today we go over the UNB Reader Survey swimwear results, appropriate since we are in swimwear season. Here are what you guys love and wear and what you are wearing this year.

We’re always curious about your summer wardrobe choices. We inquired about the swimwear styles you’ll be donning this season. Without a doubt, briefs have emerged as the popular choice this summer! Although I must admit, I was slightly taken aback to discover that thongs accounted for only 22% of the responses, trailing behind swim shorts and trunks. The good news is that board shorts are the least favored option for swimwear.

Over the past few years, thongs have experienced a noticeable surge in popularity among men. It’s intriguing to observe whether you choose to embrace or eschew this particular style. Surprisingly, one-third of men have actually worn a swim thong, while another third have expressed no interest in trying them out. It appears that when it comes to thongs, it’s a matter of clear preference – either you’re inclined to wear them or you’re not, with little room for middle ground.

While we have a wishful desire for every guy to have the option of purchasing swim briefs or thongs, we acknowledge that it’s not a realistic expectation. Each year, we inquire about the swimwear choices you intend to purchase for the upcoming swim season. Once again, briefs have emerged as the most popular selection. However, it’s fascinating to note that, apart from board shorts, there seems to be an inclination among you guys to consider a variety of swimwear options this year.

Including your favorite color as a survey question is a recent addition for us. While we have been inquiring about underwear color for a while, we inadvertently overlooked asking about swimwear color. The survey results revealed that the top three colors for swimwear are blue, black, and red. The popularity of black doesn’t come as a surprise, as every guy needs that classic black swim brief. However, I personally wasn’t anticipating blue to be a prominent choice. I tend to lean towards vibrant and bold colors for swimwear, but everyone has their own preferences.

uring a recent podcast, I expressed the belief that every guy should acquire three fresh pairs of swimwear each season. Interestingly, the survey results indicate that 46% of you share the same sentiment. However, it seems that most of you aren’t inclined to go beyond the three pairs. Instead, it’s more probable that you’ll settle for just one pair rather than accumulating four or more for the summer. Personally, I don’t believe one can ever have too much swimwear.

Traditionally, swimwear tends to be pricier compared to underwear. Nevertheless, with the recent surge in underwear prices, the price gap between the two may not remain significant for much longer. The preferred price range for you guys seems to be between $20 and $50, which is quite reasonable when it comes to swimwear. However, I’m genuinely curious about where you guys are finding swimwear under 20 bucks; do let me know! On the other end of the spectrum, it appears that some of you are willing to spend up to $65, but beyond that threshold, it seems that only a few are willing to invest in more expensive options.

Let’s delve into the more interesting aspect of this survey – your comfort levels when it comes to different swimwear choices in varying situations. First up, we have the scenario of a public pool. The majority of you guys prefer to wear swim shorts as your go-to option, followed by briefs. I believe this is the most conventional response among you guys. After all, only 3% of you are bold enough to sport a thong at a public pool.

Moving on to the next scenario: the lake. Interestingly, the preferences here are quite similar to those at the public pool. It seems that the public aspect influences you guys to lean towards more conservative choices. However, there’s a slight increase in daringness, with 8% of you willing to embrace a thong at the lake. It does make one wonder what kind of lakes people are venturing to.

Let’s move on to the third scenario: a public beach. The preferences here are almost evenly split between swim briefs and shorts. It seems that you guys are a bit more adventurous when it comes to beach attire compared to pool settings. Based on what I’ve gathered from many of you, there’s been a growing interest in wearing briefs and even thongs at the beach. Personally, I find it a bit disappointing that board shorts have remained quite popular, but on a positive note, the percentage of those embracing thongs has increased to 14%. It appears that you guys enjoy flaunting it all at the beach.

Let’s explore our fourth scenario, where we shift towards a more private setting. We posed the question of what you would wear at a private resort, and the results revealed that a majority of you opt for swim briefs! Interestingly, the swim thong takes a significant second place at 33%, surpassing swim shorts for the first time, with shorts landing in a distant third. Additionally, it’s worth noting that board shorts have experienced a decline in popularity, dropping from 18% to 10%. This presents some positive news for those seeking variety in swimwear choices at private resorts.

Have you all observed a recurring pattern in this series? It seems that as we delve into more private settings, your swimwear choices become increasingly daring. When it comes to a private pool, the majority of you opt for either a brief or a thong. While briefs remain the top choice, it’s notable that the thong has come close to challenging briefs for the first-place position. The other swimwear styles are not even in the same ballpark. I must admit, I wish we could see a similar trend at public beaches, but we’ll get to that point soon enough.

ChatGPT

Moving on to our penultimate scenario: private tanning. This encompasses tanning by a private pool or on a deck. Here, it’s apparent that you guys have two primary choices that appeal to you. It comes as no surprise that briefs dominate the top spot, with thongs trailing just 2% behind. It seems that you guys are seeking those alluring tan lines, opting for the two styles that provide just that. It’s important to remember to protect your skin and make sure to use sunscreen for a safe and enjoyable tanning experience.

In our final scenario, we explore the most private setting of all: the tanning booth. It appears that while you guys may not be quite ready to wear a thong in public, you’re definitely interested in achieving that thong tan line while inside the tanning bed. By far, if you choose to tan, the thong is the preferred option, with the brief making a strong showing for second place. I can’t help but wonder who would wear board shorts in a tanning booth!

We have more results coming soon, with a focus on gym gear and possibly even some spandex. Stay tuned for the upcoming findings!

Where do you guys buy? It’s a great view into what stores you love. I don’t know if we will have any surprises in this section but next up is swimwear!

Shopping brand sites isn’t a surprise. There are several brands, notably N2N Bodywear, that you can only get their gear on their site. Plus a bonus shopping on their site is they carry everything they make and it should all be in stock.

When we say internet underwear stores we are talking International Jock, UNB Store, and the like. Stores online that just focus on underwear. Not bigger stores that sell everything. I think we all have our favorites we check out often and 50% always or shop there often.

This is a slide I wish was higher, but I totally get this one. Not everyone has access to an underwear store in their area. I wish we had more of them around the country. Unless you are in a large city. Keep your fingers crossed we will get more around the country.

This has changed over the years, less guys shop department stores than before. I think this is because what guys who reaad the site and what is offered in department stores are two different things. Guys want the skimpy designs and I feel like department stores did a shift to the general public.

Very smillar to department stores, Close Out stores have really changed what they offer. I was in a Marshalls a few weeks back and it was just about all boxer briefs. Before they used to sell, thongs, jocks, bikinis and really fun stuff. I don’t know why they shifted but I bet it’s due to money. I can remember scoring some major finds at these stores. Now i barely look at it when i go.

Again, why are so many retail stores behind the trends of men’s underwear. The Discount stores, aka Target, and Walmart. We have so many stories on the podcast that guys got their first thongs or pairs at these stores. I hope they bring them back

More of you guys are shopping Amazon, when I first started the survey, Amazon was known for cheap China knock off undies. Now they are selling many different brands including some ones like Kingsly that you guys love.

Now we bring you what factors encourage you guys to shop and buy. It should come as no surprise that sales are reallly important for shopping, I mean great sale does tend to get me buying.

This is what I call the Amazon effect, most people want free shipping along with their orders. This is not just in underwear but in all online shopping.

We all like choice, and the more brands the better. We can shop for our favorite brand without visiting several sites. If we find a good store with great service you can shop there often. This I think is one of my favortie slides because we all want vareity.

The number of new styles and lines is one of my personal favorites. I mean you don’t want to shop a site that doesnt’ have the newest undies line. We all want something fun and sexy to wear. Plus we want that line that none of our friends have as well.

I know we have guys who read UNB who are either new or on a budget. Clearance sales are a great way to try brands you couldn’t try at full price. There is no shame in being a clearance shopper. It’s always good to score a deal. But you guys love a clearnace sale.

Next up will be the swimear.

Underwear is an interesting subject on what influences guys buying. It’s not exactly what you would expect at times but I hope one particular reason will be changing over the next few years. I think I may revamp this some next year but haven’t determined it yet, if you think we need to add something let me know.

This one doesn’t shock me, your significant others (if you have one) have little effect on what you buy. I think it’s always best to have a partner who at least appreciated your underwear and participates some times.

They say email is dead, but obviously not, While not a major factor in buying, I think joining your favorite brand’s emails, such as N2N Bodywear, will let you know when new styles and lines come out. I have even started to go back and subscribe to brand’s emails because I don’t see them on social media anymore and when I do it’s random. If you love a brand, join the email list so you will be first in the know.

I believe this one has gone down over the years. It’s not surprising to me that the readership of blogs has gone down a little. More people rely on social media than going to blogs. We still have a healthy readership, but it’s not what it was in our heyday. Thank you, guys, for reading the blog still!

This is the one area we hope we have a positive effect on, friends’ influence. I hope that with the Brief Talk Podcast, we are building a community, and we can have you guys meet new people and get to know them. The men’s underwear community is amazing, and some of the best guys out there. This one will change 🙂

You guys like reviews, and that is something we have been lacking for the last few years. I hope this will change and we have some things in the works to get back to doing reviews on a regular basis.

This one does and doesn’t surprise me. I think Influencers do have a place in the underwear world, and we will see pairs on them and go what is that? They do expose us to new brands and styles. However, sometimes influencers can be after the thirst trap and not the underwear, and that’s fine, but it’s frustrating when they wear something and you can’t find out who it is, they didn’t tag or mention the pair. I had one of those, he wore a singlet I wanted but never answered comments or DM’s.

