Guys are loving Thongs lately. We have more guys telling us that they are becoming one of their favorite styles. One thong you guys need to try is the Sukrew thong. Made with the awesome Sukrew pouch. Also featuring Marshal Arkley.
The Krakatoa Boxer Brief was furnished for review by Krakatoa Underwear
Rating: 8/10
- Daily Fit: 8/10
- Sizing: 8/10
- Construction: 10/10
- Styling: 8/10
- Daily Performance: 8.2
Pros: Amazing Fabric, good boxer brief pouch design, and great for an active guy.
Cons: Looser fit, only in 5 colors .
UNB Tim recommendation: I would definitely recommend these. If you are a boxer brief fan and are an active guy. These are for you. The fabric and pouch will give you breathability and support. Even if you aren’t a boxer brief guy. I say try something new. I see a big future for Krakatoa and think we are going to see amazing things from them .
Krakatoa Underwear is one of the new kids on the block. I originally found them on Instagram. We reached out and started a relationship with them. They are two passionate guys about making the best underwear they can! They have a cool pouch design. The two pouch guys, Salvatore and myself, decided to give them a go.
Let me preface this by saying if you’re a long time reader you know this. I am not a fan of boxer briefs. It’s the fit I don’t like.Salvatore and I split up the collection. Which is a brief, trunk and boxer brief. We both will be reviewing the boxer brief. I drew the short straw and got the boxer brief. Little did I know what would happen.
The first thing you notice when you take Krakatoa Underwear out of the package is the fabric. The fabric is a 92 percent Micro-Modal + 8 percent Spandex. Modal is my favorite fabric for underwear. The first reason is it’s super soft. Next, it breathes throughout the day. Third, it’s just so darn comfy.
I put these on and headed out for a day in the Georgia heat and humidity. This was going to give them a workout. Working my part time job is a lot of driving and moving. The one thing I noticed was the legs weren’t super tight. Which is my preference. This is because I hate when the legs ride up during the day. Usually, pairs that are looser in the fit will do this. However, these never rode up or bunched. I was super impressed.
The pouch is a new design, for a boxer brief is pretty good. I had no issues of things getting out place during the day. Again, I was surprised. Having a looser cut to me usually, spells disaster for a full days wear. It’s a good design for a boxer brief pouch. We need more brands to do that!
How was the sizing? I hear some of you asking. Well, this is one of the few times I may suggest getting a size smaller. The boxer briefs were loose in the leg and I had more than enough room in the waist. I like my undies a bit tighter. If you are a fan of looser cut undies get your size in inches. If, however, you want this tighter, go a size smaller. It’s not often I tell you guys to go smaller!
Find these at the Krakatoa Underwear site. Which happens to have free shipping in the US!
BRAND: Krakatoa Underwear
PAIR: Boxer Brief
COLORS: Deep Black, Flat Grey, Forrest Green, Ocean Blue and Polar White
FABRIC: 92 percent Micro-Modal + 8 percent Spandex
SIZES: Small – X-Large
COST: $24.00
FURNISHED BY: Krakatoa Underwear
Where to buy:
It’s Underwear release season for fall! That means a lot of your favorite brands are releasing new hot undies. One of those brands is SupaWear. The latest collection is called Sports Club. According to SupaWear, “Sports Club is Supawear’s first active underwear collection and is designed for every activity. It features a brief, jockstrap, boxer short and tank. It’s made from a sweat-wicking polyester and is breathable and cooling to the touch.”
Active underwear is a growing market in the men’s underwear area. You have some that are function over form. This is not the case with the Sports Club. SupaWear has put their own design spin on active underwear. The collection is in blue and has a super fun SupaWear waistband. The blue/red/white band has the SupaWear logo in the center. Then the brand name around the band with red lines outlining the band.
The fabric is a 90% Polyester / 10% Elastane blend. Which is perfect for being active. This fabric will wick sweat away from your body. This makes it perfect for the gym, running, hiking and more. The fabric will be very comfortable as well and the perfect addition to your workout wardrobe.
The styles available are the boxer, brief, jock and tank. I think most of our readers will be wearing the jock and brief for working out. However, I don’t discount the boxer, we have a growing boxer brief followers! Each one of these has the same waistband. The brief and jock also have white trim around the pouch and leg openings. Against the blue the white makes the pair pop.
If you are looking to step up your gym underwear. The Sports Club is one you need to look into! It’s fashionable, fun and made for working out! Find the Sports Club collection at the SupaWear site.
BRAND: SupaWear
PAIR: Sport Club Boxer, Brief, Jock and Tank top
COLORS: Blue
FABRIC: 90% Polyester / 10% Elastane
SIZES: X-Small – X-Large
COST: $29/$26/$24/$40 AUD
LINK:
4 Hunks sent us this picture of their Spider Jock as shot by Jean Platz. It’s Jockstrap Wednesday so why not get a super fun jock, like the Spider Jock to wear!
Over the last week, I have been inspired. I had the chance to sit down with Salvatore and talk in person. Many don’t know we at UNB are spread across the US and rarely get a chance to have face time. We had a good 3 hours of UNB planning. It inspired. Our Complete Guide to Underwear for the Endowed guy from an Endowed Guy. We needed to expand this to other guys.
One section of guys that is underserved in underwear are the big and tall guys. I happen to fit both categories. I have been open with my Body Image post a few weeks back. I am 6’4” and upper 200’s and a 42-inch waist. So this definitely classifies me as both. Like many of our readers, I would never be mistaken as an underwear model. There are challenges for guys in both categories.
Tall Guy Issues
Unlike a lot of clothes, underwear is a bit different. Being as tall as I am sometimes the pants are too short in a suit or the shirt isn’t long enough. Underwear still has issues for tall guys. I remember in my teens, Jockey had a line just for tall guys. I haven’t seen this in a while, so I’m not sure if they do it.
Tall guys have bigger waists
Most tall guys I know out there have bigger than 32 waist. A tall guy can have a 36-inch waist and most may think he’s a 32-inch waist. Most tall guys I know are 36 and bigger. It’s not that they are out of shape it’s just the way we are built. Many brands don’t make sizes over size 36. So they are left out of many brands.
Low Rise is Really Low Rise
I have had this happen a few times. You get a pair of low rise briefs and it barely covers the front and back. If the rise in the briefs is shallow, it just won’t fit. One pair I remember I kept pulling up in the back. It wouldn’t stay put on my waist. We have to be careful of how low rise pairs actually are cut! This sometimes means buying a size larger. That frankly, just doesn’t fit right or look right on a guy.
Pouches Don’t Fit Right
If you’re a tall thin guy, you can have issues in how the pouch fits against your body. It may not hold everything in and give support. You may actually suffer a blowout (You know what I am talking about.). The leg openings are designed for guys with bigger thighs.
Big Guy Issues
Bigger guys until recently have been left out of the ability to have great undies. In the last few years, companies have either come on the scene or started to develop underwear in larger sizes. We had Krakatoa tell us in their interview they had a larger guy who loved their underwear because it’s comfortable to him!
No Large Sizes
Getting underwear over a size 38 can be a challenge. A few (who I will cover below) companies actually make undies for larger guys. Most designer underwear goes up to a 40-inch waist for the most part. There have been many brands I want to try but have yet because I wasn’t in their size range. I lost 70 pounds and got to try a few but there were still more that I still was too large to try. I was almost a 36-inch waist. There is also no wearing underwear that’s too small. I find nothing more irritating than underwear that’s too small.
Waistbands fit all wrong
Waistbands are one thing I love. The designs and such can set off a pair. With larger guys, the bands can roll and fold over. Making it super uncomfortable. No matter how great looking the pair is, the band will make or break the pair. When this happens it inevitably stretches the waistband. Sometimes it gets fixed when you wash and other times it doesn’t.
Not designed for bigger guys
Underwear for bigger guys needs to be designed for them. You can’t simply take a medium pattern and scale it up to a larger size. It’s like plus sized in women’s wear. It’s not a copy of the “regular” clothes. Problems include too tight leg openings, not enough coverage in back, pouch design and more. To the credit, though, brands are starting to pay attention to this and are doing something about it.
Do you have to accept you have limited options?
If you are either, you have to accept you will have limited options. If you’re just tall. Experiment and find a brand that fits your body best. If you’re longer in the legs, you may not have issues. I can’t say with brands would fit you best. I would suggest buying non-low rise underwear.
If you’re bigger guy. Go with brands designing for you. BearSkn is one made for bigger guys. They sell in all sizes but are designed for bigger guys. I have tried the briefs and they are amazing. They have none of the issues above. One awesome thing they have is a sports mesh panel for between your legs. Also, another brand is Junk UnderJeans making XXL sizing in certain of their pairs.
The Industry is Changing
Don’t get discouraged because the industry is changing. When I started UNB there were very few fashion brands for bigger or tall guys. Now there are new ones coming up every year. As more guys discover underwear, current and new brands will address the needs of the consumers such as us.
If you have any questions contact me here, leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter.
Garçon Model is always sharing selfies from Customers. they sent us a few to share with you! We hope you enjoy real guys showing off their undies!
It’s Tuesday, the day to get more undies for your drawers! Baskit has it’s $12 Tuesday at full force! This week the pair is the Billy Boy Trunk. The Billy Boy line has a pocket sewn in for a condom. Wear it when you are going to have a great date! Find the Billy Boy trunk today only for $12 on the Baskit site.
Not going to lie. I have always felt a little intimidated going into men’s underwear stores. Something about the idea has always been uncomfortable to me. I’ve visited stores in St. Louis, Seattle, Portland, Dallas, Atlanta, the Virgin Islands, and probably a few more places that I can’t recall. That feeling of, “Is anybody watching me right now,” has subsided. Why? Because I started blogging about my passion for this industry.
This past week, I had the awesome privilege of having a 12-hour layover at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). What did I do, I rented a car for a few hours and headed on over to Skivvies Men’s Underwear Store in the Oak Lawn District in Dallas proper. Now that I have a new found confidence in who I am and a way to talk through my passions for men’s underwear, I can easily walk into stores and talk with the men and WOMEN shopping about their likes and dislikes. I find it really exciting to tell people about the blog (your blog) and what we are doing in the industry.
After I found a parking spot (a bit challenging), I walked in the front door and was greeted by Steve, one of the clerks working. He introduced himself and gave me a few tips about browsing such a large store with a massive selection. He let me be and only emerged if I looked like I needed assistance. I like this when shopping. I’ve been to malls in other countries where people follow you around trying to get you to buy something–annoying. Once I took my initial look around, I introduced myself to Steve as an Assistant Editor here at UNB. He’d never heard of us. I asked if I could take a few pics with my iPhone. He called management and go clearance. The work began.
This store has dozens of brands with a great selection of styles, cuts, prints, patterns, and sizes. I spent an hour in the store and could have spent two more hours. This was a great experience. I found N2N Bodywear, CockSox, Papi, Calvin Klein, Jack Adams, Pump!, Cin2, Obviously, Skivvies (they have their own brand), Gregg Homme, Saxx, WildmanT, 2Xist, Nasty Pig, and dozens more. They didn’t just have these brands, they had their collections in a full run of sizes.
Steve introduced me to Paul, the other clerk working that day. We had a great conversation about how underwear can be a confidence booster, is normal for gay, straight, and bi dudes to enjoy, and of course–THE BLOG. Paul is a great conversationalist who understands the industry and seems to enjoy helping others find what they want. I enjoyed talking with Steve and Paul and look forward to seeing them next time I visit.
Because I was in an awesome men’s underwear store, I had to make a few purchases. I am proud that I didn’t immediately kick into pouch snob mode and buy things that I know work for me. Instead, I opted to purchase things I haven’t tried–pouches that interest me. You will have to wait and read my reviews to know what I brought. I can’t give everything away today.
Right when I got ready to check out, Steve encouraged me to walk upstairs and check out their clearance floor. You heard that right–Skivvies has a clearance FLOOR. There are hundreds of pairs of your favorite brands on clearance in this store. I didn’t see trash, I saw treasures. It was awesome!
Although I had a blast chatting with the sales team and purchasing underwear, I found something else to be particularly intriguing to me–the customers. Not only was the store packed, there were all types of 
people perusing fine men’s undergarments. I saw women mixed with guys of all flavors and orientations. People were engaging in conversation about men’s underwear. Customers were asking each other for advice and people were chatting in a very friendly way. I fit in–not because I found a straight guy, but because I found others who have a passion for this industry out in the open discussing their likes and dislikes. It wasn’t sexual. It wasn’t gay. It wasn’t straight. It wasn’t even fashion. It was normal!
Thanks, Steve and Paul at Skivvies for showing me around, listening to my passions, and sharing yours. I hope everyone reading this will take the time to check out Skivvies online store. If you are in Dallas, go in person. It will be an experience you won’t regret!
4001 Cedar Springs
Dallas, TX 75219
Monday – Thursday : 10AM – 10PM
Friday & Saturday : 10AM – 11PM
Sunday : 11AM – 10PM
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY & CHRISTMAS DAY
Adrian C. Martin has sent us some great pictures featuring the SupaWear. The model is Eduardo Rodrígue., He’s 20 years old and a personal trainer, heavy weight lifter and underwear model. This time he’s wearing new sport collections by 2eros and Supawear. Follow Eduardo on Instagram: @edurc6
What doesn’t the new Pikante line have? No serious, someone please tell me what it doesn’t have.
- Solids? Check
- Fun prints? Check
- Mesh? Check
- Very, very shapely wear? Check
- More compact pouches? Check
- Thick waistbands? Check
- Thin waistbands? Check
- Traditional cuts? Check
- Unconventional cuts? Check
But want to know the craziest part? It is all a very cohesive line. You can see the same train of thought connecting all of these seemingly contradictory or opposite aspects. The juxtaposition offers something for everyone and lots of things for anyone.
Two fun thongs to check out: PIK 8024 and PIK 8026. One features trick or treat candy prints and a nice, compact pouch. The other features bubble gum piece prints and is a very shapely, anatomical pouch. Both are solid designs letting you choose the style that fits them the best. Others feature Ice Cream prints and paper boat prints, prints for everyone.
For a really adventurous pair, try the cock sock ice cream thong. (see the site for the dare to wear style.)
If solids are more your thing then check out their Cherry Pie section. This piece of the collection features solid fabric choices in bold colors. The designs seem to be a bit more traditional as well, if that is your cup of tea. They also have some more options in the Hippie part of the line, a few more color options to mix things up.
And for mesh lovers look no further than the Pina Colada pairs and the Rock and Roll pairs. A mix of mesh and solids that will help please all.
Personally, the BubbleGum briefs are my favorite. They are very cute. A fun little cut with a cute print.
Other items include jockstraps, additional thongs, anatomical briefs and more. Like I said, there is something for everyone in this line, you just got to look. Find them all at Candyman Fashion
We have heard for a while that you guys want to see real guys in shoots. Now we want to find out how much you want real guys! In the past,we have used guys that closely resemble what most of our readers. Sometimes we get good comments about the shoot other times we get criticised. This comes from readers and people in the industry.
Take our survey to let us know. We want to use the information going forward!
[typeform_embed url=”https://unbblog.typeform.com/to/cdtJmM” type=”embed” width=”500″]
I made contact with a photographer that has been reading UNB for years. His name is Shaun Simpson and he is based in Canada. He does incredible work and is a huge fan of underwear. I decided to do a little interview with him to showcase one of our reader’s insight into the men’s underwear industry. I hope you enjoy!
Salvatore: How did you discover your love of underwear?
Shaun: Always been a fan! The first time I strayed from the basic brands I wore as I kid, I never looked back. Comfort is key, but it’s always fun to know you have a bright pop of colour hiding under your austere business suit.
Salvatore: What are your favorite brands and why?
Shaun: Tough call! Big fan of JM.ca, super comfortable, long lasting, and Made in Canada! N2N, Andrew Christian, and Obviously are great for a bit of extra sexy bit of freedom. Cin2 and Calvin Klein always have a place in my drawers too; comfortable, fun, supportive, and classy.
Salvatore: What is your favorite style of underwear?
Shaun: Gotta go with the brief, but I think there is a time and place for every cut and style.
Salvatore: What is your least favorite Styles?
Shaun: Never really got into the jocks and thongs; I prefer a bit more coverage; when it comes to fabric comforts, I prefer quality and quantity.
Salvatore: Do you shop online or in stores for your underwear? Which Stores?
Shaun: Pretty much exclusively online – I tend to stick with either the manufacturer’s own website, or larger retailers like International Jock, Men’s Underwear Store, or Top Drawers.
Salvatore: How many pairs of Underwear do you own?
Shaun: Between my own, and what I have in my studio wardrobe for models–easily in the hundreds.
Salvatore: Who do you feel are the most creative underwear brands on the market?
Shaun: Love the designs of N2N, big fan of their singlets and onesies. AC has some fresh cuts and colours, but tend to be a bit edgy for my daily wearing. Rufskins always has a sexy new take on classic sportswear. Canada’s Gregg Homme has a great take on men’s lingerie.
Salvatore: Are you an influencer on your friends when it comes to underwear?
Shaun: I’d like to think so; every now and then I’ll clear out the studio’s wardrobe closet and give out the extras to friends. Plus, I’ll often get questions from folks asking where they can find styles they’ve seen on my models.
Salvatore: How do you use social media to follow/promote your love of underwear?
Shaun: I follow most of my favorite brands on Twitter, Tumblr, and IG. Most of my models are showing off their physiques in underwear/swimwear, so I try to tag the brands so folks know where to find them too.
Salvatore: How long have you been reading UNB? What is appealing to you about the site?
Shaun: I don’t recall the exact date, but it’s been at least 5+ years now; I always keep it bookmarked. I like the clean, uncomplicated design, easy to read, and to find the newest stories. Plus, the ads on the side help me find newest brands, styles, and sales.
Salvatore: What brands do you think deserve more coverage in the men’s underwear market?
Shaun: I’m a proud Canadian, so I’d have to say JM, Greg Homme, Stanfields, Saxx, and of course Pump!
Salvatore: What can you tell me about photographing the male body? Do you ever photograph guys in their underwear?
Shaun: Almost every fashion/fitness photographer I know of has a portfolio full of gorgeous women. I like to create my own niche by focusing on the male form. We have great curves too! I always love shooting silhouettes, showing off the lines of the body.
I tend to shoot a lot of underwear/swimwear looks. It’s the best way to show off the physique. A great pair of underwear can help shape the mood of the shot too–from classy fine art, funky pop, to edgy erotica.
Salvatore: How do you see photography enhancing the men’s underwear industry?
Shaun: With phones these days taking high quality photographs and video, almost every hot guy online is posting selfies, showing off their favourite brands. It seems like the men’s underwear market has really started to come 
out of the shadows. There is more focus on the styles, cuts, and colours. A well-composed photograph shows how a great pair of underwear can really accentuate and enhance anyone’s physique!
Thanks, Shaun for giving us insight into your underwear world. We always enjoy meeting new professionals who are doing more than their part to help the industry thrive. Shaun is one Canadian who is doing jus that.
That’s a wrap. By the way, all of the photos in this post were shot by Shaun. Check out his website at www.shaunsimpson.ca. If you are interested in doing a little interview with us, hit me up on Twitter with a DM–@manatomicallyme. I’d love to help you share your story.
Hey you kinksters out there, TtheAmazing is here with your weekly dose of fetish friday. Today, I’m going to be fanboying over a N2N Erotic staple. Now, if you follow anything about me, my instagram, my facebook, the tags on the back of my undies when I bend over to pick something up. you know how much I love N2N. I have loved N2N since my college days. When I first embarked on buying undies. I felt good about rather than buying the ones that were easily available at the basic clothing stores I shopped at. I have since college just kept adding to my collection of N2N garments. Today, I wanna talk about a singlet of N2N’s I don’t actually own (shocker, I know). It goes in line with my odd fascination with non leather/non spandex resembling fabrics lately. Today, we’ll talk about the Liquid Skin Singlet.
Since one of my multiple careers is as a costume designer, specifically for spandex wear. I have spent a lot of time watching spandex manufacturing improve and change. The ability to mimic that sexy leather look in a more breathable, silky, soft fabric has come such a long way. It used to be if you wanted that “leather” look, it would make a weird velcro sound every time it stretched. You would see these wrinkles. That looked like cracks in the earth when evil super-villains punch it. Nowadays, they have a bunch of really great leather-like spandex fabrics. Some are firmer, some are softer, some are matte, some are shinier, some are textured some are smooth. It’s such a wonderful variety.
For the person that loves that sexy leather look, but still wants that form fitting squeeze. the Liquid Skin Singlet is for you! In a Batman-style matte black. This super low cut singlet will show off all your attributes nicely. The racerback style down the spine lowers the eye (while taking a brief detour on your lats) down to your booty. While the front plunges deep. While the suspender straps lift up your junk in a supportive and prominent pouch.
There’s a whole Liquid Skin collection, and it all looks delicious. I will try and get some, and report back to all of you my findings. The Liquid Skin Singlet is $6. The only warning to be careful of is that chlorine, bleach, and any oil based products. They can damage the leathery finish, so keep that in mind.
Maybe, next week I’ll break my stride, and get out of the alternative materials mood. And write about something completely different, you will just have to wait and see. For now, go to N2N’s website to shop the Liquid Skin collection. Maybe someday, I can convince Andrew to release a circus collection. Then we’ll have a Fetish Friday field day.
Until next time you beautiful deviants, keep it kinky.
TtheAmazing, over and out!
You’re a pig, a nasty, nasty pig. And no one said that was a bad thing. Nasty Pig is back at it again. Doing what they do best. Delivering bold, brash, in your face pairs of underwear. That scream “Suuueyyyyy, Pig, Pig, Pig, Pig”. They even mention how the logo and name are centered on the waist band of these jockstraps and briefs. So that everyone will know, you’re a Nasty Pig.
Filthy, just filthy. Except by that I mean, these are really sleek designs. The black pouches with either red or white accents running up and down the pouch. It gives a dynamic look that is sure to draw the eye and whet the whistle. They both frame the pouch well and also add some additional texture to the look. Very strong.
The waist band is medium size band, with bold logo and brand name. The background has some layered, horizontal lines running all of the way around creating a very cool effect.
The fabric mix is 94% Modal 6% Spandex so it gives it that strong but flexible feel and look. Ideal those looking to break out from the cotton confines of other pairs. It also gives the colors, especially the black. A depth that doesn’t often show with different fabric choices. It’s a richness, especially on the pouch which is obviously where a richness should be.
The straps are, no doubt, sturdy. They aren’t pencil thin like some other jockstraps out there. That means they should be able to give actual support to your rear. To me, to be a successful jockstrap the straps have to be able to really make that booty pop. Based on how much lift one gets and Nasty Pig has a sterling reputation of making that happen.
Overall the pair is another solid pair that leaves no doubt who made it. It is Nasty Pig down to its core and if you consider yourself a nasty pig too, you’ll love these pairs. Be bold. Go bold. Get Nasty.
BRAND: Nasty Pig
PAIR: XLR8 Brief or Jock
COLORS: Black/Red or White/Black
FABRIC: 94% Modal 6% Spandex
SIZES: Small – X-Large
COST: $29.00 for brief and jock
LINK:
Allamericanguys.com sent us some pics of Fitness model Spencer Y. Here is what they told us about Spencer:
Spencer Y. is a 22 year old fitness model from Tampa, Fla. He began his fitness journey about 4 years ago but he really saw some big results and hit his stride about a year ago at the age of 21. On top of Fitness Modeling Spencer is also an NPC Men’s physique competitor and a Certified Personal Trainer. Spencer is passionate about helping people change their lives through helping them improve their physique and overall well-being. Spencer enjoys being able to show off his ripped physique to the world through fitness modeling and competing. Be sure to look for this guy on stage and in front of the lens in the upcoming months!
I can easily be accused of talking a lot about underwear and its magical powers. An accusation I am very proud of. At the core of my boastful pronouncements. Is the idea that the right pair. With the right cut, the right feel, the right design. Will imbue the wearer with an unlimited power of confidence and esteem. And the other day I got to embody this theory more so than I ever have before.
I connected with my good friend and favorite photographer Handsome.Pictures to do a photo shoot. Now, as some may know, this is not my first photoshoot, not even my first one with H.P. True. However, this one was different and I’d like to tell you why.
Ever since starting to write for Underwear News Briefs. I have been on a journey with underwear more than I had been before. The website has allowed me to further my underwear knowledge and experience. While growing as a person. I have always had a disconnect between my analytical brain and my stubborn heart. My brain has always seen myself as I am. A moderately cute, moderately intelligent guy who has some quirks. But generally loves his life. My heart was more a rollercoaster. With whether or not it believed in my cuteness or attractiveness, one day yes, one day oh lordy no.
