Check out the video of the Zen Line from C-IN2. Enjoy!
H+A+R+D back in the studio for round 2. Featuring fitness models Kenneth Guidroz and Marcus Santos. Videography by Rick Day and Steve Benisty for C-IN2.
The Pop Stripes collection is a staple of the C-IN2 collection. A few times a year they update the colors. This time they have updated the colors to include Clean Quartz and Lord Blue. The first thing you notice is they have interesting names for most of their colors.
They Clean Quartz (below) is a grey stripe. It has different shades of grey and also a black stripe. It’s a little muted in the color palate but still very fun. While not or everyone I think stripe fans will love this combo. It’s a more conservative color combo than they usually do. It is topped off with a black signature waistband.
The Lord Blue is the one pictured above. It has a blue stripe focusing mainly on different shades of blue but the white stripe makes it pop. I really like this one because it’s very clean and masculine. I bet we will find this in many of our readers drawers.
The two colors are available in the Profile Brief, Lo No Show Brief, Lo No Show Army Trunk and the Jock. You can find all these at the C-IN2 website.
Swimwear season is here and it’s time to get some great swimwear. C-IN2 has released a massive new swimwear collection. It has around 14 new pairs ranging from board shorts to swim briefs. So there is something for everyone in this collection.
I love this colleciton because it’s very colorful and fun. They are taking the current underwear lines and adapting them into swimwear lines. Meaning they aren’t doing a literal translations of the styles but taking the core of them and making new patterns and colors. The perfect example of that is the Culture Club collection
SCRIMMAGE LO NO SHOW BRAZILIAN – $44
CULTURE CLUB CARNIVAL – $44
CULTURE CLUB BIZARRE – $44
H+A+R+D LO NO SHOW BRAZILIAN – $44
H+A+R+D TRUNK – $48
SUPER SOLID LO NO SHOW BRAZILIAN – $44
SUPER SOLID TRUNK – $48
SCRIMMAGE SWIM TRUNK – $65
CULTURE CLUB LO NO SHOW BRAZILIAN – $40
H+A+R+D BY SCRIMMAGE BOARD SHORTS – $80
AGAINST THE ROPES BRAZILIAN – $40
This is not all the swim so check out all the styles on the C-IN2 website
C-IN2 has a new line of the Zen collection this is the Zen Active Sport Brief. The brief is available in Blue Wire, Nocturnal Navy (pictured), Orange Ice Heather and Upstream Heather. It also retails for $22.
Many readers are suffering from cold weather and snow! But that didn’t stop Designers Tim & Jorge from going out in the C-IN2 H+A+R+D line and having some fun in the show!
Recently, I posted an amazing Calvin Klein ad from the ‘80s on Twitter and asked the question “Should we bring back ads like this?”
Recently, I tweeted an amazing Calvin Klein ad from the 80’s and asked the question “Should we bring back ads like this?” That prompted a great conversation with one of our followers about Jim Palmer and other ads from the 70’s and 80’s. The funny thing is the follower is 25, so he wasn’t even born when many of the ads ran, but had a big appreciation for the ads.
Looking back at ads of that time, they featured sports stars of the day. The biggest and most well- known was Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles. He graced the pages of People magazine wearing just a pair of Jockey Elance and a smile! Do you think you would see Derek Jeter in underwear ads these days? Nope! Very few American athletes endorse underwear. In European countries and Australia, for example, athletes like Ben Cohen and Cristiano Ronaldo are not only modeling in and endorsing underwear lines but also creating their own.
Earlier this week, I checked on my storage unit – seems like my entire life is kept there these days – and noticed a box was collapsing. While reorganizing the boxes, I discovered a plastic notebook containing my underwear ads and decided to bring them home. I’ve been thinking of framing them, rather than storing them in a binder.
These recent events made me think. Are underwear ads art?
I loved that the 70’s ads were more staged like a guy preparing for his day, getting dressed or shaving. This was the start of the sports starts dropping their trousers and showing underwear. Jockey had the best underwear ads out there. Some may think, “Jockey? Really?” But yes, they brought color and bikini cuts to the men’s underwear world, breaking away from the traditional “tighty whities”. The ads definitely showed off the difference in their underwear, but still looked like classic ads.
The 80’s brought us the Calvin Klein ad (see main image) with the model in white briefs against the white wall. This definitely looked much more like a work of art than an ad. These ads were noticed throughout the fashion industry and the public. They sparked stories in mainstream media, on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, and other outlets. CK produced other ads (one where the same model is taking off his shirt), but none received the same attention. This iconic ad prompted other underwear companies to produce more artistic ads.
Calvin Klein continued to dominate the market with their ads in the ‘90s, not only for the underwear but also for the models selected. One of the first, and most notorious, was Mark Wahlberg. Marky Mark, at the time, was all over billboards in Times Square in the popular black and white CK ads. He posted in his underwear when few would even talk about men’s underwear. (I believe these ads sparked the boxer brief craze that is still alive today.)
The next decade saw a change in men’s underwear ads. Print publications were losing circulation – mainstream magazines didn’t include many ads, but gay magazines continued. The ads were getting more expensive with less return. So what did the brands do? They turned to the internet, getting their images out to a wider audience. The brands started producing amazing pics of their underwear.
Like many others, the online pictures caught my eye and were the main reason I discovered many new brands, like Cocksox. I saw the first pictures of Earl Sandor modeling the red CX01, and knew I needed a pair right then! Gone were the days of basic product shots. We wanted to see more lifestyle pictures, rather than close-up shots.
Other brands have begun making some great ads as well…
C-IN2 produced the series “Jail”, which was very provocative and ahead of its time. It told a story rather than just show off the underwear. After a few years, they followed with another series (shot by photographer Rick Day – see the pic at the bottom) titled “Parole”. C-IN2 accompanied their photo work with videos on YouTube. The used the stories from the photos and videos to create advertising campaigns. This brand continues to produce some of those most creative ads in the world of underwear in recent years.
When 2EROS first came on the market in 2007-2008, they had amazing retro-inspired pictures that went along with the great background and glasses for their Victory line. Each collection since has added more and more amazing pictures. They use backgrounds, such as beaches, to show off their underwear and swimwear. The current collections feature model Ryan Greasley (shot by Simon Le). They don’t create a story behind their lines, like C-IN2, but consistently deliver great pictures.
Underwear Nation has turned underwear advertising into an art form. They aren’t a brand, but a retailer. Each month they profile a different pair for the Underwear of the Month Club and create a campaign around it. Their photographer, Jerrad Matthew, has done some of the hottest work in men’s underwear. The locker room campaign for the Timoteo Varsity series stands out most. In it, model Justin Leonard wears the blue and white underwear against a backdrop of a red locker room, allowing the underwear to really stand out. They create a new campaign for each month’s pair. Club subscribers get a post card featuring that month’s ad along with the underwear. (I’ve told them they need to create posters of the amazing pictures!)
There are so many other companies that I wish I could cover here, but that would be a super long post. We at Underwear News Briefs will continue to discuss and showcase the brands’ photography. We all love the amazing pictures, but we’re not knocking any brands not mentioned. Photography is one of the most expensive things about men’s underwear (I know from experience shooting our guides!), and not every brand has that amount of time and money. We want to spotlight some that are doing it right and creating images that could easily be hung on the wall as art.
I’ve profiled just a few that stick out in my head, but there are tons more out there doing amazing work! Future featured brands include: Modus Vivendi, aussieBum, Marcuse, and Teamm8.
What brands do you think make works of art with their pictures and ads?
C-IN2 has released the new line called Scrimmage. It gives me a very old school feel when I first looked at it. It really reminds me of the classic jock. Its like they took that great design and then updated it into a new line of undies. Which is awesome. I love when companies take something so classic and standard and put a new spin on it. Undies should be fun an innovative and C-IN2 did just that with the Scrimmage Line!
Where the undies I think have an old school jock inspired design, the shirts have a football inspired design. I know this because it’s listed on the C-IN2 webpage! I def can see that with the deep cut sides and mesh material. I think C-IN2 really outdid themselves on this line. They always make great undies but is really innovative and fun.
The collection consists of the Scrimmage Hustle Brief, Jockstrap, Lowest Punt, Lift Tank, Tackle Gear Crew and theTackle Gear Long Arm. The colors available for the underwear are Appalachian Grey, Michigan Blue and Moss. The shirts are available in the same colors except the Lift Tank which is just the Grey and Blue. The Scrimmage line is made out of 100% polyester.
The Scrimmage Hustle Brief has a definite jock feel to them. So if you want a jock but with more coverage in the back this is the brief for you. The pouch and back are made from a sports mesh material. The wide elastic waistband is also the leg openings as well. This pair retails for $28
The Scrimmage Jock is the same as the Brief but without the back panel. I will say this is a very retro and sexy jock. Its waistband is not the traditional 3 inch is but it still has that old school feel. The label right in the front is a great touch. Made with the same sports mesh as the brief. Retails for $24
The Scrimmage Lowest Punt is for the trunk fans. If you like a bit more coverage the Punt is a low rise trunk that is made out of the same material an has the same waistband as the brief and jock. The sports mesh makes this pair super sexy as well. Retails for $28
The Scrimmage Lift Tank is very old school This is the one inspired by old football gear. Its very low cut sides and perfect for the gym or any sporting event you maybe participating in. This and the other shirts have interesting acronyms on the back. Retails for $24
The Scrimmage Tackle Gear Crew you can definitely see the football influence. Its based on a football jersey. Which makes this a very fun shirt to wear. Its a bit more form fitting than a traditional jersey due to you won’t be wearing it under pads. Retails for $28
The Scrimmage Tackle Gear Long Arm is a similar cut to the Tackle Gear Crew. This shirt has one exception no sleeves. Many of our readers do like a sleeveless shirt for working out and hanging out. Its the same materials and cut as the Crew. Retails for $24
I hope you check out this new line I think it’s one of the best new lines so far this year. Find it at the C-IN2 website.
Did you make your resolution to use your gym membership? If you did C-IN2 has you covered, literally. They have a new Grip Athletic line that is perfect for the gym. As we have said a few times they are branching out into more than just underwear. They added an extension onto the Grip line, which is a perfect companion to the underwear line. Here is a look at the line. It is available in black, Michigan navy and true blood. 
Grip Athletic Long Sleeve Cafe Crew – retails for $58.00 at the C-IN2 Site
Grip Athletic Strong Arm Shirt – retails for $40 at the C-IN2 site
Grip Athletic Tank – retails for $40 at the C-IN2 Site
Grip Athletic Jump Short – retails for $48 at the C-IN2 site
Grip Athletic Bike Short – retails for $48 at the C-IN2 site.
Grip Athletic Baseball Pant – retails for $68 at the C-IN2 site
Grip Athletic Zip Jacket – retails for $88 at the C-IN2 site.
This is the new C-IN2 Grip Athletic collection. I think they did a great job. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to match his work out wear you will love it. Or you can mix with your own gear. Either way they are great pieces to wear to the gym. I love the new collection. See more at the C-IN2 website.
Many of us are about to start a new year and propose a resolution to get into better shape! If you do make this resolution you will need underwear for the gym. Now, you could wear a jock but not everyone wants to wear a jock. The C-IN2 Grip Lite line is made for being active so it would be a great choice.
The first thing is the pair is similar to classic white brief. Many guys want underwear they can wear to work and the gym. When they take their pants off they don’t want to get strange looks. We call that the “gym factor.”
The Grip Lite is made from a fabric that dries 5 times faster than regular fabric. The collection is made of an extremely breathable single-layered cotton blend with a reinvented waistband lined with silicone that comfortably grips the body. This line is made for an active guy. It is available in both white and black.
One of the most innovative things about the Grip line is the pouch. They have the new design that was first released with the Grip line. The seam is half way up the pouch in a semi circular seam that creates a pouch that will give you support during any work out.
The Grip Lite line also has a Army Trunk, Long Sleeve Crew and Short Sleeve Crew. All are made with the new generation fabric that wicks water away. The only colors available are black and white. Find these at the C-IN2 website.
Fan of the Pop Colors or Stripes? If you order $40 or more you can get $10 off your order. This is good till Sunday, and make sure you use code POP10 at check out! Shop the C-IN2 site
Are you a big fan of colorful underwear? Like bold patterns? Mix that in with a nice waistband and you have the new C-IN2 Culture Club collection. Available in a brief, army trunk (both are Lo No Show) and jock. We are profiling the brief. It’s available in 8 different colorful prints. There are too many amazing prints to choose from!
C-IN2 says this about the line: C-IN2 Culture Club infuses pop art with men’s underwear. Engineered printing is used to individually paint artwork onto each pair of underwear for precision placement. The Culture Club collection is made of super-soft Tencel with Spandex and finished with a high fashion, high gloss Microfiber waistband. Culture Club’s art changes seasonally to reflect trends in pop art and remains chic.
These are going to be some of my favorite pairs from C-IN2. Lately I have fallen in love with bold and bright patterns. This one is a little more abstract than the previous Culture Club collection but still has some great prints! I have two favorites the blue and green pairs. One is a blue on top and green on the bottom and the other is a green print on one side and blue on the other. They are just amazing and super fun.
The Culture Club Lo No Show brief retails for $30 at the C-IN2 website.
It’s Long Johns season, well just about! So we are working on a few things that feature Long Johns! This is the Core line from C-IN2.
Who said there isn’t a time and place for core classics. This is part of the Core line for C-IN2. I haven’t seen this pic before and I thought I would share!
I’m a hard core brief wearer. Throughout the frozen hell better known as winter 2013-2014, I wore briefs. Even during the dreaded polar vortex that turned Northeastern Illinois into Chiberia, briefs were proudly worn under layers of clothing by this guy. I tell you this because as seasons change, my choice of underwear, as far as the cut goes, remains pretty consistent. True, I may wear thongs more often when the weather gets warmer, but I’ll always be a brief guy at heart.
As a culture, we’ve learned to associate seasons and holidays with certain colors. I’m talking about how we like to wear red and green for Christmas, or pastels for spring. As we head into autumn, those deep shades of orange, purple, and red come to mind, along with yellows and browns. Traditionally, these colors have been associated both with the natural transformation of the foliage outside and with the activities that typically occur in the fall, like the harvest.
So, I bet you guys know where I’m going with this. That’s right! I’m compiling a list of my favorite red, orange, purple, yellow and brown briefs, and pairing them with a fall activity.
1. You should try to navigate a maize maze this fall in these Hugo Boss briefs. Maybe someone will mistake you for an ear of corn and try to butter and eat you.
2. These purple Aussiebum briefs are a classic. The ribbed cotton adds some interest to a standard brief cut. Why not wear these under your costume on Halloween? You’ll definitely be getting both tricks and treats once they’re revealed.
3. Try on these C-in2 “Hand Me Down” briefs in Syracuse orange, while actually going to a college football game. Then detrou when your team scores a TD and show everyone your school spirit.
4. Run a turkey trot or do another sporting activity in this brown Obviously Sinuous string bikini/tanga. The high cut sides and anatomic pouch leave both room to move and provides natural support.
5. Snuggle next to the fireplace with your lover (or potential hookup) knowing that while the yule log flickers in the fireplace, you are about to set the whole scene on fire when you put these Bikkembergs briefs on display. The little pop of pink screams bulls-eye.
Are you a fan of C-IN2? They just released the new C-IN2 Zen colors for the Fall. We had to sure this picture of a fun orange brief with you guys! Enjoy
C-IN2 released a new video today featuring the C-IN2 Zen line. They say “The collection is constructed from a harmonious equilibrium of rayon made from bamboo and cotton fibers blended into a fashion-forward yet comfortable mesh fabric” Find it at the C-IN2 website
Most people hate Monday. It’s the start back to a new week and back to the grind! While your week may not be awesome we think your underwear should be! It’s my personal opinion that “underwear makes the man!” I hear some of you saying, HUH? You underwear should be the most comfortable thing you wear, because it’s the one piece of clouting most of us wear for over 12 hours a day!
That being said it should be fun as well! We are going to give you five choices to wear on a Monday. Don’t worry we aren’t going to have 5 pairs of thongs but we will have a mix of styles. They also, will be in some bright colors because I always feel better when I wear something bright with an amazing fit.
Diesel Fresh & Bright Yosh Low Rise Trunk.
I’m not a trunk guy but a large percentage of our readers are big fans. Diesel makes some great undies and what’s not to love about a red pair of underwear. Find it at the International Jock site for $27.00
C-IN2 Culture Club Lo No Show Brief
I think patterns are the new black in men’s underwear! I mean if you’re going to go with a pattern, you might as well go all out with them! This is the C-IN2 Culture Club Line. These prints were specially created for C-IN2 and this line! Its super fun and imagine if people knew this under you work clothes! Available at the C-IN2 site for $30.00
Full Kit Gear Premium Comfort Spot Jockstrap
Have you ever worn a jock to work? I have talked to guys who exclusively wear jocks no matter where they go. This is not something I would do all the time. I enjoy a jock but like to mix it up. A classic cut black jock from Full Kit Gear would be perfect. The original #10 Jock from Bike is harder and harder to find. Its time to find a new classic. This pair is available from Jockstrap Central for $17.95
Timoteo Rugby Super Low
Timoteo has been rocking the underwear world for a few years. They have grown in the last few years and continue to constantly put out good undies/swimwear. The Rugby line was released a few years ago and I consider it a “classic” in the world of underwear. It’s made out of blue/gold/white and just pops. The fit will be great as well and it’s something a little more low key for those who don’t want something too bright! Find this at the Timoteo site for $22.00
Joe Snyder Pride Frame Thong
Now we couldn’t have a post about Monday without a thong! I asked our resident thong guy Kyle what would be a great pair to recommend. He said the Joe Snyder makes amazing thongs. And you know, he’s right, the Pride Frame is probably one of my favorite thongs! The Pride frame comes in bright colors. I chose purple because it’s still one of those colors you don’t see in men’s underwear too much. This thong will proudly frame your pride! Yes I had to say it! Find this in many different colors on the Joe Snyder site for $23.00
These are just a few suggestions we love to hear your how you make Monday a Undie Funday!
