I’ve been talking with the organizers behind Thongers Australia, and I have to say, I’m really excited about what they’re putting together. This is going to be the first event of its kind in Australia, giving thong lovers a dedicated weekend to relax, connect, and celebrate with other guys who share the same passion.

For years, if you wanted to attend a thong-focused weekend, you had to make the trip to places like Palm Springs or Fort Lauderdale. Not anymore.

Now, an amazing weekend is coming Down Under.

Set on Queensland’s beautiful coast in February 2027, this boutique event is all about good company, warm weather, and plenty of time in your favorite swimwear. The plans include relaxed pool days, a waterside thong fashion parade, a Saturday night show, and a Sunday drag brunch—all taking place at one hotel, so once you arrive, you can simply enjoy the experience.

The organizers are currently locking in the venue, dates, and full schedule, but they’re already taking Expressions of Interest. If this sounds like your kind of weekend, I highly recommend signing up now. You’ll be the first to receive all the details, get early access to tickets before they’re released to the public, and stay up to date as more announcements are made.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a weekend surrounded by guys who understand why you love wearing thongs, this is shaping up to be the event you’ve been waiting for.

Head over to the Thongers Australia Weekend website, register your interest, and hopefully I’ll see some of you there in February 2027!

Swim season is about halfway over, and if you are like me, you need something new halfway through the season. I mean, you have to mix it up a bit and always show up in bold and fun swimwear. N2N Bodywear has the new Voltage Xtreme Sport swim brief in three bold colors. They are Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, and Neon Orange. My personal favorite is the Yellow.

These are super fun and will get you noticed! Whether you wear them at the beach, pool party, or lying out. You will turn heads. Go enjoy the rest of your summer in something bold and bright.

We must have regular guys on the podcast, and it’s been a struggle for me over the last couple of months to get people on. But I’m going to give you some reasons to come on the podcast.

• The first reason is that it’s a good way to become a part of the bigger community out there. There are so many guys into spandex, Speedos, underwear, and coming on, sharing your story gives guys a little bit of a peek behind who the guy in the pictures is, or comments that you make online. It allows them to get a deeper understanding of who you are and what you love much more easily than a picture can.
• The second reason is that I think we need to move offline for our community. Online is a great thing—it allows you to meet people from all over the world who share your interests, and all over the country. But I think the next step is actually getting to the part where we meet up in person, and that is not easy, especially given the distance between us. But small meetups here and there, meeting someone or meeting in a city, or even small groups of travel—I think they’re the way to go. It’s a good way for guys you may have met, or you know you’ve known, to get a little bit deeper into who you are.
• It’s just fun to show people there are other guys like them out there. I know we’ve all struggled in the past, and some still do now, that you’re the only one who likes whatever gear you like. No one else is into it—no one else. You know you’ve run across no one. When you’ve had experiences, your partner’s like, “uh, no.” But in all actuality, no matter what you love, there is someone who is into it as much as you are. And sometimes you find out more—it’s good to have those people hear you because you’re not going to see everyone on social media. It’s impossible.

The prime example of that is when Jason and Griff came on the show. I had never met or heard of Griff, yet we had so many connections. So that goes to show you that it’s a big world out there, and you will miss people on social media not because you’re not willing, but because the algorithm and you know—just circumstances—never have you lining up together.

I hope you will consider coming on one of our podcasts to have some really amazing conversations and share your journey and your story. Or, if you want to have a conversation about something in the world of gear, that would be amazing. So just let me know, DM me, and let’s talk.

The Xdress Men’s Lace Brazilian Panty in Red proves that confidence and style can go hand in hand. Featuring soft floral lace, a flattering Brazilian cut, and a vibrant red color, this design brings a modern twist to classic lingerie. The contoured pouch provides comfortable support, while the semi-sheer lace offers just the right amount of visual appeal. Whether you’re looking to add something bold to your underwear drawer or simply want to try a different style, this pair is a fun reminder that great underwear is all about wearing what makes you feel your best.

One of the things I’ve always believed is that no one should have to enjoy their passions alone.

