Why This Campaign Exists

During an Instagram chat, I told a friend to “free the bulge.” He suggested launching it as a campaign and creating a logo. I took the challenge, expecting just a fun logo and post. But the more I thought about it, the more it felt integral to UNB. It’s about confidently wearing what you want, loving what you love, and having support. 

About 10 years ago, I tried the Swim Brief Challenge. It didn’t take off, partly due to my lack of promotion and the timing. Now, I’m looking for new creative ways to share what UNB is about. This campaign fits perfectly. It covers much of what we post and discuss. So, “Free the Bulge” was born. 

Before I dive in, answer these questions for yourself. 

When did we start hiding ourselves? In the 80s, Speedos were a regular sight—on beaches, on TV, and everywhere in between. Men wore them openly back then. 

What are we afraid of? When you talk to some guys, wearing bikinis to the gym, and having other guys see you sends them into a panic attack. Having anyone see them in something that isn’t “normal” is terrifying. 

Do we care more about what strangers think than what we think? Why do we put so much weight on what strangers think about what we are wearing and censor ourselves for others’ approval? 

What “Free the Bulge” Actually Means

By “Free the Bulge,” I don’t mean showing off in shock-value spandex or being an exhibitionist. It’s not sexual. It’s about removing shame from men showing their bodies and rejecting toxic masculinity. 

Let’s look at the gear I am talking about, Swim Briefs or “Speedos” are made for swimming. Guys use these to swim laps, compete, and win gold medals in Speedos (well, they used to in the Olympics). Compression gear like Under Armour is made for working out, playing sports, and training. Cycling kit is made for cycling and spin classes and serves a purpose. Lastly, spandex has a long history as a fabric for aerobics, dancing, sports gear, and more. 

What do all these things have in common? Guys wear them for the perspective activity without shame or worrying what others say about them. Seeing a guy standing on a starting block in googles, Speedo, and a swim cap, you don’t bat an eye. If you go to a college and see the football team in compression gear, it’s part of the game. Seeing a guy standing beside a bike in his cycling kit is just part of being a cyclist. And lastly, you see a guy in spandex dancing, it’s not something you go, “What is he wearing?” 

I want us to get to the point where we can go out, run errands in our tights, and no one even cares. Or we wear our Speedos to the local pool or beach, yank our shorts off, and just enjoy the day. Where we don’t give it a thought, and we can live our lives to the fullest. I know from my sexuality that having to hide who you are from everyone is tiring. It’s its own coming out process in a way, not as serious as sexuality, but I know plenty want to be open with their love. Some guys even hide it from the people closest to them, like family, friends, and even partners. 

The Confidence Ladder: Practical Ways to Start

How can we fix this? I’m not saying that we break out the swim briefs tomorrow and say “HERE I AM!” We have to advance in our own comfort zones. I have created some ways to help you ease into wearing what you love. 

Vacation Mode – Low Risk Environment 

If you go on vacation, even to another nearby city, pack the swim briefs and just wear them. You don’t know anyone there and will probably never see them again. Drop the shorts, lie out, and just enjoy the sun. 

In short

·    Pack Swim Brief

·    Travel to the destination – beach, cruise, or resort.

·    Put on swim briefs – maybe with a pair of shorts over.

·    Get to the beach or pool, remove shorts, and enjoy the sun! 

You may give another guy the confidence to break out the swim brief they packed. He wants to do the same thing, and seeing you wear it gives him permission to break his out! The more we do this, the more guys will join in. 

Why is this low stress

·    It’s freeing to be anonymous – you may remember this experience as a life-changing event, but most people won’t remember or recall you or that you wore a Speedo. 

·    Most People Don’t Care – In reality, most people don’t care, and if you listen to the Brief Talk Podcast, very few people have any negative experiences. It’s rare that someone comes out and says anything to you. 

·    You get a confidence boost – You may be nervous about dropping your shorts for the first time, but after a day in the sun, when you forget all about wearing swim briefs, it will give you even more confidence next time. This is real power, because all those ideas you had built up in your head were just anxiety and not reality. 

Friendly Territory – Normalize It

If you want to wear something and want to do it without worry, go somewhere friendly. A place where you know guys will be wearing the same things or, in many cases, a lot less. One great example is Hollywood Beach in Chicago, where Speedos and thongs are not only welcome but also encouraged. You know, going there, it’s part of the culture to wear smaller swimwear. In fact, in that situation, it’s perfectly normal, and I would dare to say that wearing boardshorts would get you the reaction you would expect wearing a Speedo to a family event. 

Other places to wear:

·    Speedos – LGBTQ+ beaches, Resort pools, Nude beaches, countries where they are accepted (Australia, parts of Europe, and more). 

·    Spandex – Cycling groups, spin classes, gyms (especially bodybuilding gyms), running groups, and other fitness activities. It’s about the activity, not the gear, so you can stop stressing about the gear and focus on other things. 

·    Underwear – wear something not so “classic” to the gym. Wear colored briefs in a bolder color like green, orange, or yellow instead of white, grey, black, or navy. Wear a bikini in a classic color, no one will notice the bikini because it’s one of those four colors. 

It’s about taking your mind off the anxiety and focusing on what you are doing. The more you do this, the less you will worry. This will give you confidence to get to the point where you are wearing exactly what you want without any hesitation or anxiety. 

Again, the more we make this normal and a part of life, the more guys will wear what they want because it’s scary to be the first person to break out of the mold. It’s natural to fit in and not rock the boat, but we need these “rule breakers” to give guys permission to be themselves. 

Safety in Numbers – Go With Friends

This one is not for everyone. If you are lucky enough to have friends who love the same thing you do, and even if they have been brave enough to wear what they want, it gives you the power to step out in numbers. If you see a group of guys in Speedos, you don’t worry about what others will say because very few will confront a group rather than an individual. 

You can also match gear, and make it a theme, and each of you breaks out something fun! Plus, this creates a shared experience where you can feed off each other’s confidence. If you or one of your friends starts to express doubt, the others can encourage them to stick with the plan and do it, because they are not alone. 

Imagine six guys going to the beach. They look like ordinary guys, in tees/tanks, shorts, and sunglasses. Then, all of a sudden, the shirts and shorts come off, and instead of feeling on full display, you have a great day with friends who all look like you. That is power right here; it’s almost like a brotherhood that bonds you. It will soon become something normal for all of you! 

Gym Strategy for Beginners

The gym can be scary for numerous reasons. As someone who wishes I had time to join a gym and get in better shape, it’s anxiety-inducing to me. Walking into a place where there are buff bods and everyone knows what they are doing, when I couldn’t tell you what most machines do in the gym. Add on the anxiety from wearing spandex, and it can be panic attack territory. 

When I was younger and in much better shape, I used to wear singlets and tees, spandex tights, thongs under my spandex, and more. I was bold as fuck back then. Now I’m not so confident in wearing those to the gym. I have issues with these things as well. But we both have a way to make this happen. 

·    Wear darker colors – if you are going to wear spandex, wear tights that are black, navy, or similar dark/classic colors. It won’t draw attention to the spandex, and probably most people won’t notice what you are wearing. 

·    As you get comfortable, add in a racing stripe or some color. I’m not saying rock the vintage ’90s Nike Tights, but just buy things you feel comfortable wearing and being seen in. You may never reach the point where you put on the neon striped tights, but if you do, rock it and own it. It’s about building that confidence over time. 

Addressing the Fear Directly

Let’s address it if the worst happens. If someone comments, complains, or even your own doubts get into your head. The last is normal, and I face it all the time. 

·    What does someone look like? People look at others; sometimes it’s just people watching, with no judgment intended. In fact, some may go, well, he looks great in those. We need to imagine the good comments as well. 

·    People are going to judge me – Most people just don’t care, and those who will judge you have their own insecurities that make them judgmental. So if they say something, just say thanks for your opinion  and move on; don’t let their opinion dampen your confidence. 

·    I don’t have the perfect body – Let’s be frank, guys, even if they are fitness models or bodybuilders, they have issues with their bodies as well. I know very few people who are happy with their bodies; we always point out the flaws that no one else sees. I am totally guilty of this all the time. We need to be kinder to ourselves, myself included. 

The Bigger Theme: Masculinity & Shame

Let’s take on the big topic here: masculinity and shame. Why is it that we, as men, are taught to hide ourselves and not feel like sexual beings? Women can be objectified and wear sexy clothes, but men are supposed to be stoic and not wear anything that makes them stand out. I love it when I feel sexy in what I am wearing, and it makes me so confident. 

One thing I’m constantly tired of hearing in our society today is “A real man wouldn’t…” To that, I say a real man would do whatever the fuck he wants. He doesn’t care what you think about him, his sexuality, or his masculinity. He’s comfortable in who he is. Instead of policing me for not being manly enough, we need to encourage men to be their authentic selves. 

Lastly, there is the clothing double standard. When you go to Miami and see all the women in thongs, no one bats an eye; in fact, it’s encouraged that they wear as little as possible. But when a man wears a similar cut, he’s being vulgar, a show off, and feminine. Clothes do not define sexuality, masculinity, or femininity. It’s just fabric, and it’s up to the person wearing it to define what it means for them. 

Breaking this down further, there are things gay and straight men face that are different. On the gay side, we have the “we need the perfect body.” That is, we must have abs, pecs, and perfect everything. And the toxic masculinity comes into play here as well. The whole “masc4masc” and no femms come to mind. If you know, you know. We still face these issues that have plagued the community for years. I think gay men can have some of the most toxic masculinity ideals of any other group. 

As for straight men, they face a challenge that, because they are wearing something “not masculine,” their sexuality should be questioned. As if wearing sexy undies or tight spandex will turn one gay. And this is their way of coming out, when in fact it’s their way to express what they like and enjoy. It’s frustrating that guys have to go through either of these situations. It’s time we set our own rules and not follow stifling rules imposed by others. 

FREE THE BULGE 

This summer, Free the Bulge. Wear that brief to the gym you’ve been putting off. Skip putting those shorts over your spandex; wear that Speedo/thong you have been dying to wear. It is just taking up space for that “one day” you will wear it. Make today the day you wear it. Lastly, showing up in any of these is showing up as yourself. It shows the world that you enjoy your choices and are confident in them. 

I would love to hear your experiences with taking that first step to wear what you love! It could have happened 20 years ago or 20 minutes ago. There is no shame in when it happened; all that matters is that it happened. Or if you haven’t done it, share with me why you haven’t. I am here to listen and encourage you to take that next step. I won’t judge you or make you feel less than because you didn’t do it yet; the time wasn’t right for you. Let’s find that right time and make it happen. 

Depending on the feedback, I may include this in the podcast. I think these stories are some of the most empowering we have to tell. Even admitting you’re anxious about doing it is power. Let’s build an amazing, supportive community. Here’s what we can do to make that happen: 

·    Support – when someone does something for the first time, congratulations are in order. Also post postiive comments on social media for guys taking risks and pushing the envelope.

·    Share – Share your own story. I don’t think we open up about our insecurities and anxiety often enough. Let’s get rid of the shame and let people in the future not think about this, and just do it. 

·    Lead by Example – if you already have the courage, lead by example and show yourself in situations that others may find difficult. Like the only guy in a speedo on eeh beach. Wearing bold colored tights to the gym, or that hot lace thong under your business suit. Confidence is contagious and will spread. 

Let me know your thoughts, and let’s keep building this community bigger and better. 

We take you back to February 2022 with this amazing pic from Modus Vivendi. They have such amazing pictures and always deliver. I hope we see a lot more of them in the coming year.

I’ve been saying this for years, and I’m going to say it again — we need our own social network. Not another Instagram account waiting to be flagged. Not another TikTok video shadowbanned. Not another friend waking up to find his entire account erased because an algorithm decided his swim brief crossed an invisible line. If you’ve been part of this community for any length of time, you’ve seen the pattern. You invest time. You build connections. You grow an audience. And then suddenly, without warning, it can all disappear.

This isn’t about one post or one account. It’s about long-term instability. It’s about realizing that the platforms we depend on don’t actually understand our culture — and increasingly don’t seem interested in protecting it.

The Reality We’re Facing on Instagram

Instagram has become unpredictable at best and quietly hostile at worst when it comes to men’s underwear and swimwear content. Posts are removed under broad “Community Guidelines” that are open to interpretation. Appeals often feel like they vanish into the void. Enforcement is inconsistent — one person’s beach photo remains untouched while another’s nearly identical image is flagged or removed. There is no transparency in how these decisions are made, and no meaningful explanation when they are enforced.

The double standard is impossible to ignore. Women in bikinis are positioned as aspirational, lifestyle, fitness, or fashion content. Men in swim briefs are treated as inherently provocative. The garment is similar. The setting is similar. The intent is often identical. But masculinity is judged differently. And when masculinity falls outside a narrow cultural comfort zone, the content becomes suspect.

Over time, that wears on a community. It creates hesitation. It creates fear of posting. It forces self-censorship. And it makes it clear that we are tolerated — not embraced.

TikTok and the Policing of Male Expression

If Instagram feels inconsistent, TikTok feels even stricter. The platform’s moderation approach toward male bodies in minimal clothing leaves very little room for nuance. Content that is clearly fashion-driven, fitness-oriented, artistic, or simply beach lifestyle gets flagged simply because a man is wearing a brief, thong, or tight spandex.

It doesn’t matter that the content is:

• Editorial
• Athletic
• Body-positive
• Creative
• Completely non-sexual

The clothing alone becomes the issue. And that tells you something deeper is at play.

There is still an underlying cultural discomfort with men who embrace swim briefs, bikinis, jockstraps, spandex, crop tops, or anything outside the “approved” masculine uniform. There is an unspoken narrative that real men don’t wear those things. So when we do, our expression is treated as inherently sexual or inappropriate. That bias is subtle, but it is real. And it shows up in enforcement patterns across platforms.

Discord and the Illusion of Stability

For a while, many of us saw Discord as a solution — a space with more control and less algorithmic interference. But even there, changes around age verification and adult content classification have introduced new layers of friction. Stricter compliance measures, identity verification requirements in some regions, and increased scrutiny of servers labeled adult or NSFW mean that we are still operating within someone else’s framework.

Discord isn’t designed specifically for underwear culture. It serves a broad ecosystem of communities. If its policies shift again, we remain vulnerable. Once again, we are building on infrastructure we do not control, governed by standards that can change without our input.

We’re Building on Rented Land

The larger issue is that the entire social ecosystem feels unstable. Algorithms change overnight. Enforcement standards shift quietly. Platforms prioritize advertiser comfort over niche communities. Accounts disappear with little recourse. Years of work can vanish with a single automated decision.

We are building our homes on rented land. And the landlord keeps changing the rules.

Every time someone loses an account, we rally. We get frustrated. We talk about unfairness. And then we go right back to rebuilding in the same system that removed us. At some point, we have to question whether that cycle makes sense.

This Won’t Happen by Complaining

Here’s the hard truth. Frustration alone will not create stability. Anger at platforms will not build independence. Sharing screenshots of deleted posts won’t protect the next account.

If we want something different, we have to build something different.

That means stepping beyond conversation and into action. It means understanding that community isn’t just about consuming content — it’s about ownership and responsibility. It means realizing that independence requires participation.

For this to happen, we need:

• Guys who commit to joining a new platform
• Volunteers willing to help moderate
• Developers who can help build and maintain infrastructure
• Financial backing from the community
• Long-term dedication, not short-term excitement

If we continue to rely entirely on outside platforms, we are accepting their rules as permanent. Complaining about those rules without building an alternative keeps us exactly where we are.

What Building Our Own Network Really Means

When I talk about creating our own social network, I’m not talking about chaos or an anything-goes environment. I’m talking about a focused, community-driven platform designed by people who understand underwear culture — the nuance, the context, the difference between expression and exploitation.

Imagine a space with clear, common-sense standards and transparent moderation. A place where posting a white brief doesn’t automatically trigger suspicion. A place where swim briefs, jocks, spandex, vintage gear, art, and brand content each have dedicated spaces. A platform where context matters and expression isn’t automatically sexualized.

Building that kind of space would require:

• Clear and transparent community guidelines
• Moderation by people who understand the culture
• Structured categories for different interests
• Sustainable hosting and technical infrastructure
• Financial support to keep it independent

This isn’t about replacing Instagram overnight. It’s about creating stability. It’s about having a home base that doesn’t disappear when an algorithm changes. It’s about building something that protects the culture instead of constantly negotiating for permission to exist within it.

Underwear Culture Deserves Stability

Underwear culture has always been about more than fabric. It’s about confidence. It’s about body positivity. It’s about masculinity on our own terms. It’s about art, history, connection, and community. For many of us, it was the first place we felt seen and understood.

That deserves stability. It deserves a home that doesn’t vanish with a policy update.

I’ve been talking about this for years because I believe in this community. I believe we deserve clarity instead of ambiguity. I believe we deserve consistency instead of fear. And I believe we deserve a platform that understands us instead of tolerating us.

If we truly see this as a community — and I do — then it’s time to stop waiting for permission.

Not after the next account disappears.

Not after the next algorithm shift.

Now.

Because we shouldn’t have to beg for space.

We should own it.

Want to support UNB and the Brief Talk podcast? Besides our Patreon, we also have merch you can wear at home, out with friends, or even to the beach. Just head to our official site and check out the merch section. You’ll find “Thong Slut” hats, art prints, T-shirts, mousepads, and more.

Thonger Hats

Thong Slut hats are a favorite, featuring bold embroidered designs. You can choose from Proud Thonger and Thong Slut hats. The embroidery makes them more durable and stylish. Check out the Thong Slut 2.0 Hat, which has a bright pink graphic on black, pink, or blue. We also have classic hats without embroidery.

Tees and Hoodies

Our updated tees and hoodies feature both classic and new designs. We have unique shirts for each podcast, along with the Thong Slut 2.0 tee and hoodie. We’re also planning to add more tank tops soon.

Mousepads and Mugs

Our mousepads feature high-quality prints, including a Vegas scene, and have been tested for durability for over a year. There are designs for podcast fans, thonger fans, white brief fans, and jock lovers. We also offer high-quality mugs.

Matt, a recent guest from Canada, asked for a custom mug with all three show logos. That mug is now available. If enough people are interested, we may add more mugs with individual logos and a thong slut mug in the future.

When you wear or use our merch, you directly support the podcast and blog and get unique, everyday gear. If you have any questions, I’m here to help. New art prints are coming soon, including the Locker Room Series, Hockey Series, and more. Stay tuned!. Shop at the UNB Store under UNB Gear

It’s hard to believe that Andrew Christian isn’t around anymore. It’s one of the brands every guy has in his drawer. And now Poof, it’s a memory, no more bikinis, almost naked, and Show It styles. This pic takes you back to 2017.

This past week, I started using SORA to generate AI content for underwear/speedo/spandex. I created a video of a guy in spandex working out at the gym and posted it on Instagram. When a comment asked, “Why do we need AI” content when we have enough queer content creators to make this?” my initial respo” se was that very few creators are making this type of content. I chose to use AI because it allows me to explore creative ideas and visualize concepts quickly and efficiently. AI adds value by offering new perspectives and enhancing my ability to produce diverse content. Importantly, it complements the work of real creators by giving more visibility to themes that might otherwise be overlooked.

My video creation 

The video’s general theme is a guy wearing spandex. He says it’s not about showing off; it’s about wearing what he wants, feeling confident, and showing what real masculinity is to him. And then the gym goers clap. While creating the video, I learned that crafting effective prompts is key to achieving the desired outcome with AI tools. Although this video turned out perfect, others were a bit off, which taught me the importance of trial and error in AI content creation. I encourage others to experiment and refine their prompts to explore this creative avenue. By sharing our methods and improvements, we can help more people get involved and demystify AI as a tool for creativity.

Thirst Traps and not a drop to drink. 

I love spandex and the spandex community. It’s a community that has been in the shadows for far too long. Most guys who love spandex have kept it hidden and feel like an outcast in the bigger kink community. I know I have at times, and it’s hard when you feel like you are the only one who likes it. The internet has made it easier to meet other guys. Sites like Spandex Party, Fetlife, and even social media bring guys together like never before. I applaud this so much. 

However, when you look at most of these sites, it’s mainly the thit’s trap and sexual side—scrolling through the super hot pics. Don’t get me wrong, don’t love a Thirst Trap as much as the next spandex lover. However, a small percentage of the guys posting talk about encouraging others to wear the gear. To change this narrative, members could start by sharing posts that inspire confidence and creativity in wearing spandex. They can share stories of how wearing the gear has positively impacted their lives, create challenges that encourage others to step out of their comfort zones, or provide styling tips to make spandex part of everyday attire. By sharing these empowering messages, we can foster a more supportive and inclusive community.

There could be several reasons for just posting thirst traps. 

1. Lack of outlets – Many sites are not set up to post anything other than pics. There is no place to post longer content other than captions.
2. No or low community involvement – Guys don’t have a community that embraces spandex love, and the only way they know how to interact is by posting pics. 
3. Posting pics is their empowerment. Guys can assert their control over their images and show their confidence. It’s empowerment over objectification.. 
4. Transformation process – Some guys go through a physical change (working out, losing weight, etc.) or a life-changing event (breakup, death of someone close, a move across the country), and it’s their way of showing the new person they have become. 
5. Seeking validation – People do post pics for validation. This is where the likes, comments, and follows feed their self-confidence, and the more they get, the more they want the validation. However, this can be a slippery slope and get out of control, and not be good for your mental health.  

There is nothing wrong with any of these. If you want to post pics in gear, do it and enjoy! 

Kink vs. real life

Pedro at Hung Out Dry proposed this theory to me: there are two sides to spandex love—the sexual/fetish side and the everyday side. The everyday side means wearing it to the gym and incorporating it into daily life: wearing it to the gym, the store, or just hanging out. Some guys can’t separate these two sides. An example of this is a guy can wear it to a Fetish/Spandex night at a bar, but gets anxiety when wearing it out in public, like to the store, or for a walk. He’s worried he may get too excited. 

I personally want both sides of this coin. I want to feel sexy in my gear and also make it part of my life. My initial journey definitely started with the “fun” side of gear. I would buy singlets, spandex shorts, tights, and get so turned on. I then started wearing them to the gym and mixing the two sides; sometimes I got turned on, and other times it became like a normal thing. My mind eventually got to the space when I was at the gym or out, the sexual side wasn’t as intense. I will still feel sexy, but it’s not a sexual turn-on. And then there are times when it’s the total kink side, and I really enjoy it, and let go. 

Starting on the kink side makes it a little more difficult to embrace the non-sexual side, at least for me. Sliding on the spandex just feels so amazing and fun; you get lost in your mind. Whereas I think a guy who cycles or wears spandex for a sport or exercise may have the reverse problem. I have met cycling guys who think spandex is purely functional and not a sexual thing, and they don’t want it to be sexual in any way. 

The community I am trying to build

Back to my point of this post. I want to build a community where there is no shame around spandex/lycra. Whether you want to focus on the sexual side, the non-sexual side, or both, men should feel empowered to wear what they want and encourage others to do the same. Here is what I want to see in a community: I also invite all of you to share your own stories, experiences, and ideas on how we can build this community together. Your insights are invaluable, and by sharing them, you help foster a sense of belonging and engagement among us all.

• The end of “Toxic Masculinity” and the “a real man wouldn’t wear that.” – Masculinity, to me, is having the courage to be yourself and not follow rules that don’t make sense. Be a rebel and define what your masculinity is. 
• A social space to be open – We are gaining these, but a social space where I can celebrate other guys for taking the courage to share their love of spandex/lycra. Also, where can we get to know each other as people, not gearheads? A lot of us keep ourselves guarded and don’t share too much about who we are in real life. We compartmentalize our lives and rarely mix the two. However, for me, to be authentic, I need to mix the two and be seen beyond the gear. I want guys to get to know who I am and become friends with me. 
• Encourage more positive content – As I said above, I see very few people posting about positivity, wearing what you want when you want. Encouraging new community members to find affordable gear or educating them about which companies to check out. This also includes body positivity, specifically in the gay community, where you have to be white, ripped, have abs, and be under 30. I want to see people of color, older, younger, bears, otters, twinks, and everything in between wearing Lycra/spandex. I want these guys to use their voices to explain why spandex has changed their lives, what they love, and how they came out as gear lovers. I’m in a unique position because I have a podcast where I talk about these things, but I also have guys like Scott (Fourway333), Andy (AndyELycra), Stephen (Spandex Kings), and more to talk to and share many of these things. The content tells how they overcame their fears to wear in public. Also, what gear do they love and why? Is it the fit, the colors, or why do they love the Amoresy suit with feet over the one that doesn’t have feet? How they discovered their love of gear, an origin story, never gets old. What gear do they wear for different activities? Which brands are educating and sharing their knowledge with others? Gear is expensive, and it’s good to get an opinion on things we may want to buy or a brand we are considering buying for the first time.  
• I want to see the personality and not the persona – We all have an online persona. I have one, which is a lot more outgoing than I actually am. That said, I want to know the guy’s personality, not what he portrays in his persona. And to be fair, sometimes the persona is not embraced by the person posting but by the viewers. A prime example of this is Jai. When you see his pics, he is huge, with abs, a bulge, and the ideal man. Therefore, you assume he’ll be conceited and all about himself. This is so far from the truth. He’s one of the sweetest guys I have met, and one of the smartest guys I know as well. We need to watch what we project, too. I encourage you guys to show who you are, and show things not related to spandex, like your geeky side, hobbies, and more. 
• Take the shame out of gear – We all feel different when we start out with our fetish. We want to connect with others, but we often get rejected and called strange or weird for wanting to incorporate gear. This has a negative effect on us and our self-confidence. It’s like “what’s wrong with me, no one else likes this. So it must be me who has the problem.” No, everyone has a kink they enjoy, and you should embrace it and not let anyone shame or belittle you for liking what you like. When you have friends who share the same thing, it increases your confidence, and when something like this happens, you can go talk to your friend. As I’m sure they have been through it before, they can be a great person to vent to or to lend advice on how to deal with it. 
• Making real-world connections – Online lets us meet guys we would never meet in our city or country. However, I want to do real-time meet-ups in gear or in regular clothes. I have found in the last few years that when a guy knows I love undies/speedos/spandex, I tend to open up more about my life and trust them more. I don’t have to explain the entire thing; they get it, it’s a non-issue, and we can move on to finding out more about each other. 

I know I got on my soapbox, but this kind of set me off today. I am not trying to use AI content to take away from any creator; in fact, if we had more doing this type of content. I wouldn’t have made it in the first place. Second, I think many guys want this type of content (positive, not AI). I get a lot of feedback from the podcast about how we have someone with this giant love who wants to share and talk about issues that never get any coverage on social media or kink sites. 

I welcome anyone who wants to have a discussion with me to get in touch with me. I know many of you don’t care for AI content. I see it as a tool to accomplish goals, not as a replacement for content creators. Hearing from so many guys who want this type of content, I challenge you to create it. By the way, I will always share that something was created with AI. My intent is not to fool or trick people. To foster a more inclusive community, I invite you all to share your thoughts and ideas. You can reach out via email, the podcast comments section, or by being a guest on Stretching the Truth Podcast. Let’s build this community together by contributing your unique experiences, whether through posts, discussions, or new content ideas. Everyone’s participation is valuable, and I encourage you to connect and become an active part of the conversation.

FYI, I use Grammarly to write and correct my posts. Including this one. Being dyslexic has helped me fix many of my grammar and word issues. 

Let’s be real for a second: dance belts haven’t really evolved. Most guys wear whatever they were handed years ago, deal with the shifting, the pinching, the weird lines under tights, and just accept it as part of the deal.

That’s why the Keto Dance Belt feels different right away. This isn’t just a “new version” of the same old thing — it’s a rethink.

First off, it actually stays put. The internal foam structure is shaped to support and hold everything in place withoutsqueezing or feeling bulky. You’re not constantly adjusting between combinations or hoping it behaves during a performance. You put it on, and it does its job quietly in the background.

It also looks cleaner than most dance belts out there. The bonded construction cuts down on seams and bulk, so it sits smoother under tights, costumes, and yes — superhero suits. If you’re heading to a con and want to wear your favorite outfit in a family-friendly setting, this is the kind of support that keeps things appropriate when you need it to… and gives you options later when you don’t.

Fit is another big win. Instead of forcing everyone into a one-size-fits-all idea of “support,” Keto lets you choose waistband and cup size separately. That means you can actually get a fit that works for your body, not just something that’s close enough.

The fabric is soft, breathable, and made for long days — rehearsals, performances, or walking a convention floor all day. And the color options matter too. Right now they’re designed to blend naturally under costumes, and in 2026 Keto is expanding the range with darker skin tone options, which is long overdue and genuinely important.

What I appreciate most is that this feels designed by people who actually understand bodies, movement, and real-world wear. It’s been tested, refined, and worn by professionals who know exactly what doesn’t work — and fixed it.

The Keto Dance Belt isn’t flashy or gimmicky. It’s just better. More comfortable, more considered, and built for guys who want support when they need it — and flexibility when they don’t.

That’s why this one feels new.

The Aurora SportLab™ Athletic Cup is a first-of-its-kind protective system designed to finally solve a problem athletes have lived with for decades: choosing between comfort and protection. With SportLab™ technology at its core, this innovative cup delivers both—without compromise.

Developed over two years of real-world testing with youth, college, and professional athletes, the SportLab™ cup absorbs impact while remaining flexible, lightweight, and comfortable. Unlike traditional rigid cups that restrict movement and cause discomfort, this system moves with your body—so you stay protected without losing performance.

For too long, athletes have ditched cups altogether because they were bulky, uncomfortable, or distracting. Aurora refused to accept that trade-off. The result is a completely re-engineered athletic cup that reduces discomfort, minimizes pressure, and allows natural movement during play.

Paired with Aurora’s tailor-made compression shorts, the system features an integrated cup pocket architecture that prevents shifting, eliminates constant readjustment, and enhances breathability. The shorts are designed with athletic performance in mind—keeping everything secure, comfortable, and exactly where it belongs.

The Aurora SportLab™ Athletic Cup isn’t just protection—it’s confidence, comfort, and freedom to perform at your best.

This is protection without limits.

If you like the classic briefs but a little higher end, try the Ron Dorf Y Briefs. These are, when I mean high end, pricy. Check them out if you dare.