Contains an affiliate sales link for Jockstrap Central
C-IN2 is back with a new video for H+A+R+D Line. This time they want you to Play HARD! Check out the video and find the line at the C-IN2 site.
Were you aware that C-IN2 has some new swimwear? If not this series was shot at the Dead Sea by photog Rick Day. The suit featured here is the HARD line. Similar to the underwear but now in a swimwear line.
Are you a fan of Big Brother on CBS? Well, I will admit I am not but a friend sent me the info that current house mate is a model who was part of C-IN2 Grip campaign, named Cody Calafiore. If this had been 5 years ago or more it would be a big deal. Case in point remember when William Levy was on Dancing with the Stars? It was a scandal! Now, not so much.
If you don’t watch Big Brother like I do, who is Cody? He is a 23 year old, former soccer player from New Jersey. As you can see by the pic above even if you don’t know who he is, you have seen his pics! I def remember the the campaign, it was some great images from C-IN2! I checked his Twitter(@Cody_Calafiore) page and who ever is running it is not shying away from the underwear past. I mean if you looked like Cody in underwear, wouldn’t you show it off. Heck I would just walk around in my underwear!
So far he’s still in the Big Brother House and as been labeled “adorable.” He’s told the house mates that his a Sales Executive and not a model. It maybe all part of the game. What do you think of the Big Brother House Mate?
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.
If your’e a fan of C-IN2 you no doubt know the Hand Me Down line. If you don’t know the line, its a line that is made with a “distressed” fabric to feel like it’s been handed down. I was skeptical about the line but I tried a pair and it felt really great. It lived up to what they said. It was like I put on a pair i have had for years.
The new refreshed line features a Charcoal and Grey stripes. When I talked to Greg at C-IN2 a few weeks ago, I wondered if the line would be too dark. But after seeing the pics on the site. The colors are: Blazer (orange), Dark Dizzy (red/maroon), Wax Pear (green/yellow) and Wink (Aqua/blue). The names brands come up with just are amazing lately. I am loving the creativity they are using.
They are in the usual styles you would expect from C-IN2, but the one style I don’t remember seeing is the Boxer. Granted, many of our readers don’t care for boxers but it could be great for lounging at home.
Should you get some C-IN2 Hand Me Down? I say yes without a doubt. It’s some of the most comfy undies I have owned and I love the stripes. Find these and more at the C-IN2 site.
Jockstraps have been going through a renaissance as of late. Back in 2010 I proclaimed it the year of the jock. Before this most jocks were relegated to the locker room or fetish situations. There were basically two kinds of jocks. The traditional 3-inch waistband or the Swimmer with the 1 inch waistband. The perfect example of this is the Bike #10 Jock. It pretty much came in white. In the 90’s they branched out in to a few colors but the styles stayed the same.
We flash forward to 2010 and everyone started to make them in all sorts of fabrics and colors. In 2014 you can find a jock in any color of the rainbow and in just about any fabric. The design is changing as well. Many companies have taken the jock and made it their own. The perfect example of it is the C-IN2 Grip jock. Not only did they play with the design but they also made it in newer material that makes it perfect for working out or being active.
Each year more and more companies take the jock and put a new spin on it. I didn’t think in 2010 that the trend would last longer than a year or so. I was dead wrong on that. Second, the original jock had been around for decades with out real innovation. Would companies really design new jocks and experiment with fabrics? I really wasn’t sure, but they did and created a really great new category.
Some recent developments in the jock world are:
- Baskit developed the first hybrid, the Jockbrief –As you know it’s taking a brief and giving it a jock back. This only fueled to the jock fenzy
- N2N Bodywear created jock swimwear – You may say this sounds strange but the pair was very cool. I have two of them and while I never wore them as swim I have worn them as underwear. They were prob the best made jock I ever wore
- Bike Discontinues #10 Jock – It was a sad day when I learned from Jockstrap Central the #10 jock was being discontinued. This is a classic that all guys should have in their underwear drawer.
There are too many more to mention. Just about every company has their jock. So no matter what your love you can find a jock in that color or fabric! So which kind of jock lover are you? Are you an old school guy? Or Do you love the new? Or a mix of both? Let us know!