Think your story isn’t interesting? That’s exactly why we want you on the podcast.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
“I’m not interesting enough.”
“I’m too shy.”
“I don’t have anything important to say.”
“I don’t wear anything wild.”
“I’m just a regular guy.”
That’s the point.
The podcast has never been about finding influencers, models, or the loudest voices in the room. It’s about the guys who make up this community every day.
The guy who discovered briefs again after years of boxers.
The cyclist who loves his Lycra but has never told anyone why.
The first-time thong wearer.
The lifelong Speedo fan.
The guy who’s still figuring out what he likes.
The husband, dad, college student, retiree, gym rat, office worker… every one of us has a story.
Here’s something I’ve learned after hundreds of episodes:
The conversations people remember most aren’t always the wildest ones. They’re the honest ones.
When one guy shares his story, another listener realizes they’re not alone.
That’s how communities grow.
Pictures on social media show what someone wears. Conversations reveal who they are.
If you’re shy, that’s okay. Most guests tell me they were nervous before we started. Within a few minutes, it feels like two friends talking. There are no gotcha questions, no judgment, and no pressure to be someone you’re not.
Our goal isn’t just to make another podcast.
It’s to build a community where men can openly talk about underwear, swimwear, spandex, body confidence, and the things we’re usually told to keep to ourselves.
Every guest helps another guy feel seen.
So if you’ve ever thought…
“I don’t think anyone wants to hear my story.”
I promise you, someone does.
Because chances are, there’s another guy out there living that exact same story—and he’s been waiting to hear someone else say it first.
If you’ve ever considered coming on the podcast, send me a message. Let’s talk. You don’t have to be extraordinary.
You just have to be yourself.
Because regular guys are exactly what this community needs.
Is smaller better? I tend to fall into this camp, especially in summertime. This is the Glow Tanga from Body Aware. This tanga has a string waistband that is perfect for everyday wear, and if you are in a hot climate, it’s the perfect pair to wear under shorts for maximum breathability.
The color we profiled is lime, but it comes in several colors to suit your wardrobe or favorite color. Check out this and all the glow line. If you use our affiliate link you can save on your next order.
Today is one of my favorite days of the year—National Underwear Day!
If you’ve never heard of it, National Underwear Day began in 2003 when the underwear store Freshpair organized a public celebration in New York City’s Times Square. What started as a fun promotional event quickly became an unofficial holiday for underwear lovers everywhere. Over the years, it’s grown into a day where people celebrate style, confidence, comfort, and the often-overlooked piece of clothing we all wear every day.
For me, though, National Underwear Day has become about something much bigger.
It’s about giving yourself permission to wear what you love.
Whether that’s briefs, bikinis, trunks, boxer briefs, jocks, thongs, panties, singlets, or even nothing more than your favorite pair around the house—you should never feel like you have to apologize for it. Wear the styles that make you feel confident, comfortable, sexy, athletic, supported, or simply like yourself.
One of the biggest things I’ve been talking about lately is moving beyond worrying about what other people think. Too many guys spend years avoiding certain styles because someone once told them they were “too revealing,” “not masculine,” or “not for them.”
Forget all that.
Wear the bright colors.
Wear the prints.
Wear the pouch.
Wear the thong.
Wear the bikini.
Wear the lace.
Wear the compression gear.
Wear whatever makes you smile when you put it on.
Life’s too short to let someone else’s opinion dictate what’s in your underwear drawer.
And if you’re comfortable doing it, celebrate today by sharing your favorite pair online. You never know who might see your post and realize they’re not the only one who loves that style. Every photo, every conversation, and every story helps make it a little easier for the next guy to wear what he loves without feeling judged.
So today, celebrate National Underwear Day the best way possible:
There’s been one brand that you guys have been sending me questions about for a little while now, and I was unable to find any information. But this week I found out some very interesting information about it.
So this year, we noticed some interesting things happening with the brand 2(x)ist . First off, they really shut down their website. And now you have to go to Amazon to buy any of their underwear, which was kind of strange since they’ve been an iconic brand in the industry since the nineteen nineties. I mean, they are probably one of the first gay brands of underwear around that really went mainstream.
It is. I believe they were one the heritage gay mainstream underwear brands, and they were the first of those brands to have a television commercial. So it’s kind of weird and strange that this really big brand has now kind of fallen by the wayside and is slowly disappearing.
So what I found out was that it used to be owned by a corporation, and that corporation sold it to a venture capital fund. And as we know, venture capital funds are ones that go in, leverage debt, and then sell off the parts basically. And this — from what I gather and what I’ve been feeling — is going to be the end of the brand as we know it, if not going out of business.
So if you have a favorite pair, I suggest you hold on to them because I don’t know if they will be making anything new. I haven’t looked at their Amazon shop to see what they’re doing, but one of the sources I had this week mentioned that it was probably being shipped overseas to China to make at lower production quality, lower fabrics, and just lower quality control overall.
So what you’ll be buying is not the product you may know and love. It may be something new. And I believe they may be licensing out the name to use for collaborations and other business dealings.
So I’m very curious what you guys think. I’ve said for the past couple of months that I think we’re going to see a big shakeup in the underwear world. This is like one of the first things — you know, Andrew Christian closed last year, and now we have Do Exist kind of. We don’t know what they’re doing.
So I will not be surprised if they go out of business, but I think there are other brands that really are going to either stop or, you know, go the same way.
So I’m really curious what you guys think. Are there any brands you’re worried about? Any brands that you wish still had the same quality when you first started buying them? Let me know.
I’ve been talking with the organizers behind Thongers Australia, and I have to say, I’m really excited about what they’re putting together. This is going to be the first event of its kind in Australia, giving thong lovers a dedicated weekend to relax, connect, and celebrate with other guys who share the same passion.
For years, if you wanted to attend a thong-focused weekend, you had to make the trip to places like Palm Springs or Fort Lauderdale. Not anymore.
Now, an amazing weekend is coming Down Under.
Set on Queensland’s beautiful coast in February 2027, this boutique event is all about good company, warm weather, and plenty of time in your favorite swimwear. The plans include relaxed pool days, a waterside thong fashion parade, a Saturday night show, and a Sunday drag brunch—all taking place at one hotel, so once you arrive, you can simply enjoy the experience.
The organizers are currently locking in the venue, dates, and full schedule, but they’re already taking Expressions of Interest. If this sounds like your kind of weekend, I highly recommend signing up now. You’ll be the first to receive all the details, get early access to tickets before they’re released to the public, and stay up to date as more announcements are made.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a weekend surrounded by guys who understand why you love wearing thongs, this is shaping up to be the event you’ve been waiting for.
Head over to the Thongers Australia Weekend website, register your interest, and hopefully I’ll see some of you there in February 2027!
Swim season is about halfway over, and if you are like me, you need something new halfway through the season. I mean, you have to mix it up a bit and always show up in bold and fun swimwear. N2N Bodywear has the new Voltage Xtreme Sport swim brief in three bold colors. They are Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, and Neon Orange. My personal favorite is the Yellow.
These are super fun and will get you noticed! Whether you wear them at the beach, pool party, or lying out. You will turn heads. Go enjoy the rest of your summer in something bold and bright.
We must have regular guys on the podcast, and it’s been a struggle for me over the last couple of months to get people on. But I’m going to give you some reasons to come on the podcast.
The first reason is that it’s a good way to become a part of the bigger community out there. There are so many guys into spandex, Speedos, underwear, and coming on, sharing your story gives guys a little bit of a peek behind who the guy in the pictures is, or comments that you make online. It allows them to get a deeper understanding of who you are and what you love much more easily than a picture can.
The second reason is that I think we need to move offline for our community. Online is a great thing—it allows you to meet people from all over the world who share your interests, and all over the country. But I think the next step is actually getting to the part where we meet up in person, and that is not easy, especially given the distance between us. But small meetups here and there, meeting someone or meeting in a city, or even small groups of travel—I think they’re the way to go. It’s a good way for guys you may have met, or you know you’ve known, to get a little bit deeper into who you are.
It’s just fun to show people there are other guys like them out there. I know we’ve all struggled in the past, and some still do now, that you’re the only one who likes whatever gear you like. No one else is into it—no one else. You know you’ve run across no one. When you’ve had experiences, your partner’s like, “uh, no.” But in all actuality, no matter what you love, there is someone who is into it as much as you are. And sometimes you find out more—it’s good to have those people hear you because you’re not going to see everyone on social media. It’s impossible.
The prime example of that is when Jason and Griff came on the show. I had never met or heard of Griff, yet we had so many connections. So that goes to show you that it’s a big world out there, and you will miss people on social media not because you’re not willing, but because the algorithm and you know—just circumstances—never have you lining up together.
I hope you will consider coming on one of our podcasts to have some really amazing conversations and share your journey and your story. Or, if you want to have a conversation about something in the world of gear, that would be amazing. So just let me know, DM me, and let’s talk.
The CellBlock 13 Liquid Night Trunk Jock is made for guys who want to blur the line between athletic gear and fetish fashion. Taking inspiration from the Liquid Night Collection, it combines the dark shine of black chrome with an edgy, masculine look that demands attention. As the light hits the sleek pleather-look fabric, the finish appears to flow across the body, giving it a liquid-like effect that’s impossible to ignore.
I love it when a brand takes a familiar style and pushes it in a bold new direction. At first glance, the front delivers the coverage of a modern trunk with a roomy contour pouch that enhances your natural shape. Turn around, though, and this design transforms into a daring jock-inspired silhouette. The open back and supportive side panels create a look that’s equal parts athletic gear, clubwear, and fetish fashion.
The smooth stretch blend moves comfortably with your body while the soft felt interior keeps it wearable for extended sessions, whether you’re hitting a gear night, leather event, private party, or simply enjoying the confidence that comes from wearing something designed to be seen. It’s a piece that celebrates body confidence, masculine energy, and the thrill of stepping outside the ordinary.
CellBlock 13 finishes the look with premium details, including a centered rubber logo on the waistband, raised felt branding, a contrasting stripe across the pouch, and durable double-stitched construction throughout. Every detail reinforces the structured, high-end feel of this striking design.
If your underwear drawer is filled with basics, the Liquid Night Trunk Jock isn’t for you. But for guys who appreciate bold gear, fetish-inspired fashion, and underwear that turns heads the moment the pants come off, this is exactly the kind of statement piece UNB loves to feature.
Looking for something a little fun and cheeky? The new Gloss Neon bikinis from GX3 will make you smile. These bikinis feature a zipper that runs from the back to the front. Comes in several neon colors, these undies are made for fun. Check out all the colors and amazing pairs from this incredible Japanese company.
The Xdress Men’s Lace Brazilian Panty in Red proves that confidence and style can go hand in hand. Featuring soft floral lace, a flattering Brazilian cut, and a vibrant red color, this design brings a modern twist to classic lingerie. The contoured pouch provides comfortable support, while the semi-sheer lace offers just the right amount of visual appeal. Whether you’re looking to add something bold to your underwear drawer or simply want to try a different style, this pair is a fun reminder that great underwear is all about wearing what makes you feel your best.
One of the biggest questions we hear from listeners is:
“When do I tell someone I’m into underwear?”
Whether your passion is briefs, bikinis, thongs, jocks, lingerie, spandex, or another fetish, talking about it with a partner can feel intimidating. Should you bring it up on the first date? Wait until you’re in a relationship? What if you’ve been together for years and have never said anything?
This week, UNB Tim sits down with clinical sexologist and sex therapist Dr. Ty to answer those questions and many more.
Together they explore how to communicate openly about kinks, why honesty builds stronger relationships, and why shame has no place in healthy sexuality.
This conversation isn’t just about underwear—it’s about authenticity, communication, and finding partners who accept you for who you really are.
In This Episode
Why the timing of sharing your kink depends on how important it is to your sexuality
The difference between a casual interest, a fetish, and a primary kink
Why honesty early in dating can actually save relationships
How hiding a major kink can unintentionally feel like a “bait and switch”
The “Share-Check” method for introducing fantasies and kinks gradually
Ways to test the waters before having a deeper conversation
Why trying new things together can strengthen long-term relationships
How couples discover new turn-ons through curiosity and communication
Why underwear is often much less “extreme” than people imagine
Breaking down shame around kinks and sexual interests
The importance of consent, communication, and mutual respect
Why you don’t owe everyone an explanation of your sexuality
Finding community if you feel like you’re the only one
Key Takeaways
Honest communication builds healthier relationships.
Your partner can’t support something they don’t know about.
Curiosity is healthier than shame.
Not every partner will share your kink—and that’s okay.
Being authentic helps you find people who truly accept you.
There is no “right” kink as long as it’s safe, consensual, and legal.
You are far from alone.
About Our Guest
Dr. Ty is a clinical sexologist and licensed sex therapist who helps individuals and couples navigate relationships, communication, intimacy, and sexuality without shame.
One of the favorite swimwear styles from 2EROS is the V10 Core Swim Brief. This is what 2EROS has to say about this classic line, “The iconic Core swimwear is a timeless classic that focuses on emphasizing your body’s assets..Clean, vibrant colors designed to complement your style and surroundings.” This year they have Rust Orange and Cool Mint. Find these and more at the 2EROS website.
We are well into summer, and it’s time to buy more swimwear! I think every guy should get three new pairs of swimwear a year. And if you are looking for thongs, check out the Hunk Menswear Low Tide swim thong. It comes in a few colors, but it’s selling fast. Check them out for more swim briefs and undies as well.
Who’s ready to spice up your underwear drawer? The Body Aware Glow jock is one of those pairs that you want to put on and show the world your undies for the day. This jock brief looks like a bikini from the front but a jock in the back. The green color is one I LOVE. Check out the entire collection.
N2N Bodywear is killing it lately with the bold neon colors. I bought the Rebel shorts and the throwback to the 80s is amazing. Now, they have released a line of underwear in the same bold colors. One I had to profile is the South Beach Jock, If you are a jock fan or just a fan of bold colors, this jock is for you. Comes in two colos and would be perfect for an underwear night or under mesh shorts.
Candyman just dropped a new collection and it’s at the UNB Store. Candyman is known for their unique take on men’s underwear, not afraid to embrace the feminine side of underwear. The new collection is less lace but more bold bright colors. It’s a fun collection and I think many of you will love the thongs. Check out the collection.
When I remember the era of spandex, that was the late 80’s and early 90’s. Spandex for men was fun and bold. There was no hiding back in the day. You wore spandex shorts or tights in bold colors and prints. I think part of the thrill was gaining the attention. I know many of you missed those days entirely, but N2N Bodywear has released these amazing shorts, aka Jammers.
When I saw them, I knew I MUST HAVE THEM, and yes, I bought the pink and blue pairs, the colors just pop and give you that retro 80’s vibe that I loved so much. These are swimsuits, but they can also be used as shorts and for the gym. If this is a must-have for you, go check out the Rebel Jammer!
One of the things I’ve always believed is that no one should have to enjoy their passions alone.
Whether it’s underwear, swimwear, thongs, speedos, singlets, skinsuits, or any other type of gear, finding other people who understand why you love it can be life-changing. That’s one reason I was excited to sit down with Simon, the owner and administrator of Spandex Party, on the latest episode of Stretching the Truth.
For those who may not know, Spandex Party has become one of the largest online communities for guys who love spandex, lycra, wrestling gear, cycling kits, swimwear, skinsuits, and just about every form of stretchy gear imaginable. What started as a niche website has evolved into a thriving international community connecting people from around the world.
Saving a Community
One of the most interesting things Simon shared was how close Spandex Party came to disappearing.
Several years ago, the site’s previous owner was facing challenges that made continuing the platform difficult. Rather than letting the community vanish, Simon stepped in and took over management of the site. Since then, he’s worked to modernize the platform, improve the user experience, and keep the community growing.
As someone who has spent years running Underwear News Briefs and producing podcasts, I understand just how much work goes into maintaining a niche community. Most people only see the finished product. They don’t see the countless hours spent behind the scenes making sure everything continues to run smoothly.
More Than Just Photos
What has always impressed me about Spandex Party is that it’s more than just a place to post pictures.