As I stated above, readership has dipped a little but we still have a core audience that reads UNB. I have had to redo the content mix over the last few years, but it’s still fun to do the blog after so many years. It’s always been a roller coaster in emotions. But with the podcast, I have been riding the highs.

This is a no-brainer, if it’s a good price, you will buy. Especially a good sale! One thing I’m curious about and may add is the design. I love flamingos and bought the new swimwear from N2N bodywear because it was flamingo, Could be interesting for next year.

Again another basic question we have to ask, but it’s no surprise you guys are spurred to buy by a great sale. Sometimes even an ok sale will make you buy it.

With great power comes great responsibility. Sorry, I had to say it!! But I’m always curious and amazed we influence you guys. Most times when I’m doing the blog or podcast I feel like I’m doing it for a group of friends rather than for so many of you guys. It still amazes me how many readers we have had over the years and how many brands I have exposed you guys too.

I mentioned reviews, and I have a plan to get back on that soon. I promise, but there have been reasons for this. Some of it was on my end, and some of it has to do with the rise of the influencer. I’m not going to do a deep sociological study on it but say we are going to reach out to bands and maybe a few more things. One thing that blows me away is how popular and how much the Brief Distractions influence you guys. Honestly, years ago I did it as a not-so-subtle way to get traffic. But it’s a quick hit that I can profile a pair or brand and not have to write an entire post. One thing that makes me super happy is that the Podcast hit the top 5 this year. I hope this grows because I have so much fun doing the podcast and think it hit at the right time. We are not stopping anytime soon.

Thanks, guys, I’m working on a big master plan to compare results from 2016 till the present to compare. 2016, I think it goes back till then, it may go even further. I changed the survey from How are we doing to more of what do you guys like, and I think it has really been a success. I’m not going to say when this will be out but…I’m going to work on it.

Today we go over the factors that go into choosing undies! There is a lot in this section, I prob should have broken this into two sections, but here we go.

We asked you guys what your favorite color is. It’s no surprise that blue reigns supreme. I am surprised that black is a close number two. We hear so many guys who want a color that this one threw me off. Rounding out, the top four are Red and white. So we have two primary colors at the top. I was a bit surprised pink wasn’t higher.

This is a slide I first had to redo and then double-check. I first had solids on it twice, and then the prints and stripes were the same amount. I thought it was odd that both are 35%. This will take some further investigation.

This is one of my favorite questions in the entire survey. This changes every year, and it’s more of a “What annoys us this year.” Sizing issues are by far the most annoying thing. Sizing is always in the top 5. Labels/tags are second, Pouch too small is third, and tied for fifth are construction issues and pricing. There are many issues you guys have, but sizing is the biggest this year.

This is always a big question what do you do with undies that you no longer either can wear or want? We can’t all be like Patrick and break the law and throw them away. But it appears I’m wrong! Most of you throw them away, but a few put them into storage or give them to a friend. Very few sell online because it’s a pain, in my opinion.

It is no surprise that most of you think Material is one of the most critical factors in choosing underwear. Nothing worse than bad fabric to rub you the wrong way.

You guys aren’t going out to buy just anything. You have to get the cut that fits you best and makes you feel amazing! Or why wear it?

Similar to above the undies have to fit you have to have a pair that fits you well, In the Pouch, butt, and waist.

Pouch issues are twofold, the first is it’s not big enough, and the second is it’s too big. Either way, it’s not good to have an ill-fitting pouch. I like mine to be tight and hold everything in place, And one that is on either end of that spectrum will annoy the F out of me.

Sizing is a beast we will never tame. To do this, we need a worldwide standard which I don’t think we will ever get. It’s important to pay attention to the sizing chart (but it’s not always right), or ask the underwear community. I may do a sizing survey, have you guys weigh in on all the brands, and keep it open so new guys can update it. HMMM

A thong guy wouldn’t be happy with a boxer brief, and a brief guy may not love a thong. Getting what you love and feel great and sexy in.

I’m surprised color isn’t as important to you guys. To me, it’s one big factor, and there are certain colors that I don’t want as underwear.

Price isn’t a big factor, especially if it’s something you want. But I’m surprised more of you guys didn’t do very important. Now that pairs are topping $40 a pair, I think we will see this change.

I won’t say much about this result because I had a very interesting conversation with someone about this issue and he opened my eyes to a new way of looking at this issue.

What is fashion in men’s underwear? I have had this question but it makes me wonder, I’d love your thoughts on this question.

No one wants poorly made underwear. We have all bought underwear that fell apart after a few wears/washing. I mean, we spend good money on this and want to make sure we get our money’s worth.

You guys, I knew you would answer this one this way. The higher the percentage, the better the sale, well, for the most part. I think 30% or greater is one that really cuts down profits on underwear retailers. I have to put my store owner cap on for this question. I mean, I love a 30% off sale myself, but the margins are so low on men’s underwear. Most of the 30% off sales I have seen have been on retailers who are owned by brands. Remember to support your smaller stores.

Welcome to part 2 of the UNB Reader Survey for 2023. I forgot to mention that this year I did the report fully in Apple’s Keynote. In years past I have done the graphs in Canva and put them in the presentation. Now, I found that Keynote was just better and easier to manage. (This tip is for those numbers/presentation geeks out there.

Today we have what we buy and what we wear.

Shopping for underwear is not cheap. It seems lately that each month the cost goes higher and higher. I have seen undies for as much as $40 regular price!!! So getting a deal is a good thing, but we asked if you shopped on sale, regular price, or both. It comes as no surprise you guys do a mix. There are several brands you guys will pay full price just to have in your undie drawer. But 1/4 of you shop on sale and only 5% just shop full price.

As I mentioned above this particular question will change in the next survey. This has been a standard question for years, but with the increasing prices, we will have 30 & 40-dollar levels for the next one. I think I forgot to update this question, There was one I meant to update but I forgot which one it was.

We love to ask what you guys love to wear. Note this is for super underwear fans! It’s no surprise that the thong reigns supreme with 32% of you loving it. However, my personal favorite the bikini was a second, and a close third was brief. DOH the labels didn’t come through but they should be Bikini, Boxer Brief, Brief, Jockstrap, Thong, Turnk, Jockbrief and blank

One of the most interesting parts of the survey to me is the “What do you wear?” You can see in this slide that guys are pretty evenly split. 1/3 never or rarely wears thong and 40% almost always or always wear a thong. You guys like and don’t like thongs. Remember every pair of underwear isn’t for everyone wear what makes you feel sexy.

This one really surprises me that almost half you guys rarely or never wear a jock? WHAT? We need to get you boys in a good jockstrap. But at least another 1/4 say they sometimes wear.

You guys are the brief guys. Over half of you sometimes or almost always wear briefs and 20% says they always wear them. It shows that undies guys love them some briefs. I think everyone I know have some briefs in their drawers.

You guys made me happy. The bikini is my personal favorite style. It has been for as long as I can remember and you guys showed strong positive results in this style. I think we need more exposure for bikinis because they used to be super popular.

This should come as a shock to no one that over 1/3 never wears boxer briefs. As I suspected you guys are not fans at all of the style. I like the ones like in the image above long and spandex but the rest, nope.

For the slide for trunks, I had to double-check the data because it’s almost identical to boxer briefs. I figured for sure that you guys would like trunks way more than boxer briefs but I was wrong. You guys are not a fan of anything bigger than a brief.

Ok I totally forgot to take Jockbriefs out of the line up this year. I had it in my notes from last year and well, I failed. I think we have passed the popularity of this style, they are still for sale but seems less and less of you guys wear them.

We will have another set of results tomorrow. If you are a Patreon Member I am going to do a special podcast going over the results in a video format. You can watch or listen to the show, the choice is ours.

We have the results of the UNB Reader Survey! I think this is record time. I picked up a few Excel tricks and drew so many new pics (luckily, half already). Today we are going to go over the demographics. Let’s talk undies guys.

The ages of the guys who read the blog and listen to the podcast have consistently been in the 25-54 range. I”m not surprised we had such a low turnout in the younger demographic but I hope that will rise with the podcast.

It should come as no surprise that we are over 90% men. The other 9% didn’t answer the question. One change I am going to add next year is trans and non-binary. I don’t know why I didn’t add it this year, and I had a few comments about this question of sexual orientation.

The largest group who read and listen are gay men. I know that’s shocking information but our straight and bi seem to fluctuate every year. These two groups have been over 20% the last few surveys and the straight guys have been in the upper twenties to low thirties. I think this is where we will add the non binary and sucy. If you have feedback let me know

A lot of you are married. It always surprises me how many of you are married and dating. But glad you are here and hopefully your significant other likes your undies and participates in your love of undies. I have heard from many of you that they are good with it.

We are bringing the series of averages with this survey, and the Medium is the most worn size then comes large. I was hoping we would have some larger sizes in the mix but not as much as I would like.

Over the last few surveys, we have been overwhelming US readers and listeners. I would love to branch out to other countries and have brought on different perspectives from South Africa, Japan and hope to bring more this year.

We have two types of guys. The first has a good solid collection of 21-40 and those who have over 150 pairs. This means we have guys just starting out their underwear journey and those who I enable to buy underwear!

The last in this series is how often you buy undies. It’s held pretty steady that most buy every few months. While others do monthly or bi-monthly. And for that 3% who buy weekly needs to be my new best friends. If you are one of those guys hit me up!

Stay tuned for more results this week!