Whether it’s underwear, swimwear, thongs, speedos, singlets, skinsuits, or any other type of gear, finding other people who understand why you love it can be life-changing. That’s one reason I was excited to sit down with Simon, the owner and administrator of Spandex Party, on the latest episode of Stretching the Truth.

For those who may not know, Spandex Party has become one of the largest online communities for guys who love spandex, lycra, wrestling gear, cycling kits, swimwear, skinsuits, and just about every form of stretchy gear imaginable. What started as a niche website has evolved into a thriving international community connecting people from around the world.

Saving a Community

One of the most interesting things Simon shared was how close Spandex Party came to disappearing.

Several years ago, the site’s previous owner was facing challenges that made continuing the platform difficult. Rather than letting the community vanish, Simon stepped in and took over management of the site. Since then, he’s worked to modernize the platform, improve the user experience, and keep the community growing.

As someone who has spent years running Underwear News Briefs and producing podcasts, I understand just how much work goes into maintaining a niche community. Most people only see the finished product. They don’t see the countless hours spent behind the scenes making sure everything continues to run smoothly.

More Than Just Photos

What has always impressed me about Spandex Party is that it’s more than just a place to post pictures.

Yes, you’ll find incredible gear. You’ll discover amazing singlets, skinsuits, cycling kits, speedos, thongs, and tights. You’ll probably find several items that immediately make you want to open your wallet.

But the real value comes from the people.

Throughout our conversation, Simon shared stories about members who have built lasting friendships through the platform. Some have even met their partners through Spandex Party. Those kinds of connections show the true value of a community.

It’s not just about what you’re wearing.

It’s about finding people who understand why you love wearing it.

The Rise of Real-World Connections

One of the themes that came up repeatedly during our conversation was the growing desire for offline connections.

For years, many gear enthusiasts primarily interacted online. Today, more people want to meet in person, attend events, travel together, and build friendships beyond the screen.

We talked about events like Folsom Berlin, Tightstorm, Thongers Weekend, and other gatherings where people can meet others who share their interests.

I see this trend continuing to grow.

In fact, one of the goals of my Free the Bulge initiative is to eventually organize travel experiences where like-minded guys can attend events, visit beaches, explore cities, and simply enjoy being themselves without judgment.

Community becomes even stronger when online friendships become real-world friendships.

Why Spandex Is Growing Again

Another fascinating topic was the resurgence of spandex itself.

Many of us remember the 1980s and early 1990s when spandex seemed to be everywhere. Then it faded from mainstream visibility for years.

Today, we’re seeing a resurgence.

Cycling gear is more popular than ever. Wrestling singlets continue to attract fans. Compression gear has become mainstream. Club culture has embraced bodysuits and skinsuits. Athletic brands are introducing more form-fitting apparel.

Most importantly, people are becoming more confident about expressing themselves.

The stigma around wearing tight gear isn’t disappearing overnight, but more people are realizing that they should wear what makes them feel comfortable, confident, and authentic.

The Future of Spandex Party

The future looks bright for Spandex Party.

Simon discussed plans for expanded community features, improved communication tools, more real-world events, and the possibility of future app functionality that could make it even easier for members to stay connected.

He has also launched the Spandex Party Shop, featuring original gear designed specifically for the community. The wrestling singlets and skinsuits have already generated a lot of excitement, and additional styles are currently in development.

Knowing Simon, I expect we’ll continue seeing new ideas, new events, and new opportunities for people to connect.

Why Communities Matter

One thing I’ve learned through Underwear News Briefs, Brief Talk Podcast, and now Stretching the Truth is that people need spaces where they can be themselves.

For some people, that’s underwear.

For others, it’s swimwear.

For many of us listening to Stretching the Truth, it’s spandex.

Whatever your passion happens to be, finding others who share that passion can make a tremendous difference in your life.

Communities like Spandex Party remind us that we’re not alone.

And sometimes that’s exactly what people need.

Listen to the Full Episode

Be sure to check out my full conversation with Simon on Stretching the Truth. We discuss the history of Spandex Party, the future of the community, gear, events, travel, and why the world of spandex continues to grow.

If you’re not already a member of Spandex Party, I highly recommend checking it out. You may discover some amazing gear, make a few new friends, and become part of one of the most welcoming communities in the world of spandex.

