Underwear Shopping in Person: Why Every Guy Needs to Visit a Specialty Store

In the world of underwear, men have countless shopping options. While guys can purchase from various brands, department stores, and small sellers on sites like Etsy, nothing compares to shopping for underwear in person. Many people feel anxious about going to a store, selecting a thong, and taking it to the counter. However, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to shop for what you love at an underwear specialty store!

My Experiences Shopping in an Underwear Store

My journey began when I was a teenager. I wanted bikinis because I found them attractive in advertisements. I would sneak away to my local discount store to buy them. As I got older, I started shopping for underwear at department stores in the mall. It was exciting to browse different styles and purchase the pairs I had my eye on.

When I was about 19, I discovered The Boy Next Door in Atlanta. This store has become a staple in the local underwear scene, especially since several other stores like Physicos and MalePak have come and gone.

The first time I walked into The Boy Next Door, I was amazed by the floor-to-ceiling display of swim briefs in various colors and prints. When I turned around, I found an equally impressive selection of underwear. I could spend an hour browsing the styles and feeling the fabrics. As a broke college student, I could only afford one or two pairs at a time, but my wishlist grew significantly during those visits.

These experiences have given me the confidence to walk into any store, pick up a bikini, jockstrap, or thong, and head to the checkout without hesitation.

The Benefits of Shopping at an Underwear Specialty Store

If you’ve never shopped at an underwear store due to location or anxiety about people discovering your preference for specific styles, consider the following benefits:

1. Selection: Specialty underwear stores offer many styles you may not find in regular stores. Many of these shops carry brands primarily available online or based overseas, such as Teamm8 and Marcuse.
2. Knowledgeable Staff: Have you ever had questions about specific underwear styles but couldn’t find answers online? The staff at specialty stores are usually well-informed and can provide insights based on customer feedback and their own experiences.
3. No Waiting: There’s no shipping time when you shop in person; you can take your new purchases home immediately. Sometimes, you can try things on and wear them out of the store.
4. Feel and Touch: One of the advantages of in-person shopping is the ability to feel the fabric. I’ve found that sometimes a pair that looks appealing in pictures is unappealing in person, while others I was indifferent about caught my eye once I felt them. Photos don’t always do justice to certain styles.
5. Supporting the Community: Many store owners are passionate about underwear and are part of the community. It’s important to support local businesses that cater to our interests. Many department and discount stores focus on mainstream styles, neglecting options like briefs, bikinis, or thongs.

Where to Find Underwear Stores

This is the million-dollar question. Specialty underwear stores are rare; many have closed nationwide over the past decade. However, there are still stores in larger cities, particularly those with significant gay populations. Some cities with notable underwear stores include Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas.