Hey guys! It’s hard to believe that 16 years ago today, on October 6, 2008, I launched Underwear News Briefs (UNB). It was initially supposed to be a short-term project after I got laid off during the economic downturn of 2008. I thought I would work on it for six months, find a new job, and then move on. Little did I know that those six months would stretch into 2.5 years of unemployment, during which I turned UNB into a thriving business.

Over the years, UNB has evolved in ways I never could have imagined. It blows my mind when I hear from people who have been reading the blog for many years. When I first started, I used Blogger as my platform, and in early 2009, I transitioned to a self-hosted WordPress site. My mission was to inform people about underwear—new brands, sales, and all the exciting happenings in the underwear world that I loved.

Around that time, we saw an explosion of new brands, including Cocksox, Timoteo, and many more. The internet became a platform to discover our passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and build communities.

Reflecting on the past 16 years, I realize I’ve had many “eras” of UNB—much like Taylor Swift! Currently, we’re in what I like to call the podcast era. There have been many faces behind the blog; at one point, I had a team of nine or ten writers. Now, it’s just me running the show. Though life has gotten crazier, I’m proud to say that the blog is updated daily, though not at the same pace as before. My goal was once to publish five posts a day, but life circumstances have shifted that.

The podcast, which relaunched in 2018, has been a labor of love. We began the podcast back in 2009 but paused it until 2012. Even after relaunching, it took some time to find its footing. But now, it has blossomed into something that brings me immense joy. Yes, some parts of it—like editing—can be a headache, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

Many have asked me if I ever plan to give up the blog and podcast, and my answer is a resounding no. I can’t imagine my life without UNB. I hope to pass the torch to someone else eventually, but for now, I’m here to stay, and thankfully, you all still enjoy what we do.

One of the highlights of this journey has been the photoshoots we’ve done over the years. From holiday-themed shoots to swimwear showcases, I’ve had the chance to introduce some fantastic models to you. While some shoots didn’t go as planned (I’m looking at you, Valentine’s Day shoot!), I cherish those creative moments and hope to do more in the future.

Now, let’s talk about the store. For years, people have asked me about opening a store. I considered it in the early days, but the timing and resources needed to be correct. Flash forward to 2019, and everything aligned perfectly. The UNB Store was born out of a desire to bring great products to our community. It’s been a steep learning curve, and while it comes with challenges, I’m dedicated to growing this part of UNB.
Looking ahead, I’ve been pondering the future of UNB, especially since we’ve pivoted towards the podcast. The podcast is an essential platform for sharing stories and voices in our community. I never expected it to become the face of UNB, but I’m embracing it wholeheartedly.

I want to highlight diverse experiences and opinions in the underwear community. That’s why I love the “Brief Tales” segment of the podcast, where listeners share their personal stories. Representation matters, and I want to create a space for everyone—whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or anything in between. It’s essential to have these conversations about masculinity, body positivity, and everything in between.
The podcast may evolve, possibly incorporating video content in the future. However, I respect everyone’s privacy and understand that not everyone is comfortable. For now, our focus will remain on audio.

I want to thank everyone who has supported UNB as we celebrate this milestone. Whether you’ve been with us or just discovered us from the beginning, your support means the world to me. Hearing your feedback and enthusiasm and knowing we’re making a difference keeps me going.
Here’s to 16 more years of exploring our love for underwear, spandex, and everything in between! Thank you to all the brands I’ve worked with, the wonderful people I’ve met, and everyone who reads and listens to our creations.

Stay tuned for more blog posts and podcasts coming your way soon. Have a fantastic week!

We take you back to the first year of UNB! This is one of the earliest shoots we posted that Is still in my memory. It’s one for ES Collection and I loved the ski slopes background!

In today’s society, the concept of masculinity is evolving. Yet, it still carries a set of rigid expectations—especially regarding how men express themselves through fashion, such as underwear. One question that arises often is whether masculinity is defined unevenly across different sexual orientations. This issue has been present for as long as I’ve been writing the blog, likely much longer.

In the U.S., masculinity is seen differently than in many other parts of the world. When it comes to men’s underwear it’s often marketed toward gay men. The styles are bold, attention-grabbing, and expressive, designed to show off. But in recent years, more straight men have discovered a love for these same underwear styles. Some even love it more than their gay counterparts, but the reactions they face when they express this passion can be very different.

When straight men show an interest in underwear, especially if they share it with friends or on social media, they often face questions like, “Are you gay?” or “Are you trying to tell us something?” This response has less to do with the underwear itself and more to do with societal expectations of masculinity. Ironically, if a gay man wears the same pair of underwear, it’s usually accepted without question. People assume, “Oh, he’s gay, so that’s fine.” This double standard reflects a deeper issue in how masculinity is understood and enforced in society.

The truth is, no article of clothing—underwear or otherwise—is inherently tied to someone’s sexual orientation. In 2024, it feels absurd that people are still judged for their choice of underwear. We’re currently in a period of hyper-masculinity, where men are expected to adhere to rigid standards of what it means to be masculine. Things like wearing bright colors, bold prints, or non-traditional cuts of underwear can be seen as a challenge to that outdated idea.

But the younger generations are shaking things up. They’re wearing nail polish, experimenting with fashion, and rejecting the old rules of masculinity. Their courage to define masculinity for themselves, embracing what makes them feel good without worrying about societal judgment, is truly inspiring. This attitude is starting to spread to older generations as well. I’ve even seen men in their 40s and 50s wearing nail polish and adopting other ‘non-traditional’ forms of self-expression. Seeing this shift is not just great; it’s empowering, but we need the same acceptance regarding underwear.

A lot of men, both straight and gay, enjoy wearing skimpy thongs, bikinis, or bright, colorful briefs. However, there’s still a stigma, especially for straight men, that they’re only supposed to wear the basics: black, white, gray, or navy boxer briefs. Anything beyond that is seen as stepping outside the bounds of what’s considered ‘masculine.’ But here’s the thing—underwear is one of the few ways men can truly express themselves in their wardrobe, primarily if they work in environments where they must wear uniforms or business casual attire. Your underwear is something you have control over, and usually, no one sees it unless you decide to show them. Your fashion choices are valid and important for your self-expression.

As a community of underwear lovers, we need to stop judging others for their choices. It doesn’t matter if someone is gay, straight, or somewhere in between—the important thing is that they’re enjoying what they wear and expressing themselves through it. We should encourage each other, not question someone’s masculinity or sexual orientation based on what type of underwear they like. We’re all in this together, and there’s something beautiful about the diversity of people who love underwear.
In the larger conversation about masculinity, we’re at a crossroads. Old-school notions of masculinity, such as the expectation that men wear only ‘masculine’ underwear, are clinging on, but the younger generations are creating new rules. They don’t want to be defined by society’s rigid expectations, and that’s good. We should all embrace the idea of doing what makes us feel comfortable and happy without fear of judgment from others.

What’s particularly interesting to me is the difference in how gay men and straight men are treated when it comes to underwear. As a gay man, I’ve experienced the freedom to wear whatever I want, and most people will shrug it off with, “Oh, he’s gay, so it makes sense.” But when a straight man embraces underwear that’s a little more colorful or form-fitting, it often comes with questions and stigma. I’ve seen this double standard in action, and it’s something that needs to change. We should all have the freedom to enjoy our underwear, no matter who we are or how we identify.

Ultimately, this issue raises more significant questions about masculinity and how it’s changing. We must dig deep and ask ourselves why these stigmas exist, why we continue enforcing them, and how we can move past them. I plan to explore these topics further in future podcast episodes with other voices who can help provide insight. But for now, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We can create a more inclusive and accepting society by breaking down these barriers. Please message me on social media, leave a comment, or email me, and let’s talk about masculinity, underwear, and how we can all work to break down these outdated barriers.

MODUS VIVENDI unleashes the wild in you with its latest daring creation for Fall/Winter 24/25, the Leopard Line, as part of our electrifying “Pspsps” Campaign. 

Inspired by the fearless energy of the feline and the unapologetic allure of animal print, this collection promises to awaken the wild within, inviting you to embrace your most confident and powerful self. Get ready to prowl with confidence and unleash your inner feline with the Leopard Line.

This season, we’re embracing the bold and seductive allure of the leopard trend in a vibrant twist of electric blue and fiery red, featured across three opulent fabrics. Choose from mesh sheer, the luxurious velvet feel, or the dazzling sparkle of embroidered sequins. With this collection, we are redefining the iconic animal print, presenting it in a pop-edition that’s as fierce as it is fashion-forward—taking inspiration from the likes of Catwoman: sexy, daring, and undeniably captivating.

For the Leopard Line, our muse is the modern man channeling his inner feline—fierce. In a striking campaign, a model is seen wearing leopard-patterned underwear in electric blue and fiery red, accentuated with black, claw-like nails and powerful feline stances, epitomizing raw seduction and confidence. With his daring presence and an aura of mystery, he embodies the untamed energy of a wild cat, inviting all to embrace the wild side within.

The Leopard Line is more than just fashion; it’s a celebration of your wild, fearless spirit. We wanted to create a collection that’s daring, seductive, and playful—giving our customers the freedom to express themselves without limits. It’s not just about what you wear; it’s about how you feel when you wear it. The Leopard Line is designed to empower.

The Leopard Line features a range of styles that seamlessly blend provocative design with luxurious comfort. This line features classic MODUS VIVENDI style underwear with a thermo embossed logo and a bold two-tone, all-over leopard print, this piece is both iconic and trendsetting

Discover also a range of fabrics available to choose with three stunning options:

·         Sheer Mesh: Soft, thin, and elasticated with a semi-transparent finish for a daring and sensual look.

·         Velvet Touch: Experience the ultimate in comfort with a soft, thin, and elasticated velvet fabric, designed to feel as luxurious as it looks.

·         Sequins: Shine and sparkle with an eye-catching fabric embroidered with sequins all over, making sure you’re the center of attention wherever you go.

The Leopard Line isn’t just about bold fashion choices—it’s about embracing your power, your beauty, and your confidence. This collection is for those who are ready to take center stage, own their look, and make a statement that’s as bold and unapologetic as they are.

MODUS VIVENDI invites you to experience the luxury of the Leopard Line and join the “Prowl & Conquer” movement. The question is: are you ready to make it your own?

It’s time to make a difference in what you wear. Discover MODUS VIVENDI’s FW 24/25 Collection, available now for purchase on www.e-modusvivendi.com.

Discover the “Pspsps” Campaign here.

Shop Products here.

Credits

Photography & Videography:

Panos Misailidis

@p2photographygr

Location
Thessaloniki, Greece