Now, I want to start with a clarification. One of my previous posts was about buying underwear for a friend, you can find it on the website.  This piece is different in a few key ways. First, when buying pairs for friends you have a bit more freedom as to what to buy because it is your money that is being spent. Although as pointed out in the piece there are still points and thoughts to consider regardless. Second, buying for someone else can be much more about you than them. Not to make it sound selfish but it’s true. We give a little bit of ourselves with every gift and you do get to take into consideration your opinions or wishes more so in that case. However, with advice, it should be much more about them. Personalized as best as possible.

Giving advice always is a bit tricky. On the site I write a lot of reviews and reviews, to me, are much easier than advice because it is a more straightforward. As Walter Cronkite would say, “And that’s way it is,” type of a piece. Advice needs to be precise for an individual and it much more than about one pair. It throws open the entire Underworld universe for possibilities. Yikes!

Yet we must never shirk away from giving the advice when it comes to underwear because we always want to encourage the discussion and the community of underwear enthusiasm. If someone has come to you for advice on underwear it is a badge of honor. They respect your opinion, thoughts and underwear knowledge. It may also have been a difficult or even awkward thing for them to ask you about. So we must be excited that they did! When you aren’t used to talking, writing, or thinking about underwear as much as some of us it can feel awkward.

So let’s give some advice:

Background info:

Ask the person what type of underwear he generally wears or is looking to buy. Remember, it’s his underwear and his money so we need guidelines! Getting a sense of his cut preference and perhaps brands he generally wears can help give you a sense of direction.

If a friend asked me for advice and he says that he generally wears trunks and more generic ones at that. Say Jockey or Hanes (both perfectly valid brands btw. I wear Jockey athletic trunks almost exclusively for my workouts) then you have a taste for where you might direct them. Perhaps Private Structure would be good for their trunk needs. Very classic yet very well made and often in fun colors. If that doesn’t suit them then maybe PUMP! For a bit more of an adventurous trunk (be careful on sizing, PUMP! Can tend to run a bit small).

Range of Acceptance:

Okay so I am borrowing this term from my old argumentation/debate days but I think it applies. You’ve figured out what he usually wears, style and brand. Now let’s figure out what he would wear. Perhaps, as stated above, our friend usually wears trunks but would he be amenable to wearing briefs? Not to say that we’ll start him out in a bikini but maybe a nice hip brief. Here is where you can push but not too hard. Try to see if expanding his comfort zone is possible or if it will just result in never worn underwear.

If you’re going to suggest a new cut, totally valid, think a bit strategically. A good way to go about it might be to recommend a brand that does his original cut.  In addition to the new cut that you’re advising. This way if he eventually didn’t care for the new or different cut he may have discovered a new favorite brand in the meantime! Still a win.

Keep it simple:

You have no idea how hard it was to not write ‘stupid’ after that. It’s just automatic. But yes, keep it simple. Give him freedom in what you recommend. Direct them to a particular brand with recommendations on cut.  Don’t get overly specific unless he really just wants one pin pointed pair. “Have you looked at N2N’s new briefs? They might be a good place to start.” A recommendation like that gives them so many more options and so much more freedom then, “You should get the <insert pair here>.” That type of suggestion leaves them with only a Yes/No type of response.

Keeping is simple like that also allows for him to navigate the murky world of pricing. Let’s face it, some people just will never be comfortable paying over $20 for a pair of underwear and leaving them with more open advice allows them to price shop in a focused area.

Speaking of Pricing:

Many of the folks who might ask you for advice (as just mentioned) do not, would not pay as much as perhaps you or I would on underwear. For me, it’s just part of my life’s budget and I make do with that. Not so much for others. So. Directing them to, “Try looking at Baskit on Tuesdays for their $12 deals, they make a good, solid brief,” can help them be more comfortable spending the money as well. Remember the sales sections! (write that on my tombstone one day, please).

The overall and most important thing is, of course, to think about the person. Your advice might set them on a path of incredible underwear bliss for a lifetime. Inform yourself, find his range, and keep things simple.

All of this was brought on when a friend just recently asked me for advice on buying new underwear. I also immediately told him a new brand that I am falling more and more for (what up Teamm8!). I realized that he would be much more comfortable with options. So I stopped myself and thought it through a bit more. He is a fairly classic guy who really just wants a comfortable, solid pair of underwear that he might throw on for a day at work or a special occasion.

Eventually I arrived at telling him, “For briefs, you might want to try looking at Garcon Model. If you’re feeling more trunks, Jack Adams or PUMP! might be fun ones to try”. For other friends I would have other recommendations but for him, these ones all just felt right. I have previously recommended to friends, JOR briefs, Andrew Christian briefs, N2N thongs, Nasty Pig jockstraps, BumChum trunks, and a whole lot more.

We got a chance to talk to Eric Alden (@EST290 on Twitter). He is currently Mr. New England Leather 2016. So he knows a thing or two about leather and fetish wear. He also loves lace underwear. Its not something you would expect from a reigning Mr. Leather. We had a really amazing conversation about lace underwear and thongs.

I had a blast talking to Eric about the mix of leather and lace. We hopefully convinced him to come back for more discussions on underwear including lace! Now on to the Interview.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Last week, we talked on Twitter and your pictures amazed me. Here is a leather title holder wearing lace briefs and thongs. Its a combination we don’t see much, what made you try lace and thongs?

I have been into thongs for as long as I could buy them! The first thong I ever bought was the Y-Back 2(X)IST thong from, I think TJMaxx. Lace is still slightly newer for me, it has a shock value, and I like to push boundaries. It’s different, has detail, revealing and sexy without being just plain mesh. I’m comfortable with myself and don’t mind the play on feminism. It might be lace but its cut in mens styles.

One company you post a lot of pics wearing is BodyAware, why do you like BodyAware underwear?

I like BodyAware because they push boundaries and make a quality Underwear. They present something on a masculine male that is typically more feminine. I love the juxtaposition of what would be considered “feminine” style presented on a “masculine” man. They show a black lace thong on a ripped masculine guy. I love the way they present themselves and believe it or not men that look like their models are wearing thongs and lace.

One of my current favorites is the Baby Ribbed thong. Its super soft. Its a great pair for travel. It gives a nice lift and moves with you throughout the day. It’s my version of tight whites and just a great basic pair.

Another favorite is the Lace Brazil brief. It has half back. I own it in white and black. I would buy in more colors if they sold them. It has a play on a thong, because it covers half the back. I love the Silloutte, hopefully they will make it in other fabric

I seem to buying more from them these days, One of my latest purchases are the black mesh shorts. I am going to wear them over a fuchsia swim brief at the beach.

Have you always loved underwear? If so how long have you liked undies?

I have been into underwear for as long as I can remember. and all types for that matter. I do wear more than lace and thongs 😉 Right now I have almost 2 bins of underwear in storage. Plus three drawers at home filled with underwear. I remember in High School. I wanted a pair of Gucci underwear before Tom Ford left the company. I rode a train into Boston just to get them. They were my first pair of mesh briefs as well. They were black mesh but had the double G logo all over them. I probably spent $85 on them at the time. I still have this pair. The design was similar to lace with the illusion you can see through. Maybe that’s where my love of lace started.

Have you ever mixed the lace and leather? If so what was the reaction of the person or people who saw you?

I have, more recently though. When I mix the two, I prefer to do black lace with my leather I think it looks better when paired with black leather. I tend to buy lace in darker colors not sure why, Its just my personal preference I guess. I also have a blue harness and blue lace thong that I like to pair together. My style is constantly changing and growing.

I have posted quite a few pictures on social media. People comment that they find it very sexy. I think people and trends in underwear are changing. So many companies are making thongs now which means men are buying them. There are tons of blogs devoted to just thongs! It’s crazy! They show guys from all different walks of life, body sizes and ages in pictures.

Playing off that question has anyone ever said anything negative about your lace undies? If so how did you handle it?

No one has ever said anything negative to me in person or online. I have gotten eye rolls when I have changed in front of people. But, people know I don’t care. There have been positive comments on all the pictures I have posted in social media. It lets guys who want to try lace, see it in a different light. It helps them see past the feminine part. A harness and combat boots are uber masculine and then I pair it with a black lace brief. People can get confused but it doesn’t matter. You can be masculine and still wear lace underwear.

We want more guys to try new things, you being a “leather man” what advice would you give guys who are hesitant about trying something more “fem”?

You don’t know if you’re going to like something if you don’t try it. If you’re intrigued there is no reason not to do it. You only live once right? Explore what interest you. If you are intrigued by thongs, try ordering a basic simple black one, no need to jump right in to hot pink or lace. its about finding your comfort level. Getting into the silloutte is the first step. Everything in moderation.

Are there any brands you have seen in the market you have yet to try? If so who are they?

Not really. If I see a style I like i’ll find out who makes it and order it.

Joe Snyder is one brand as a whole that I should explore more.

As for thongs, I won a free thong from SUKREW on Twitter and Its an amazing thong! designed well andI highly recommend it ( great starter for newbies)and I will totally be ordering more of them and their jocks! Another favorite is Kick Sagat’s Steele Push Up thong in pink or blue. I own both colors and its fantastic. They do a great job at presenting two colors, pink and baby blue, in a very masculine way. They are a pair if someone wants something beyond basic. It also makes your butt look fantastic!

We want to thank Eric for his time. You can find him on Twitter @est290 and on Instagram at EA290.

We had so much fun doing our Swim Guide this year. Here is a picture featuring Drew in N2N Bodywear Milan Sport swim brief in blue!

I often ponder this question and the double standard of underwear in the mass market. I have written several “double standard” posts. When I go back and read them they are always so negative and are “preaching to the choir” posts. They are more of a way for me to vent and blow off steam.

UNB was founded in 2008 to share great underwear with all guys. Not just gay guys. Over the years I think we have a proven record of doing that. We welcome all guys in UNB regardless of sexual orientation, age, weight or any other factor. We are a group of guys who love underwear and want to be comfortable.

I have really talked to more straight readers over the years than gay readers. Straight guys usually email us about posts we have had on the site. In fact, I have had in depth conversations with these guys. I never come right out and ask, “are you gay/bi/straight?” To me that doesn’t matter. It’s guys bonding over underwear (Sorry I know that sounds gay). Then at some point in the conversation they will mention a wife, gf or ex. How she didn’t or did like what he wore. Many I have kept up with over the years and we email from time to time.

It amazes me how similar our journey into underwear is between gay and straight. Around early teen’s most of us discover, what we call “good underwear.” After that it grows and continues to build. Some gay guys wear what they want and labels be damned. They don’t care. Then there are straight guys who told me they wore their bikinis under their boxers. This is so other guys never knew of their love. This would drive me crazy to do on a daily basis.

In the last ten years we have seen the rise of the Metrosexual guy. One who doesn’t care if you think his love of passion clothes and fashion, equals him being gay. More guys are subscribing to this. We aren’t where I think most readers on this blog, wished we were with society. In Europe and Australia they have sports stars such as Cristiano Reinaldo (Armani & CR7), Dan Cater (Jockey), Thom Evans (D.Hedral), Ben Cohen (CK & BlueBuck), David Beckham (Armani & David Beckham Bodywear) and James Rodriguez (J10).

In the US we haven’t had a sports star since Jim Palmer, actually wear underwear in ads. Tim Tebow became a Jockey Spokesperson. Then never was photographed in anything other than a Jockey T shirt. It was rumored he wouldn’t pose in any type of underwear. Then we have the drama between Frigo and Derek Jeter. I personally have tried Frigo underwear. It was one of the longest reviews I have ever written. I mentioned at the time these were great underwear for sports and athletes. So, if the rumors are true, I don’t think Jeter would have to worry about it being marketed to gays. That is the subject of pending litigation between the brand and Jeter.

It shows here in the US we have a long way to come. Every time you see guys in underwear on TV and movies its always something crazy or butt of a joke. Think of Borat in his green thong. Or guys wearing oversized tighy whities. Rarely are guys in underwear seen as sexy. The only example that comes to mind is Magic Mike.

I think it all boils down to a double standard. We can objectify and ogle women. But, the same cannot be done to a man. This is true in men’s underwear ads. Mainstream ads rarely show any type of bulge or skin. It’s usually boxer briefs and T shirts. One of our readers once described all mainstream underwear ads being worn by eunuchs. As guys we are different and some have a bigger bulge than others. So to show a real guy in undies would be a nice change.

How should we change this view in society? Well it’s not easy but we should all do what we can.

• Let’s keep spreading the word on social media. It’s the easiest place for us to band together. It allows others to find other underwear lovers.
• Speak up when you hear someone say they are “gay” for looking at, wearing or saying they love underwear. First, what does it matter if they are and second, what does it matter to them what anyone else wears.
• Like social media of brands and interact with them. Support the brands you love. Let them know you appreciate them and want more!
• Lastly, wear whatever you want whenever you want. If you feel great in a thong, wear it under your suit or uniform to work.

This will be an ongoing battle. Its getting better but we still have a long way to go on more acceptance of men’s underwear in the bigger society. How do you guys think we should go about having more acceptance in society?