Affiliate Links

Looking for new gear? Support the podcast through our affiliate partners:

Amoresy: https://amoresy.com/UNBTIM

Body Aware: https://bodyaware.com?bg_ref=7FgHF6QR1x

XDress: https://xdress.com?bg_ref=cG6ohBdgUO

Real Men Apparel: https://www.rmac.store/TIM77812

UNB Store: https://unbstore.com

See you in your favorite gear.

One of the things I love most about doing podcasts is hearing how different people arrive at the same destination.

On the latest episode of Stretching the Truth, I sat down with Commo from Australia, and what struck me most wasn’t the gear he loves. It was how different his journey was from mine, yet how many of the same conclusions we reached.

Many people discover spandex, Lycra, wetsuits, or other gear through a kink or fetish. Others find it through sports, fitness, swimming, cycling, surfing, or competition. While the starting points may be different, many of us eventually arrive at the same place: realizing that what we wear can be a powerful form of self-expression.

For Commo, that journey started with swimming.

Growing up in Australia, Speedos weren’t some exotic piece of gear. They were simply what swimmers wore. As he moved into competitive swimming, surfing, and other outdoor sports, performance gear became a normal part of everyday life. The gear wasn’t initially about kink. It was about function.
Yet something about the material kept drawing him back.

Many of us can relate to that feeling. There’s something about spandex that is hard to explain to people who don’t get it. The fit. The compression. The sensation of wearing it. The confidence it can create. It’s one of those things that often doesn’t make sense until you experience it yourself.

What I found especially interesting was how Commo approaches gear today.

While many people separate gear into “sport” and “kink” categories, he embraces the practical side of it. Running tights, cycling kits, wetsuits, skinsuits, and compression gear aren’t just things he collects. They’re things he uses.

That reminded me of something I talk about often. One of my goals with both Stretching the Truth and Free the Bulge is encouraging people to wear what they love. If you enjoy tights, wear them. If you love swim briefs, wear them. If you prefer singlets, wrestling gear, cycling kits, or compression wear, don’t let other people’s expectations dictate your choices.

Too many men spend years worrying about what other people might think. The reality is that most people are far less concerned about what you’re wearing than you imagine. We build these scenarios in our heads where everyone is staring, judging, or criticizing us. In reality, most people are busy dealing with their own lives. That doesn’t mean confidence comes easily. It takes time.

I still remember buying my first wrestling singlet. At the time, it felt like a huge deal. Looking back now, it seems almost funny, but at the time it represented something important. It was a step toward accepting a part of myself that I had spent years trying to understand.

That’s why conversations like this matter. They remind us that there isn’t one correct path into gear culture. Some people arrive through sports. Some arrive through kink. Some arrive through fashion. Some simply discover that they feel better wearing certain things. All of those paths are valid.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation wasn’t about gear at all. It was about community. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly convinced that the future of our community depends on moving beyond simply admiring each other’s gear. Don’t get me wrong. We all appreciate a great photo. But if that’s where the interaction ends, we’re missing something important.

Behind every profile is a real person. A person with a career. A family. A story. Interests beyond gear. Dreams, challenges, successes, and struggles. The strongest communities aren’t built on gear alone. They’re built on relationships. They’re built on conversations that go beyond “Nice suit” or “Great photo.” They’re built when we ask questions. When we share experiences. When we support each other. When we get to know the person behind the gear.

Some of the best friendships I’ve made over the years started because of underwear, spandex, swimwear, or gear. Today, many of those friendships have evolved far beyond those shared interests.

That’s where real community happens. The gear might bring us together. But the people are what make us stay. As the Stretching the Truth community continues to grow, that’s something I hope we never lose sight of. Wear what you love. Be authentic. Don’t apologize for your interests. And most importantly, take the time to get to know the people behind the gear. You never know where a simple conversation might lead.

What About You?

How did you discover your love of spandex, Lycra, wetsuits, swimwear, compression gear, or other performance apparel?

Was it through sports?

Fitness?

A kink?

Fashion?

Or something completely different?

Listen to this show on the Stretching the Truth Podcast, Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify