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MACKEENE SwimwearI love bringing you guys brands you may not have heard of before. This week I was emailed by the PR firm who represents MACKEENE that they are launching in the US. You may be ask, “Ok, who are they?” Well here is more info about the company: 

“The eight-year old company, founded by French brothers, Rodolphe and Harold Mackeene, features high-end swimshorts and polos that are designed for exceptional freedom of movement, as well as ultimate performance. MACKEENE’s mission is to combine innovation, luxury and comfort; all inspired by an active and definitively chic St. Bart’s lifestyle to a global audience.

Upon meeting Rodolphe, a professional kite surfer and purveyor of wanderlust, and his brother Harold, an artist and graphic designer in Paris, one is instantly transported to their life of high-design performance and stylish integrity. The St. Bart’s born brothers joined their uniquely different passions to create a cohesive line of luxury swimshorts that fuses technology with function, and with three distinctive cuts for all varieties of the sophisticated and stylish, modern man. Leading the industry with their patented magnetic closure created for extreme sports, and combined with quality materials, craftsmanship and world-renowned French style, MACKEENE is the definition of form, function and fashion. The brand is currently sold at high-end swim and resort boutiques in France, as well as throughout Europe, Japan and the Caribbean.  Newly launched in the USA, the brand is exclusively available at www.MACKEENE.us. “

So I went over to the newly launched US site and gave it a look. I will say if you’re a swim short fan, this site is for you. They have some really great colors and patterns. The styles are not very skimpy or too long. Its very stylish with what guys are wearing. Another thing you need to know is they are not on the low end on price. They are over $100 a pair. Which to some, that’s not a big deal. We have readers who will not balk at the price and order a few.

I think they may do well in the US with the the style and colors. They are very main stream. I’m not saying that in a bad way, but rather men’s swimwear wearers are becoming more fashion conscious. The guys are wanting to look good on the beach not just buy something off a rack at a department store!

If you want something really fashionable, fun and few people will have it go to MACKEENE’s new US website and give them a look.

save-and-winJockstrap Central ran this contest/promotion a while ago and it was so successful they’re doing it again and upping the ante with bigger prizes.

Like you ever need a reason to shop but in case you do, here’s two: Not only can you get 10% off your order but you could also win a $50, $75, $100 or $150 gift certificate for use at Jockstrap Central’s online store.

For the 10% discount, simply place any item into your shopping cart at the Jockstrap Central website, then while still on the shopping cart page, enter discount code SAVEWIN into the discount code box and click the Add Coupon button to register the code. Anything in your cart and anything you add to it afterward it will be discounted by 10%. The discount code is valid until Wednesday, July 16th.

As for the contest, just place an order at Jockstrap Central between now and Wednesday, July 16th (don’t forget to use that 10% discount code!) and you’ll be automatically entered into the contest. On July 17th they’ll be randomly selecting four customers to win either a $50, $75, $100 or $150 gift certificate for use at Jockstrap Central on a future order.

Note post contains an affiliate link.

PRINT - Helux Gear Underwear 11 EaWhat made you go into the world of men’s underwear? Where did the inspiration come from?  
In the past I had a large variety of underwear that either had a comfortable contoured pouch or were flat but included a fly. One morning when I was getting ready for work I was thinking about how busy my day was going to be when trying to decide which pair of underwear to wear for the day. I chose the uncomfortable flat underwear because I didn’t want to waste extra time at the urinal readjusting and untucking my shirt from my underwear, which seemed to happen more often than not when using the “up and over method” since my job required my shirt to be tucked in to my pants. I searched extensively for underwear with a contoured or ergonomic pouch that had a fly that seemed like it would actually be usable with no luck. After that I decided to work on a better design.
So tell our readers about HeluxGear?
I began my work on Helux Gear in 2012. The name is partially inspired from the design of the pouch which resembles a double helix. I think of the design as the next evolution of men’s underwear which ties in well with a double helix. It’s also a luxury for men compared to previous options so joining the words “he” and lux” was the third among among many other reasons for choosing the name.The Helux Gear kickstarter campaign in 2013 helped to fund the first order of production.
How did you design the pouch?
I tried a lot of various designs, some of them didn’t work well at all. There was a lot of trial and error, as there is with any new product. Even after finding the winning design, there were still many adjustments that needed to be made to lengths, angles, & elasticity.
What has the feedback been on the pouch design from your customers?
The feedback has been great so far. Our customers really seem to love the pouch, not to mention the waistband. Many of our customers that buy a pair or two come back and buy a week supply or more.
Are you planning to add more colors to the line up?
We are planning to add more colors to the line up in the future. We’re currently surveying customers to find out which colors they would like to see. New colors options are estimated to be available in late 2014.
Which style has been your best seller?
Boxer briefs have been the best seller, but the trunks and briefs aren’t far behind.
Where can our readers find you?
The best place to find us is www.heluxgear.com. We ship internationally and have a mailing list to keep our subscribers up to date on our current sales and promotions. Your readers in the Netherlands & Belgium can also find them at InUndies to avoid paying international shipping.

interview-underwear

I’m starting the mind numbing process of job hunting. I wish UNB was my full time gig! But I must do like most and subsidize my underwear love with a real job! UNB is an amazingly fun distraction from the job hunt process. 

If you are a long time reader of the blog you know I had a job interview when the blog started, I put on my tie, dress shirt, pants and looked good then looked down to notice a huge bulge. Now, in many circumstances this would not be an issue and in some instances it would be welcome! However, in a “professional environment” a pronounced bulge is not the image you want. The pair I was wearing was a CX01 in Magenta for a review. I promptly changed the undies to something that was less bulgerific. Which I hated to do because Cocksox really makes me feel great when I wear them.
Underwear should give you an unseen confidence when you wear it. Wearing something super sexy and fun under a suit should be the norm. I don’t think you should ever wear anything you don’t feel great in. Underwear adds the to wardrobe even if no one sees it. One thing I love to do is match my tie and undies. Now I don’t go out of my way to do it but having a few hundred pairs i usually have something that will do the trick.
Flash forward to the present. I am looking for underwear that gives me confidence when you walk in a room but not overly show off everything I have at the first meeting. The pairs that are going in my interview underwear drawer are from N2N Bodywear, Joe Snyder, CK and 2(X)ist
N2N Bodywear Signature Trunk
N2N Signature Line – This is the line that has a great pouch but not overly prominent. It feels great and is one of the few that I enjoy in a trunk. The thing I love about this pair is the fit. The way they designed this fits like a glove and keeps everything in place. I usually reserve this pair for a 2nd interview. Since the first round went great but want something to keep up the energy.
Joe-Snyder-Pride-Frame-02
Joe Snyder Pride Frame – Briefs are my super favorite. The reason I wear this one is the piping around the crotch. It does just what it says and frames your pride. The bright colors from Joe Snyder make this a favorite. No one knows I’m wearing a purple brief or a pink one! When I go on an interview and need to feel a bit more confident this is the go to pair. The fit and feel and knowing I’m in a pink brief takes my mind off the stress
prld.xlg
Calvin Klein Micro Modal Bikini – This pair is all about comfort. The bikinis CK has done over the years have been a staple in my underwear drawer. My favorite pair just got a hole in them and need to be replaced. I will be doing that this week. The fabric feels super soft and they rotate colors but usually can find a black pair. Its got support that isn’t as the Joe Snyder but the modal more than makes up for that. I wear this on an interview I am feeling good about going into, and know I”m more than qualified. (picture from International Jock)
prld-1.xlg2(X)ist Sliq Mesh – This is one of those pairs I”m surprised that I like. I am not a big fan of 100% my lon pairs. Mainly because they have no stretch or give. I like undies that conform to me and my body. The part i love the best is the way this feels against my skin. The first time I put them on I was like OMG these feel amazing. This pair won’t show off a huge bulge but the feeling of the fabric just does something to me. The red pair I have is perfect for interviews. It feels great with out being too distracting and gives a good amount of support. (Picture from International Jock)
You maybe asking why not a jock or thong. To me is about confidence and not being distracted by the undies. As much as undies can give you something extra, wearing something you don’t normally wear can be the opposite. It can make you loose your train of thought and appear like you are not the best fit for the job. So I stick with tried and true pairs.
What do you guys wear on interviews? I know my pairs aren’t everyones and some of you prefer jocks and thongs. Let me know what you wear and why!

Rainforest Panorama

Are you Brave? Do you want to be Brave? If you answered yes then the new range from aussieBum is for you. Camo has been a big trend in men’s underwear for the last few years. Each year I think we will see the end of the trend but someone comes up with a new way to make fun camo underwear.

This line mixes the camo print with sports mesh. Yup you heard me, sports mesh, which is one of my favorite new fabrics for underwear. It just feels amazing and sexy on me. I haven’t been a fan of nylon undies because there isn’t much give, but something out the feel of the sports mesh just gives a bit and is super breathable. I have a few pairs by other brands and on super hot days I wear them and it makes me much cooler.

This range from aussieBum is available in a hipster and brief. It comes in two different colors a traditional green camo and a blue camo print. I really love the green, since It’s my favorite color. However, the blue is pretty hot too! Its really a fun line that is not something I would see from aussieBum.

The one thing I really love about aB is they put their own down under spin on undies and swimwear. This pair is the perfect example of that and we hope you go check it out. The brief is available for $28.15 and the Trunk is $31.91.

Sailboat on the Great Barrier Reef

Last time we profiled the Calypso swim brief, they have another pair that is in the same color palate but a different style. That style is the Lagoon, hence the title! aussieBum has always been up for creating  different and super fun swimwear.  The Calypso is definitely different, I know some out there may not like it but many more will be all for it!

Here is what aussieBum told us about the range:

“The ultimate in sexy, chic and pioneering swimwear. ‘Lagoon’ is made from recycled nylon, a super light and comfortable fabric that acts as a second skin. Designed with a complimentary, statement side tie detail that re-establishes aussieBum as the industry leader for stylish, boundary-pushing product and innovative design. Available in four different summer inspired colour ways with spliced panelling detail.”

The color scheme is very topical and fun. It’s not bright but more pastel colors. The side tie reminds me of a sarong tie that you see on the beach. It makes me wonder if that is the inspiration for the suit. Another thing I like about this suit is the back mirrors the front pattern. Often you have a pattern that is just on the front or back, not both.  I find this pair very creative.

There are five different color combinations. All but one has a a blue in it. The one that doesn’t has orange, yellow pink. That pair reminds me of a sun rise/set. The colors are one thing that really draws me to this pair. Super fun and creative. On that I say good job aussieBum.

If you are interested in this pair you can find it for $40.85 at the aussieBum site.

 

cocksox-siteIf you’re a fan of Cocksox and haven’t been to their site in a while we suggest you go now! We briefly covered this in a Brief Distraction last week but wanted to give you more info about it. You maybe going, “yeah but it’s a new site not rocket science.” This is true but they have done something to their site you need to know.

Just recently they launched the CSX line. Its a subtle rebinding of the line to have more people to get to know the brand. Not everyone wants to wear underwear that says Cocksox. I do, but many retailers and people kinda shy away from the brand for that one word. This causes them to miss out on a great underwear line.

The image above (shot by Jerrad Matthew) is the home page. You have two choices to go to the Active Male side or the Alpha Male side. The Active Male features the new CSX line. Where as the Alpha Male is the traditional Cocksox we all love and know.

The site is very easy to navigate and loads quickly. Its a great redesign for a great brand. Their old site was much like the UNB site, it’s fully functional but after a while it’s time to update to a more modern design. I say it’s a great job!

 

Pistol Pete Power Mesh Singlet GYM3040

Singlets are the new must have in the world of men’s activewear. I remember getting my first singlet way back in the 90’s. Back then they were just for wrestling and you had to get them at either sporting good stores or through a mail order site (yes this was before the internet) for wrestling gear. We flash forward almost 20 years and they are every where! Every brand lately has made them.

Pistole Pete has a very unique style. It shows in everything they do and the Power Mesh singlet is no exception. The lines they use in the design will accent what you have and also enhance. The colors are Yellow/Black, Red/Black, Navy/Red and Blue Black and have white side panels and trim. The way the main colors are put together, they  are contrasting and will draw attention for where ever you are wearing it.

Another trend in singlets is that they are very deep cut. The traditional singlets were higher cut, some almost tank stop style, while others had a full front and low cut sides. These, as you may guess, is not made for wrestling for sport. Any wrestling you do won’t be on a mat in front of a crowd (or we don’t think it will).  It has me asking where you would wear it? I would think a bar gear night, private party and well… you know!

The material is a sports mesh. Meaning its solid with holes in it. It’s not super see through but if you get the darker colors it will show through. As you can see with the Navy back view (see below). Also if you look at the Red/Black the pouch is mildly see through. So if you are planning to wear this in public you want to note that it may not be street legal. It also begs the question do you wear anything under singlets? Some wrestlers do wear jocks under them but the way this is made we ask why would you wear anything, if you’re going to show it off, why not show it all off.

Singlets are just a lot of fun. Like I stated above it’s hard to figure out where to wear them, but we will leave that up to your best judgement! If you want to check this singlet out they are at the Pistol Pete website for $59.50

IMG_5630We have always had the gym factor when it comes to underwear. Meaning some guys will pick out a pair of undies that is more conservative because  they are going to the gym that day. We have other guys who are just the opposite they don’t care what they wear to the gym. Its no ta factor in what he will wear for the day. So it got me thinking about the different kinds of guys at the gym. Here are a few that you may have seen or you maybe one!

Classical Guy– This guy is all about classical underwear at the gym. It’s white/black/grey only and in a brief (tighty whitey cut) or a boxer brief. He’s not about to wear something bright and colorful to the gym or not a bikini, jock or thong. he is a more conservative guy and it shows in his undies. Styles he wears: Briefs and Boxer Briefs

Colorful Guy – This guy is all about color. He’s not afraid to buy any color in the rainbow and wear it to the gym. Well he may not wear pink, but you never know. The styles maybe more classic but he’s all about color. He uses the colors to show off his personality. Styles He wears: Briefs and Boxer Briefs

Functional – This guy is all about function in the gym. Meaning his underwear is all about working out. He could be in Under Armour, a bike jock or other sports underwear. He’s more concerned about getting support and than being super stylish at the gym. Compression shorts with leg support is more of a factor than color or style. Styles He Wears: Compression Shorts, Moisture wicking pairs and maybe a Jock

Stylish – This guy is all about the style. He will come in the gym wearing the latest and greatest brands. And every day you will see him in a different brand or style. Rarely you will see him in the same pair twice. His taste can run from Andrew Chrsitian, Diesel, CK for the known brands. He could also wear brands like James Tudor, Curb Wear and any other new brand on the market. He wants undies people don’t have and is not afraid to show them! Styles He Wears: Anything from Bikini to Boxer Brief

Show Off – This guy loves to show off in anything small. He’s about showing off in skimpy bikinis, thongs and anything else that will watch someones eye. It’s all about daring to wear something very few guys will wear. They get at thrill out of wearing super skimpy stuff and will usually walk around the locker room in it so everyone can see their underwear. Styles he wears: thongs, fashion jocks, bikinis rarely anything longer

Which guy are you? Let us know I think at some point I have been all these guys. Yes I have worn a thong in a locker room before, but I was much younger. Now i would say I”m prob the Stylish guy, I wear what I want and don’t care what guys think.

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We love bringing you guys stores across the world. Banglads is now Bang+Stike. They have reached out to us and we will be working with them. They sent us a pair of CR7 to review and it will be up shortly! Here is their announcement for the new site and name:

This Summer, we’ve got huge things going on at BangLads. In fact, we should probably start referring to ourselves as our new name, BANG+STRIKE. That’s right, we have grown up and bulked out!

We’ve gone from zeros to heroes in the underwear world over the past 8 years and now we are the UK’s No1 retailer of men’s underwear and swimwear. We couldn’t have done it with out the brands and designers that we stock. We would definitely like this support to continue, and hope you’ll all stick with us as we wave goodbye to the old and say hello to the new – bangandstrike.com

BANG+STRIKE is obviously an evolution of our brand name, and we hope it grows on you as much as BangLads did. We wanted to move with our customers and take the brand in an increasingly sporty, masculine direction whilst staying true to our core spirited and fun values! We think it reflects us and our customers perfectly.

We’re bigger, better and stronger than before, and we’re so enthusiastic about the future of BANG+STRIKE.

We’re still going to continue to be the UK’s No.1 online retailer of favourite brands such as Calvin Klein, Diesel, Rufskin and Emporio Armani, but will be widening our pool and bringing you a larger range and more choice. We’ve already added Okun Beachwear and CR7 Underwear to our brand roll call, as well as SupaWear as of today, and will be adding more in the next year, so keep your eyes peeled!

And so, we’re super excited to present to you our new name accompanied by our new website

www.bangandstrike.com.

Modus Vivendi Seaman Line_4Ok I couldn’t resist the title. It begged me to do it! But Modus Vivendi is a company that loves to have fun with their undies and naming the lines. This time it’s a bit more tongue in cheek!  This is one of the things I love about them. They have a great mix of fashion and fetish undies.

Here is what they told us of the line:

Modus Vivendi continues the Dreamland series of campaigns for its Summer 2014 collection and this time is taking you to a world of sailors with its Seaman Line (http://e-modusvivendi.com/gbu0-catshow/mc_seaman.html).

The background images into which the models blend are reproductions of paintings by Yannis Tsarouchis (1910-1989), who is one of the most highly regarded modern Greek painters. His extensive depiction of soldiers, sailors and other men, often curiously described as “vulnerable”, was controversial and some of his exhibits were taken down by censors. It was Tsarouchis who introduced the iconic sailor motive into modern Greek theater. From the content of his images we can also deduce that he was deeply interested in fabrics and clothing and, at one point, he even tried his hand at weaving.

This brand new line comprises evocative sailor-themed underwear, t-shirts, longsleeves and sleeveless tees. With references to sailor’s stripes, a range of luxury fabrics and a highly distinctive look these new clothes make a strong statement and offer supreme comfort. Sexy, innovative and bold these designs will get you looking your best down by the waves. ??

Credits:
Brand: Modus Vivendi (www.e-modusvivendi.com)

Photographer: Panos Mihailidis
Model: Stefanos Papadopoulos

C-IN2 has been making some really great videos lately. More and more underwear companies are entering the video marketing! This video was posted a while back but features the Hand Me Down Collection. I think we are going to see more companies enter the video market. But with problems we have had before look for them on Vimeo rather than YouTube.