Are you a big fan of Clever Mode? If you said yes, rejoice the first new collection is out for 2019. As usual, there are new pairs of swimwear, boxer briefs, and briefs.
The lifestyle images feature more classic designs with a few fun pairs thrown in the mix. Clever is one of the best “basics” collections on the market. The classics have a great cut, fabric and styles.
Don’t worry there are still some great mesh and prints as well. Clever always comes up with the most amazing prints for swimwear. They make you feel great while on the beach. But don’t worry they also have amazing prints in underwear.
Black Rose Photography sent us this pic for Thong Thursday! He does a mix of underwear and some more erotic images. If you haven’t checked him out, go to his site nad look at his work.
I discovered this brand on social media (Twitter: @skinfit_mexico; Instagram: @skinfit.mexico) and just had to try their products. They sell a wide variety of products: underwear, swimwear, and sport/gym wear (singlet, tights, etc.). SkinFit is a Mexican company that was established in 2017 whose mission is to provide “Sportswear and Underwear for the current man with satisfaction guarantee”.
I will be reviewing both the Tanga Skin and the Tanga Bulge styles.
Choose your pouch style. The pairs are essentially the same otherwise.
Shiny and stretchy lycra material that is very comfortable and supportive.
Marketed as underwear, but can easily be worn as swimwear.
Cons:
Made to order, so takes a little longer to arrive.
Unconventional sizing, which runs a little tight.
Recommendation: Highly recommended, especially if you love Joe Snyder. If you’re at the upper end of a size range, consider ordering the larger size.
Commentary:
I bought the Tanga Skin style in purple and burgundy and the Tanga Bulge style in royal blue and emerald green. My waist size is 33-34 and I normally wear a size medium in most brands, but I followed the size guidelines and ordered large.
I placed my order December 22ndand they arrived January 15th. I was quite surprised they arrived so soon as they are made to order and ship from Mexico (via FedEx). I’ve had domestic, stock-based orders take longer to arrive! Upon opening the package, I was very excited to try them on. The colors were vibrant. The fabric reminded me of my favorite speedos. When I slipped the first pair on for the first time, I was not disappointed. The only issue I have is they’re a little snug at the hips. This, along with the unconventional sizing ranges, is the reason for the Sizing rating of 7 above. I probably should have gone with the extra large and will consider that for future orders.
I have worn all four pairs for a variety of activities: work, gym, tennis match, lounging around, out and about with friends, etc. Having just finished my #yearofthethong in 2018, I have a pretty good idea of what I like and don’t like about a thong. Try wearing one every day for a year and not form strong opinions! Tim will say I already had strong opinions, and he would be right! 😊
After slipping them on, I was immediately reminded of Joe Snyder, including the snugness. The quality is just as high. The material, I feel, is a little thicker without feeling stiff. It’s very stretchy and comfortable. I easily wore them all day, no matter what activities I had planned. Even though they were a little snug, I didn’t experience the dreaded discomfort at my tailbone that I get when a pair is too tight (*ahem* N2N recent swimwear styles *ahem*).
The construction is fantastic! The side straps are about ¾” thick giving it a skimpier, sexy look than many thong styles on the market. The back strap (between your cheeks) is about 1”, which is on the upper end of the comfortable range. The seams are virtually unnoticeable. I hate when a pouches center seam rubs against my package all day, or I can feel where the pouch attaches to the back strap at the taint.
These styles are listed under their Underwear collection, but they can easily be worn as swimwear as well. They’re unlined, so the lighter colors will likely be somewhat see-thru when wet (if this is your desired effect, go for it!). I plan to give these a try at the pool, beach, or boat this summer!
The only difference between these two styles is the pouch. The Tanga Skin has what I would consider a traditional thong pouch – similar to the Thong 03 style from Joe Snyder. The material is stretchy enough that your goodies aren’t smooshed all day, and you can easily wear them pointing up or down. The Tanga Bulge has more of a bulgy, roomier pouch – similar to the Bulge Thong 02 style from Joe Snyder. The larger pouch, along with the stretchy material, ensure that your goodies are kept pushed forward and comfortable all day long. With this style (and most other bulge styles), you’re better off pointing down. I did notice that the bulge pouch also causes the front to have a lower rise, probably a full inch of difference between the two.
I will most definitely be adding more of both styles to my (ever growing….and maybe out of control) collection in the near future!
This week’s awesome deal is the Baskit Bask Brief. It’s this $12 Tuesday! Remember this pair is only on sale till Midnight!!
You can still make a bright statement in a classic brief when you go with our Bask Brief. Express your boldness with Bold Blue, or declare your perfection with Perfect Pink. Not feeling bold or perfect? You can always get real with Real Red. Choose the color that fits your mood then slide them on – and bask in the glory of you all day long.
Pair: Baskit Bask Brief Color: Pink, Blue, or Red Fabric: 96% Cotton/4% Elastane Sizes: Small – X-Large Price: $12 – Today only
When I first started going to Magic/Project/Curve it was so much fun. There were over 30 brands at the shows, and I would be on the go for all three days of the shows. Luckily, the shows were staggered, and I would hit the last day or second day at Curve and then the last two days of Magic/Project. I would need this time just to get with everyone. And in 2010-2012 it wasn’t always enough time to see everyone.
Back at this time there would be brands that would be in hotel suites. It would be walking from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to the Hotel and back. These made for super long days. But I really enjoyed it because it was like I was seeing a lot of my favorite people. At the end of the show, I would be sad because I would have to wait another six months to see everyone.
Flash forward to 2016/2017, and I had to miss the shows due to financial reasons. For a full year, I missed the shows. In this time I really noticed how small the shows have gotten. Since 2013, fewer brands have been attending shows. Now the February show has the most people around 10-15, and the August show had about 4-5 brands.
The size of the overall show has gotten smaller as well. Project was both floors of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, but now it’s only the lower level. Attendance is not just the underwear brands but all brands. Next, it’s expensive to get a booth. You have the cost to attend, travel, hotel and more. It can be 7 figures easy.
So where does this leave shows for Underwear in the future? I think in two more years very few brands will attend trade shows. It’s so much easier with the internet to connect with customers. There is video chat, PDF Catalogs, and video that can help buyers make decisions. While this sucks for me trying to report on the industry, it makes it more cost efficient for brands.
In the future, we may not have Magic/Project, but I will still work hard to find new brands for you guys.
The last Videos in our series is the last overview video of the shows. It was in 2013 and gives you a great overview of both shows. This year I’m working on some new videos that don’t focus on shows but still shows you some of the beat undies and gear.
One brand that I really miss at shows is N2N Bodywear. I would always go out to dinner/drink or something with the guys. They were one of my favorites to hang out with outside of a show and the industry. Andrew who is the owner is one of the best people. This was one of the last times I sawa them in a suite.
A brand we have seen several times and still is at the show is 2EROS. We have seen quite a few of their collections over the years. They always make some of the best swimwear and underwear. This year we had their model Mark on the video.
Junk Underjeans has had a few different models over the years. One, in particular, was this one. The muscle stud that wasn’t afraid to rock a thong at the show. This was 2012 and they weren’t at the last show. We will see if htey will be at the next one!
We asked you guys about what you wear to the gym in spandex and swim briefs. We had a great turn out and here is what you guys like to wear and sometimes want to wear.
We asked what you guys wear to the gym. I will say that I was expecting that briefs and thongs would be popular but Jockstraps took the top spot. Guys were only allowed to choose one answer so this is good news but shocking news to me.
This is more of what I expected the first answer to be. The briefs are top and then jocks and thongs. In this question, you guys could answer which you wore to the gym.
I was curious as to what gear you wear to the gym. Most guys don’t wear spandex to the gym. But if they do it’s more runners/tights over other kinds of gear. Spandex is growing but not mainstream yet.
This made me smile. The majority of guys who answered wear swim briefs when they swim at the gym. More than double the second choice. Now we need to transfer these to the beach and pool!!!
I asked would you wear them if you don’t wear them? Swim briefs and spandex that is. One thing we have to change is that most guys want to wear swim briefs and spandex but don’t feel comfy. I hope we can change that over the next year.
Another brand we did videos with often was Good Boy Gone Bad. We did three videos that feature Marko Lebeau. We initially met them at Curve but most of the other years we met with them in a suite. GBGB is one brand that stoppped going to the shows.
One of the first times we attended Curve we got the chance to meet Stud Underwear. This first show I met so many people I still keep in touch with today. I wish we had more shows like this!!
As we enter our 10th year I’m looking at the way we do things and looking for a few good men. Actually some specific good men who love underwear and love to write about their underwear passion. We are looking for a workout guy, college guy, professional (suit & tie) guy and a beefy guy. Regardless of your type we want a guy who’s passionate about underwear, open to try new things, social media savvy, great communicator, and talk underwear with other guys on the site.
The Workout Guy
We are looking for a guy who works out 3+ times a week. You love underwear as much as you love underwear as much as the gym. Your gym gear is all about supporting your work out. However outside of the gym you still wear awesome undies. It could be different or similar brands.
You want to share the best underwear for the gym.
Specific underwear for different activities (running, biking, cross fit and more)
If you have different underwear tastes for work and out of the gym, why you like it.
Report on issues and trends with working out and underwear.
Including gym gear such as runners, tights and spandex gear
Be open to all kinds of swimwear, including swim briefs
Work as part of a team
The College Guy
We are looking for a guy 18-25 who’s a college student or recent grad. You love underwear but due to your budget you don’t get a lot of pairs. Your wish list is larger than your underwear collection. You want to branch out and share your exploration of underwear as you try new styles and brands.
Be a young guy starting his underwear journey
Willing to try any style and brand and see how you like it.
Discuss how you are growing your underwear collection
What issues younger guys are facing in underwear
Be open to all kinds of swimwear, including swim briefs
Learn from other guys on the site
The Suit & Tie Guy
You are a professional guy that wears a suit to work every day. You take pride in your appearance and think your underwear should match that feeling. You don’t have to be a classic lover but think picking a pair of underwear is as important as picking your time. You want to share your advice for other professional guys
You are a lawyer, C-suite, architect, or CPA and suited every day
Talk about underwear for work – Classic or fun pairs and when you wear them
Mix in talk about socks as well since they are integral to suit
Work as part of a team
The Beefy Guy
Underwear is for the gym guy and the ones with 32 waist. NOT, underwear is for everyone. Guys of all sizes should be able to get underwear that makes them feel super sexy. Bigger guys are becoming a new norm in the fashion world. Beefy guys have a bit more problems finding undies from design, cut and sizing .
Be over 36 inch waist
You could have been smaller or always the same size
Share the struggles of being a bigger guy and not finding underwear in your size or a style you want.
Be open to all kinds of swimwear, including swim briefs
Work as part of a team
All guys should have the following qualities:
A love of underwear and all styles (especially Bikinis, briefs, and boxer briefs)
Be computer savy and familiar word processing, Google docs and WordPress
Willing to help promote UNB on social sites and be socially active about your love (on your own social networks or UNB’s)
Be a self starter and come up with post ideas, but also work as part of a team to help in group posts, brainstorming and more
The Go Softwear AJ Team Singlet was bought for review. All opinions are that of the reviewer.
Rating: 9/10
Fit: 8/10
Sizing: 9/10
Construction: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Fabric: 8/10
Pros: Singlet has a traditional cut/design The blue and red are the perfect color combo It’s made of a mesh that takes the design to a new sexy level
Cons: The mesh may be too bold for some guys. It doesn’t have the same give/stretch of spandex. If tall it may be tight in the shoulders
Recommendation: If you love sexy singlets this one is for you. You can wear it under jeans for a night out or alone for a night in. The mesh isn’t as see through as I thought. It’s perfect for guys wanting to venture into the erotic world of singlets.
Go Softwear makes some awesome singlets. They have been one of my go-to brands for singlets. I have several from them and always super happy with them. The last one I reviewed was the AJ Team Wrestler is one of my new favorites. This made me super excited to try this one that was mesh.
Where do you wear a singlet? In my past its either out for a gear night or a night in for some, well fun. Since I wasn’t having either of those while wearing this one I just wore it around the house. Unlike the Wrestler singlet it was a little harder to get on. This is due to the fabric not being the nylon/spandex blend. It’s not as stretchy as the Wrestler. But it wasn’t super uncomfy. It just took me a few minutes to get on. After it was on only a few things reminded me the shoulder straps were tight. But it wasn’t too bad.
Go Softwear makes amazing singlets. They are always well designed and constructed. I have never had an issue with the quality of Go Softwear. They have always met or exceeded my expectations. This one is made out of an 88% Polyester 12% Spandex blend. I will say my favorite is a nylon spandex blend. But this one is just as good I think.
Sizing for singlets is always hard to tell. It’s not like underwear where you can focus on waist size. If you’re 6’4″ and 180 you may not be a medium. You have to take into account height. At first, it’s a guessing game, and you have to experiment. After a few times, you should see what size fits you. I got an XL, and it fits me well.
If you want a super fun singlet put the GO Softwear AJ Team Singlet in your line up. It’s fun and sexy without being over the top. Where can you wear it? I’ll leave that up to you and your imagination. That’s up to individuals to figure out where and when is best to wear a singlet.
PAIR: Go Softwear AJ Team Singlet
COLORS: Navy/Red or Olive/Yellow
FABRIC: 88% Polyester 12% Spandex blend
SIZES: Small – X-Large
COST: $41.00
One brand that I always had fun during and after the show is N2N Bodywear. I loved checking out the new gear and underwear. This is the collection from 2013. Do you remember much of this line?
Yesterday we profiled our first trip to Magic/Curve in 2010. In August that year we went back and attended Curve for the first time. It was at this show we met Good Boy Gone Bad and Marko. We saw him three more times at the shows.
Tell our readers about you: Jockstrap Junkie just living here in the Great Lakes area and I’m a mid-forties bi-guy working in marketing of an automotive supply chain company. I would say most people wouldn’t think of me as an underwear addict, as I’m usually talking about lifting, throwing heavy objects in Scottish Heavy Athletics competitions, horses, and you can’t be in the Great Lakes area and not like Euchre. Side note, when throwing in Scottish games, the naughty bits are covered, otherwise it’s regimental under the kilt and the boys swing free. Forgot to mention, I like jockstraps.
When did you first discover underwear? The more I think back, I remember looking at my brother’s Sports Illustrated after he was done. Not only did I like reading about the sports, but I also liked the Jockey underwear ads. This would’ve been the era that Bart Conner and Jim Palmer were the main models for Jockey in the late 80s and early 90s. This was also when I would make sure to wander thru the men’s underwear section of department stores looking at the different styles of the day, and the pictures, too. I also liked it when the JC Penney and Sears catalogs would come out.
What was the first pair of good underwear you bought? What made you buy that pair? I truly hated tightey whiteys as they had a tendency to pinch, bind, and wedge themselves. So, I finally got the nerve to try Jockey’s Elance® bikini briefs. There were a few other guys wearing bikini and low-rise briefs, so it wasn’t that big of a deal in the locker room. I was a lot more comfortable in the bikini briefs than those old Hanes tightey whities.
How did this first pair influence your journey into the world of men’s underwear? After high school and moving into my own place, my underwear journey started to expand quickly. Especially, when I went to the newsstand and found the Undergear catalog. During my early 20s, I tried a bit of everything from thongs to boxers, all thanks to Undergear.
What are your current favorite styles? What style do you wear most? Today, I’m mostly a jockstrap guy; however, I do occasionally like to wear boxers, thongs, or boxer briefs. Yup, that’s right, boxers are still in my collection.
Most of the time, I choose my underwear for what I’m going to be doing. If I’m going to the gym, it’s mostly a jockstrap but occasionally a thong. For the days I’m going to be outside working in the spring or fall, it’s usually boxers. If the situation requires a lot of sitting, either a jock or my trusty Under Armour BoxerJock boxer briefs. And for those date nights, usually a jockstrap.
What are some of your favorite pairs in your underwear drawer? Since my collection is pretty large, I’ll just share a few favorites. Andrew Christian Almost Naked jockstrap, C-IN2 C-Theory & Tackle jockstraps, AussieBum WonderJock jockstrap, and Pump Cruise jock.
Are you open to friends or partners about your love of underwear? If you have a partner do they encourage your love of underwear? I have a couple of buddies who have seen the collection and they have collections of their own; otherwise, underwear doesn’t come up in conversation. When it comes to partners, some are ok, others shake their head, and I’ve had to use the comment “you collect shoes, I’ll collect jocks.”
Has wearing great underwear boosted your confidence? Definitely a confidence booster. Who wants to be the guy who is trying to un-bunch their underwear? Underwear is functional and sexy at the same time. I think it’s fun when in the foreplay stages of making whoopie to see the reaction of the other person when I drop trou when I’m wearing a neon colored jockstrap. Life is too short for life to be dull. It’s never been a deal breaker, and I even enjoy a bit of laughter.Where can our readers find you on social media? If you want to see more of my jockstrap journey, you can follow me on Twitter @the_Jockstrap or on Reddit u/the_Jockstrap.
In 2010 was the first time I went to Curve. At this time in 2010, more than half the brands of men’s underwear went to Curve. Then in around 2014 the two shows joined together and Curve still happens but is now women’s wear.
The very first Magic/Curve we went to was in 2010. We got to sit down with many brands such as Go Softwear. This was one of the very first pics we took at the event.