Yes, you’ll find incredible gear. You’ll discover amazing singlets, skinsuits, cycling kits, speedos, thongs, and tights. You’ll probably find several items that immediately make you want to open your wallet.
But the real value comes from the people.
Throughout our conversation, Simon shared stories about members who have built lasting friendships through the platform. Some have even met their partners through Spandex Party. Those kinds of connections show the true value of a community.
It’s not just about what you’re wearing.
It’s about finding people who understand why you love wearing it.
The Rise of Real-World Connections
One of the themes that came up repeatedly during our conversation was the growing desire for offline connections.
For years, many gear enthusiasts primarily interacted online. Today, more people want to meet in person, attend events, travel together, and build friendships beyond the screen.
We talked about events like Folsom Berlin, Tightstorm, Thongers Weekend, and other gatherings where people can meet others who share their interests.
I see this trend continuing to grow.
In fact, one of the goals of my Free the Bulge initiative is to eventually organize travel experiences where like-minded guys can attend events, visit beaches, explore cities, and simply enjoy being themselves without judgment.
Community becomes even stronger when online friendships become real-world friendships.
Why Spandex Is Growing Again
Another fascinating topic was the resurgence of spandex itself.
Many of us remember the 1980s and early 1990s when spandex seemed to be everywhere. Then it faded from mainstream visibility for years.
Today, we’re seeing a resurgence.
Cycling gear is more popular than ever. Wrestling singlets continue to attract fans. Compression gear has become mainstream. Club culture has embraced bodysuits and skinsuits. Athletic brands are introducing more form-fitting apparel.
Most importantly, people are becoming more confident about expressing themselves.
The stigma around wearing tight gear isn’t disappearing overnight, but more people are realizing that they should wear what makes them feel comfortable, confident, and authentic.
The Future of Spandex Party
The future looks bright for Spandex Party.
Simon discussed plans for expanded community features, improved communication tools, more real-world events, and the possibility of future app functionality that could make it even easier for members to stay connected.
He has also launched the Spandex Party Shop, featuring original gear designed specifically for the community. The wrestling singlets and skinsuits have already generated a lot of excitement, and additional styles are currently in development.
Knowing Simon, I expect we’ll continue seeing new ideas, new events, and new opportunities for people to connect.
Why Communities Matter
One thing I’ve learned through Underwear News Briefs, Brief Talk Podcast, and now Stretching the Truth is that people need spaces where they can be themselves.
For some people, that’s underwear.
For others, it’s swimwear.
For many of us listening to Stretching the Truth, it’s spandex.
Whatever your passion happens to be, finding others who share that passion can make a tremendous difference in your life.
Communities like Spandex Party remind us that we’re not alone.
And sometimes that’s exactly what people need.
Listen to the Full Episode
Be sure to check out my full conversation with Simon on Stretching the Truth. We discuss the history of Spandex Party, the future of the community, gear, events, travel, and why the world of spandex continues to grow.
If you’re not already a member of Spandex Party, I highly recommend checking it out. You may discover some amazing gear, make a few new friends, and become part of one of the most welcoming communities in the world of spandex.
Affiliate Links
Looking for new gear? Support the podcast through our affiliate partners:
Amoresy: https://amoresy.com/UNBTIM
Body Aware: https://bodyaware.com?bg_ref=7FgHF6QR1x
One of the things I love most about doing podcasts is hearing how different people arrive at the same destination.
On the latest episode of Stretching the Truth, I sat down with Commo from Australia, and what struck me most wasn’t the gear he loves. It was how different his journey was from mine, yet how many of the same conclusions we reached.
Many people discover spandex, Lycra, wetsuits, or other gear through a kink or fetish. Others find it through sports, fitness, swimming, cycling, surfing, or competition. While the starting points may be different, many of us eventually arrive at the same place: realizing that what we wear can be a powerful form of self-expression.
For Commo, that journey started with swimming.
Growing up in Australia, Speedos weren’t some exotic piece of gear. They were simply what swimmers wore. As he moved into competitive swimming, surfing, and other outdoor sports, performance gear became a normal part of everyday life. The gear wasn’t initially about kink. It was about function. Yet something about the material kept drawing him back.
Many of us can relate to that feeling. There’s something about spandex that is hard to explain to people who don’t get it. The fit. The compression. The sensation of wearing it. The confidence it can create. It’s one of those things that often doesn’t make sense until you experience it yourself.
What I found especially interesting was how Commo approaches gear today.
While many people separate gear into “sport” and “kink” categories, he embraces the practical side of it. Running tights, cycling kits, wetsuits, skinsuits, and compression gear aren’t just things he collects. They’re things he uses.
That reminded me of something I talk about often. One of my goals with both Stretching the Truth and Free the Bulge is encouraging people to wear what they love. If you enjoy tights, wear them. If you love swim briefs, wear them. If you prefer singlets, wrestling gear, cycling kits, or compression wear, don’t let other people’s expectations dictate your choices.
Too many men spend years worrying about what other people might think. The reality is that most people are far less concerned about what you’re wearing than you imagine. We build these scenarios in our heads where everyone is staring, judging, or criticizing us. In reality, most people are busy dealing with their own lives. That doesn’t mean confidence comes easily. It takes time.
I still remember buying my first wrestling singlet. At the time, it felt like a huge deal. Looking back now, it seems almost funny, but at the time it represented something important. It was a step toward accepting a part of myself that I had spent years trying to understand.
That’s why conversations like this matter. They remind us that there isn’t one correct path into gear culture. Some people arrive through sports. Some arrive through kink. Some arrive through fashion. Some simply discover that they feel better wearing certain things. All of those paths are valid.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation wasn’t about gear at all. It was about community. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly convinced that the future of our community depends on moving beyond simply admiring each other’s gear. Don’t get me wrong. We all appreciate a great photo. But if that’s where the interaction ends, we’re missing something important.
Behind every profile is a real person. A person with a career. A family. A story. Interests beyond gear. Dreams, challenges, successes, and struggles. The strongest communities aren’t built on gear alone. They’re built on relationships. They’re built on conversations that go beyond “Nice suit” or “Great photo.” They’re built when we ask questions. When we share experiences. When we support each other. When we get to know the person behind the gear.
Some of the best friendships I’ve made over the years started because of underwear, spandex, swimwear, or gear. Today, many of those friendships have evolved far beyond those shared interests.
That’s where real community happens. The gear might bring us together. But the people are what make us stay. As the Stretching the Truth community continues to grow, that’s something I hope we never lose sight of. Wear what you love. Be authentic. Don’t apologize for your interests. And most importantly, take the time to get to know the people behind the gear. You never know where a simple conversation might lead.
What About You?
How did you discover your love of spandex, Lycra, wetsuits, swimwear, compression gear, or other performance apparel?
One big element of Free the Bulge will be Travel. I want to plan and take small and large trips with guys who want to go to sunny, fun places (note: I didn’t say Sunny, fun places). There are a lot of places I want to go, and I think a group of underwear-and-gear guys going with me would be incredible.
Blacks Beach, San Diego – this has been on my list for a while, and it’s the perfect place for guys into Speedos and thongs to go, especially if it’s a first time. It’s a nude beach, but anything can be worn. It’s a trek to get to, but I hear it’s awesome.
Palm Springs – Another place I haven’t been. Thonger’s weekend is there in July, but I want to plan a trip in the cooler months as a weekend or week getaway to lie in the sun and relax.
FTL/Haulover Beach – Notice a theme? Yeah, these are all beaches or places to lie out, but they are also very friendly thong/speedo places. Haulover is the nude beach, and there are plenty of resorts in FTL.
Tight Storm – Let’s go international and go to Tight Storm and have some spandex fun. I hear this is an amazing event, and Europe is the home of the Lycra community. I think getting 3-4 guys to go would be awesome. And this is in Austria.
London – For many reasons: underwear shopping and, hopefully, a Grip event as well. London would be amazing to go to, and find some underwear shops. Plus, there are a lot of guys. Who listens to the podcast in London? A meet-up will be scheduled at a pub or another location.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – this would be amazing when the rest of the country is cold and shoveling snow to be on the beach and relaxing. I definitely want this as a winter trip. It would be amazing!!!
Toronto, Canada – I haven’t been to Toronto since I was in my 20s; it’s time to go back and have fun. There is a ton to do in the city, and yes, they have an underwear store. We at UNB love our Canadian neighbors and should go support and meet our Canadian listeners, and I’m sure I can convince some other guys to go with me.
Melbourne, Australia – The top of the bucket list is Melbourne, and we have heard some great things about underwear nights and such from the guys down there. So we must go and have a great time with our Aussie friends. And I say Melbourne because all of my Aussie friends are from there, and I say to skip Sydney (hey, but if we are traveling that far, we are hitting Sydney for a night or two, so I can climb the bridge, another bucket list item for me). This would be in February, we need summer time!!!
This is a rough list I’ve put together, and I’d love to hear where you guys want to go. I would love to do more international locations, even if we are going to sightsee, we are guys who love the same things, we can track down some local brands and stores, and have fun. And we are also looking at a cruise! Let me know your thoughts.
For 150 years, BIKE® Athletic has been one of the most iconic names in men’s athletic gear. Now, UNB Store is proud to bring this legendary brand to our customers.
The Original. Since 1874.
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Over the next century and a half, BIKE® would become synonymous with support, performance, and confidence, producing more than 350 million jockstraps and earning its place as one of the most recognizable names in sports history.
More Than a Legacy
While BIKE® is famous for creating the original jockstrap, the brand continues to evolve for today’s generation. Modern collections combine comfort, style, performance, and support in gear designed for active lifestyles both on and off the field.
Built for movement and made to last, BIKE® remains committed to creating products that help you feel confident every day.
Designed for Everyone
BIKE® embraces individuality, inclusion, and self-expression. The brand’s collections are created for a diverse community of men looking for products that perform as well as they look.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the iconic jockstrap or discovering the brand for the first time, BIKE® offers a blend of heritage and modern design that continues to stand the test of time.
A True American Classic
Rich in history and built on a foundation of comfort and confidence, BIKE® has spent 150 years supporting generations of men. The original is still going strong.
MODUS VIVENDI unveils Color Blocked, the striking new campaign introducing the Mondrian Swimwear Line from the Swimwear 2026 Collection. A bold fusion of modern art, movement, and contemporary men’s beachwear. Inspired by the iconic geometric compositions and primary color palette of legendary Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, the campaign transforms the spirit of abstract modernism into a powerful expression of confidence, sensuality, and summer freedom.
Set against a dynamic backdrop where color and motion collide, Color Blocked celebrates individuality through clean lines, daring contrasts, and sculpted silhouettes designed to command attention. Vibrant color blocking becomes more than a visual statement, it becomes an attitude. Every frame captures the energy of a living canvas, where the body moves through sunlight and water with effortless style and unapologetic presence.
The Mondrian Swimwear Line redefines designer men’s swimwear through a collection of statement-making pieces crafted from all-over customized MODUS VIVENDI printed fabric. Featuring bold geometric patterns and vivid color contrasts, the line delivers a visually striking aesthetic while maintaining exceptional comfort and functionality through fast-drying, elasticated materials.
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When I came up with the name “Free the Bulge,” it was meant to draw attention to the campaign. It’s not about being provocative, showing off, being overly sexual, or even just showing your body. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and having the confidence to wear what you love. This isn’t about getting approval from others, or because your body changed, or because you suddenly became fearless. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and building on them.
Showing up is Harder than you think:
I know you hear our podcasts and hear about guys going to thonger weekends or the beach, just dropping their shorts and being out there for everyone to see. Many of us, myself included, wear board shorts over Speedos, avoid bold colors to stay unnoticed, cover up at the beach or pool, skip posting pictures in our gear, and avoid trying new things. Lately, I’ve been working on going to the pool or beach without putting on shorts to walk around. I just wear the swim brief and try not to worry about it.
I think a lot of us ask, “Is it okay to wear this?” instead of, “Do I like wearing this?” We let what we think others value cloud our own judgment and tell ourselves, “No, I shouldn’t wear this” for whatever reason. Try asking yourself if you like it, and if the answer is yes, go ahead and wear it.
The Rules No One Gave us:
Growing up as men, we had a lot of rules to follow. But who made these rules we stick to? How long have they been around, and do we really need to follow them now? Let’s take a look at some of these rules:
Don’t stand out.
Don’t wear bright colors.
Don’t show confidence.
Don’t wear fitted gear.
Don’t care too much about appearance.
Don’t look “too gay.”
Don’t look too confident.
I think we ended up with these rules because they were reinforced by the media, our families, friends, and even locker room culture. It’s time for us, as men, to break these rules and create new ones that reflect who we really are, not some old idea of what a man or masculinity should be.
Confidence isn’t the same as attention.
Confidence isn’t about hoping people notice you. It’s about feeling good in what you’re wearing. We all have our own struggles, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with showing off and getting attention. But most of us wear what we do because it makes us feel great. It fits well and highlights our best features. You feel sexy wearing it, and that confidence comes through. It also shows who you are. I love bold colors and prints, but not everyone wants to wear a pink flamingo swim brief.
It feels great when you get to the point where you’re not looking for validation and just wear what you love. The first few times you put on that thong or swim brief, you might feel self-conscious, but after a while, it starts to feel natural. Eventually, it becomes part of who you are, and you stop worrying about what others think.
Showing up looks different for everyone.
What does showing up mean? There’s no single answer. For one guy, wearing a swim brief in public is a way to show up and help make swim briefs more accepted in his community. For another, just having the courage to buy a swim brief is a big step. Everyone is at a different point in their journey, and we should encourage each other to keep going.
There are other ways to show up, like posting a picture online. I know this can be hard—I struggle with it too. Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable isn’t easy. We’re sharing a big part of ourselves with the world. Everyone has their own body issues, and we’re often our own harshest critics. But we, myself included, need to start posting pictures and sharing what we love.
Another way to show up is by telling someone else that you love underwear, swim briefs, swim thongs, or gear. Saying it out loud is powerful. When you meet someone who understands you and lets you be yourself, it’s a huge relief and can open up your world.
Your Story doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s
This means your journey is your own. While others may influence you, it’s still your path, and you get to decide what you wear, how you share it, and with whom. Not everyone wants to wear a thong, share pictures, or stand out. It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more of who you truly are. Try what you want, and if you don’t like something, that’s okay.
Build Community, Don’t Perform
Showing off is fun, and lots of guys in the community enjoy it, but there’s more to our community than just showing off your gear or how good you look in it. It’s also about building connections. Notice new guys, encourage them with comments or DMs, and make them feel welcome. If someone messages you about what brand you wore or how something fits, be friendly. Ask questions and have a real conversation, not just one-word replies.
When you start talking to someone, go beyond just talking about gear. Gear brings us together, but we all have other interests and hobbies. I think it’s great when a conversation turns into a real friendship and you get to know the person. Have real conversations, and then bring up underwear or Speedos too. Friends get to know each other and share who they are.
We need to celebrate confidence at every level. I try to comment on pictures and tell guys how great they look, giving positive feedback. Remember to support guys who aren’t muscle gods—regular and bigger guys need encouragement too. Step out of your comfort zone and be a positive force in the community.
My Challenge to You
What does showing up look like for me, and what do I want you guys to do?
– Wear that swim brief you have put away, break it out and wear it!
– Wear some fun colors, I say, if you think people are going to stare, give them a reason to stare, wear a bold pink thong, neon bikini, or my favorite Flamingos.
– Compliment someone online you don’t know, tell them how good they look.
– Don’t apologize for what you like to wear, wear it, and let’s normalize it for all guys.
– Share your story. We all have a story, and we should share our origin story; it doesn’t have to be on the podcast. You could share on your social media.
What is Free the Bulge
Free the Bulge was never about being the loudest person in the room. It’s not about proving anything or showing off. It’s about showing up as your true self. It’s about welcoming others into the community and being a friendly face. I love talking to people, so send me a DM or email and let’s chat. Let’s make this the best community we can, welcoming our gay, straight, and bi brothers. Underwear and gear aren’t about sexuality—they’re about letting ourselves feel sexy, confident, and welcome. Let’s grow this movement together.