It’s a struggle that I know everyone has in some form. You have the “facts” to let you know how you actually, 100% do look but like many people who watch a certain “news” network, facts don’t always matter. You just don’t believe it. And that’s often where the emphasis is placed.
Anyway, back to me ;). As I’ve been on my twitter @underloverwear (Beau Briefs) and as I’ve written for this website. I have had the privilege to grow into myself through underwear. Trying new brands. Trying new styles. Trying some of the wackiest stuff I never knew was out there. And it has changed me. For the better.
A few years ago I wrote a piece about my first ever photoshoot. I had a blast even though I was still fully engaged in the brain/heart struggle. The photos came back and there are some great ones, some of my favorite of me ever. There is also a handful of them that I know are not bad photos but that I cannot look at. I hate my face in them. I hate my body in them. Heck, I even hate my bulge in them. I wasn’t believing in myself in those photos and I can tell.
Again, a lot of those photos and the overall experience were good, very positive. But I half-assed it. I didn’t believe it in every single shot. I tried to rely on my analytical brain to power the shoot, not the heart. That was two years ago and I have grown. With the help of underwear, I have continued to form me and believe in myself.
So we scheduled a new shoot. We went out into the woods, found a creek, found some ferns and started shooting. And this time, I didn’t try so hard.
There were no horrible attempts at a serious, sexy, or seductive face. Those don’t work for me. And do you know why? Because I like to smile. I like to smile the crap out of life. And no matter what, to me, that is sexy and seductive. I did not try and be or do something that I am not. I’m not a smoldering, temptress with that stone cold stare. Or that hunky Adonis with a quiver-inducing gaze. I am a goofball and I am a damn cute one.
For the first pair, I chose a new swimsuit from Aussiebum. It is an adorable, multicolored piece that ties on the side (wear with caution). It fits tight and takes some assembly but it feels great. I blew up a cheap pink inner tube and jumped in the creek. And from that first photo, it was on.
I smiled. I smiled big and I knew that the underwear was right, it had the cut, it had the style, it had everything. All of the pairs that I brought did. I selected them for those reasons. They imbued me with that power, that magical energy and jouex de vivre. Each pair was special to me, for one reason or another but they all gave me that feeling.
When I wanted to go sexier, I changed into a different pair. To try and seduce the style changed. And when I wanted to be a bit campy I pulled out a different brand. But through it all I smiled and I believed. All of those undies tapped into that place in me. That place that we all have that doesn’t just inform us of how we are but makes us the believe it more strongly than we ever have.
I tweeted something last night that said, “Underwear is so much more than sex. So much more than fetish. When done right, underwear is uplifting. Underwear is all forms of desire.” And I truly believe that.
Right now I am wearing some cute light blue Jack Adams USA briefs and they are making me perky.
I cannot wait to see all of the photos but even more so. I cannot wait to continue this underwear journey that I’m on. Because it does so much more than just benefit my top drawer. it benefits my self-esteem, it benefits my mental health, hell, it benefits my soul.
Never underestimate the power of a great thong. Whether you are going to dance, out in tight pants, or like to lounge around, N2N Bodywear crafts thongs in fine fabrics. Check out the Slik G today!
BRAND: N2N Bodywear
PAIR: DC5 Slik G
COLORS: Brown, Teal, Dark Grey, Slik Sand
FABRIC: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
SIZES: Small – X-Large
COST: $20.00
Karakatoa Underwear furnished the Classic Trunk for review.
Rating: 9.6/10
- Daily Fit: 9/10
- Sizing: 10/10
- Construction: 10/10
- Styling: 10/10
- Daily Performance: 9/10
Pros: Fabric, True Size, Cut
Cons: No overwhelming cons.
SALVATORE Recommendation: Every now and again a new brand erupts onto the men’s underwear scene. Krakatoa has done just that. Their marketing and visual appeal is overwhelmingly stimulating and captures curiosity. When I first saw their website. I flipped—their designs called to me and asked to borrow my body for a trek to the tip of an active volcano. That would eventually lead to a glimpse a near underwear perfection. Okay, a little dramatic, but their slogan, “Put a Volcano in Your Pants.” Kind of lends itself to that type of drama. The bottom line. Their appeal through marketing and visual stimulation is backed with a superior product that everyone needs to give a chance. Here’s what I observed while wearing the trunk.
Construction: The designers obviously rushed nothing in perfecting the cut of these trunks. Perfection takes practice and practice takes time. From the waistband to the leg bands, everything is on point. I feel like these trunks were cut to my exact dimensions. There is nothing shabby or cheap about their look and their function. Krakatoa nailed construction!
Fabric: What’s not to like about Micro-Modal (92%). It’s a perfectly soft and stretchy fabric. That literally feels like part of your epidermis. Amazing! I’m wearing this trunk as I type and I keep asking myself if I’m even wearing underwear. Combine the fabric with the ultra-silky and wide waistband. The result is a superior non-binding performance in an elite fabric.
Sizing: These guys have put so much thought into their products that sizing is spot on. Order the exact size of your waist. They won’t shrink and the three-way stretch fabric allows you to be true to your own size. Most guys order their underwear a size larger than normal to account for tight binding that typically comes with underwear shrinkage after a wash or two. No need here. I wear an XL in every brand on the market. I ordered Krakatoa in L (my true size). They fit perfectly.
Pouch: When I first saw the pouch, I was a little disappointed. Being a self-professed expert in the anatomical pouch, I can spot an imposter. I was so disappointed that I didn’t even try the trunks on for a few days. Because I was sure I’d hate the bound tight compressed feel of non-anatomical pouch. When I finally got around to slipping into the pair, I realized that I had misjudged Krakatoa’s pouch. I failed to account for the superior construction and the elite fabric combination that does indeed give you a near anatomical feel. I wouldn’t categorize the pouch as all out anatomical, but I would say that the pouch is more than contoured. At any rate, the pouch does not bother me. There is a very solid cupping feel that pulls the anatomy away from the body and prevents chaffing. This is extremely acceptable to me and I will order more of these trunks. As the UNB pouch snob, give it a shot.
Daily Wear: I wore the trunks under a pair of shorts to a dinner party. Give me a break. I live in Hawaii. Everyone wears shorts to dinner parties. I did not get the normal leg band crawl up that I experience when wearing trunks. I also did not feel the need to adjust anything on this pair of underwear. I was crawling on the floor, sitting in a chair, reclining on a couch, laying on the floor, etc. The trunks stayed in place beautifully. The seaming on the trunks all takes place under and on top of the pouch. This allows you to wear them under tight pants or slacks. Without a huge line in the buttocks area—absolutely wonderful experience.
As we have interacted with the team at Krakatoa over the last couple of weeks. It has become evident that they are about one thing—customer happiness. Stories of guys telling their own experiences with this brand are really encouraging. Not only do they make a great product, they connect with the heart of the industry—YOU, the consumer. Whatever you do, don’t let another moment pass you buy without buying a pair of Krakatoa trunks. Put a volcano in your pants and let your underwear drawer erupt with happiness.
BRAND: Krakatoa
PAIR: Classic Trunk
COLORS: Deep Black, Flat Grey, Forest Green, Ocean Blue, Polar White
FABRIC: Body: 92% Micro-Modal 8% Spandex
SIZES: Small – XL
COST: $24
FURNISHED BY: Krakatoa Underwear
Where to buy:
I had the great pleasure to ask XDress some questions about what makes them, them and I’m equally excited to share our back and forth with you all. The brand first caught my attention on Twitter when I was searching for different underwear styles and I have to admit, I was fascinated. While I never acted on the instinct, when I was younger I was curious about the different styles of underwear that my sisters would leave strewn about the house and bathrooms. So my attention was instantly piqued by XDress.
Below are some amazing responses from the brand that I think everyone should read. The most important part that stood out to me was their emphasis on allowing anyone, any man to experience and indulge his feminine side. As people who are complex creatures who even in the most 1950’s style terms could never be described as fully a masculine or a fully feminine creature and I think using underwear as an outlet to help express parts of yourself you might not often do, is inspiring.
One other thing I want to point out that is more of a “sense” than an actual thing written below is this: XDress is a very fun, exciting, and engaging brand. They really love engaging with customers and potential customers. I think they do a wonderful job or intriguing people and then engaging with them. Really it this sentiment can be summed up with the drink that they picked to describe themselves: a Cosmo.
So enjoy my interview with XDress!
Beau: How long has XDress been operating?
XDress: XDress has been in business since 1988! Almost 30 years of offering beautiful panties for men!
Beau: Happy almost 30th!!
Beau: What were some of the founding philosophies or ideas?
XDress: We wanted to make products for men who were interested in crossdressing, but we wanted to make them in a way that made them feel like the items were made specifically for them. Since our items are made to fit the male form, they don’t give the feeling that you’re squeezing into some panties that weren’t meant for a man’s body. Our items are made so that men can also tap into their femininity, just as much as women our allowed to be! We also believe in keeping our production based locally in Arizona, providing jobs and work to people right in our home state.
Beau: Makes total sense, men want to have that form, that style but at the same time, there’s more that can need to go into it. Also, love the home state perspective, that’s great to hear.
Beau: How is the XDress structured/how does it function?
XDress: We have our designer who comes up with all of the ideas, either from her own creation or through collaboration with other manufacturers. Once the designs are finalized, our in-house seamstress will make a sample of the design for the media team to take photos of at our product shoots. While the media team works on the photos and social media part of getting the word out about the new products, our seamstresses, as well as any manufacturers we’re partnered with, will get the product all sewn together. From there, the item is made available on our website for our wonderful shipping team to send out to the customer!
Beau: What’s the best part of being a part of the XDress team?
XDress: We definitely love that we offer items that men can wear to fully express themselves, despite how society tries to put them in a box. Our customers are always so happy to see new frilly, lacy, or silky garments from us, and just knowing that we’re giving them something that makes them feel good inside is satisfying for all of us.
