It all started when I was just five years old and living with my family in a village in northern Greece. Believe it or not, I made a simple pair of briefs that I stitched together from an old piece of knitted fabric. I remember my family being not very comfortable, but I was really proud!

It’s a strange story, but it was more like the male underwear and male fashion industry coming to me (smiles). I never really dreamed of being a part of it (another smile). I just felt inspired to create designs and then happened to find the right way to bring my creations to life!

The idea of Modus Vivendi for me started with the desire to clothe the male body, cleverly and with style. I felt inspired to create designs. I used to create underwear for my friends and family. Everyone was so encouraging that I should start my own fashion label and everything came together in 1989.

Modus Vivendi has been around for 25 years. We started in 1989 and quickly became one of the biggest underwear brands in Greece, but it was only in the last three or four years that we began showing the brand in other countries. It’s great to see how far we’ve managed to go on the global market in such a short time. It’s amazing how the brand has picked up so many fans and followers around the world.

I never had any contacts in the fashion industry, so I had to learn things the hard way. It was more the practical things of a business though than anything else. I feel very lucky that I was always able to get inspired by everything around me. Living in Greece, surrounded by its beautiful landscapes and people is an unlimited source of energy and inspiration.

Christos Bibitsos, Head designer and owner of Modus Vivendi

Operation Swim Brief 2014 is in effect. What is operation swim brief? Well its a way to get guys to wear swim briefs this summer to the pool or beach! Note we can’t say Speedo because it’s a trademarked name! I have talked to gay and straight guys who both want to wear them on the beach. Being a gay guy it amazes me how many gay guys have never worn them in public. When I was younger I wore them all the time and loved wearing them!

This challenge isn’t limited to the gay guys. We need our straight underwear brothers to join in. Many of you straight guys have told me that you wish you could wear them. Well now is your chance! Just do it and to hell with what the public has to say!

If you are going to do the Swim Brief Challenge let us know. Not all of us look like a swimmer model but it doesn’t matter! It’s about wearing what you want, when you want!

We’d love to post reader pics doing this! Email us, Tweet us or leave a comment here if you are! We think it’s time to make them more accepted!

What are the factors that we evaluate when buying underwear. I’m not only talking new brands but brands we know. We all have something different we look for and have different body types. Some issues that face guys are: endowment, butt size, long torso, shorter legs, stocky builds, thin builds, muscular thighs and the list goes on. Each of these brings a challenge to find great underwear. Adding this on top of our own fashion style, favorite color and fabrics makes it seem that finding a great pair is impossible. But if you’re like me this decision has become second nature. You evaluate tons of criteria all at once:

My own factors for finding great underwear are:

• Sizing – The first qualification that can knock a pair out of consideration. I’m a tall stocky guy and down to a 36 (on a good day). Many pairs either just go up to a 36 or run too small for me to wear. There is nothing worse than putting on a pair of underwear and you can nearly get it on, but not quite!
• Pouch – As long time readers know i’m an endowed guy so the pouch is a major factor. It has to cover me with out anything falling out
• Materials – Nothing worse than a pair of underwear made out of itchy fabric. Two of my favorites are spandex/lycra blend and Modal. Both fit very well and conform to my body. I love soft and stretchy fabric.
• Cut – My cut of choice are briefs. I like everything from bikinis to full sized briefs. I’m not a big fan of boxer briefs or trunks. I just love the feel and fit of briefs. They hold everything just right. Other cuts I like are thongs, jocks, jock briefs.
• Color – I am not one guy who’s turned off by color, quite the opposite. I love bright colors and yes I do have pink undies. If given a choice between white/black or color I will most often choose the color. I’m not too big a pattern guy but its not a deal breaker. The brighter the color the more I like it.
• Waistbands – It wouldn’t be a complete list without a waistband on the list. A great waistband can sell me on a pair. Creative and fun designs are the best. I think so many brands miss out on this opportunity to add something to a pair.
• Brands I know – Its a bigger chance I will just buy a pair if I know the brand and have tired it before. Well, for impulse purchases

These are some of the decisions that lead to my buying new undies. Let’s hear from you guys! What do you use to buy new undies.

I’m counting the days down till Vegas. These are my favorite weeks of the year. I’m like a kid at Christmas! I get excited when I get on the plane and head out. I have my list together and ready to meet with some favorite brands. Some of the ones I”m meeting with N2N Bodywear, Andrew Christian, Baskit, 2(X)ist, Frank Dandy, Papi and more!

I would love to ask some of the brand your questions. If you have time over the weekend email me or tweet me who and what you want me to ask. While at the shows next week getting on the web and social media is difficult. You have tens of thousands people in a confined space and no cell service.

If you have something you want me to ask, email me at info at underwearnewsbriefs dot com or send a tweet to @unbtim

We are working to get you guys involved in the process so feel free to speak up!

While I am in Vegas, check my Twitter and Instagram each night!

Let your voice be heard. Above are some of the pairs up for UNB Reader Awards. Go to our UNB Reader Awards page to vote. Remember only one vote per email! Winners will be announced on Feb 17th!