Beau: How would you describe the character of XDress? Care to put it into a Hogwarts house or perhaps a Disney character?
XDress: The character of XDress would definitely be someone who’s fun and flirty, but who can amp up the class at a moment’s notice. If XDress was sorted into a Harry Potter house, it definitely would be Slytherin. Something about our seductive nature just makes that feel right. And if XDress was a Disney princess? We’re a little like Mulan in a way, since we’re going against the gender grain to show the world that men don’t just have to be masculine!
Beau: I always respect someone who can put themselves into Slytherin, I imagine you’re a bit like me, part Slyhterin and part Hufflepuff. And yes, Mulan makes perfect sense.
Beau: If XDress was going out for a drink on Friday night, what would it be drinking?
- Definitely a cosmopolitan, because we’re a little fruity, a little flirty, and a whole lot of fun!
Beau: Yay cosmos!
Beau: What sort of response has XDress gotten since launching?
XDress: There’s definitely an interesting mix of responses that we’ve gotten since we started selling panties for men. Because it’s such a niche market, we get the best responses from our regulars who have been buying from us for years, or the people who happen to find us through social media because they’re looking for a crossdressing community to follow. More mainstream outlets tend to treat our products as jokes or something “weird,” but we notice that it still gives us publicity and attracts new customers, despite how they frame our company. So really, the joke’s on them!
Beau: How does XDress approach its design process?
XDress: We look to design items that keep up with the latest trends in fashion, to keep a sort of modern sensibility to our products. Some items we’ll try to make more simple, but we definitely like to go big and bold with some other designs, that way we have something for everyone.
Beau: What would you like our readers to know about XDress that they might not?
XDress: I think we’d want them to know that, even though we cater mostly to cross-dressing individuals, our products are for any guy who would be interested in trying some more “feminine” clothing items. The world of fashion is really changing, and going a tad more feminine with a man’s wardrobe is way more common nowadays, so our products are really for any man who feels like tapping into their femininity.
Beau: Using underwear as an outlet for that is amazing, it’s great that you are able to help offer people that ability.
Beau: How would you describe (if you want) the XDress consumer?
XDress: The typical XDress customer is very enthusiastic, for sure! Our customers are always letting us know how excited they are about new products, are happy to give us feedback about our designs, and are always willing to engage with us on social media. I very rarely see customers get this passionate about a company they love, so it’s amazing to be working at a company where the customers are so proactive about showing their appreciation!
I’ve always been into underwear. Since the age of 11 or 12, the idea being fashionable under my pants has always intrigued me. At times, people have made fun of my underwear choices. For the most part friends and family think that what I wear down below is simply a matter of choice. My choice to decide what is comfortable and what is fashionable. I truly believe that we should wear what we enjoy and what we like.
The men’s underwear industry is one of the (if not the) fastest growing markets in fashion. I remember the days when men wore bikinis and thongs. The early 1990’s seemed to promulgate the cause. The problem was that there just simply wasn’t a lot to choose from. Today, there are hundreds of brands to peruse online and make the perfect selection.
Several Valentine Days ago. As the Internet was becoming an option for shopping. I logged on to a popular women’s lingerie site to order my wife something special. I searched for the perfect set of fire engine red skimpiness that I thought she’d look great in. I made the purchase and got the confirmation receipt. As I was preparing to log off of the Internet, I had a flash of brilliance. What if I bought myself something to match what I bought her? I immediately began perusing known men’s underwear outlets online.
That led me to my first pre-encounter with an anatomical pouch. Why the pre-encounter label? Simple—anatomical pouches were not an option back then. I just assumed that the design was a fluke. After all, 2Xist was producing contour pouches along with UnderGear. That idea was throwing the industry in a tailspin. Full anatomicalness was nowhere on the radar.
Back to the story. I came across a retailer that I’d never purchased from before—BodyAware. They had some really 
awesome edgy looking stuff. I did a simple search for “red” (remember, I want to match what I bought my wife). Up popped this very sexy mesh pouch G.—the Gossamer String It matched, so I purchased. I remember getting the pair in the mail. Not much to them at all. The string portion in the back. Had a cool teardrop pattern where the waistband met the crack string—pretty awesome indeed!
I tried them on. I straightened out the stringiness and untwisted the G-string portion. I noticed that my manhood seemed to hang naturally and freely. I grabbed the pouch and immediately enjoyed the complete freedom of movement. The ergonomically design stuck out to me. If only I had the foresight to see underwear production potential. BodyAware had pre-hooked me on what I now have exclusively in my collection.
Some of you are reading this and wanting to know how my wife reacted. She thought it was great! I’ll leave the details of the rest of the night locked in the vault of discussion that only she and I have the key to. At any rate, an addiction was birthed. I just didn’t realize it yet!
Marek+Richard is known for their over the top, fun designs. The latest is the Merman line. Here is what they sent us about the new fun line.
Are you ready for some water sports? Cuz the boys at Marek+Richard are goin balls deep to the bottom of the ocean with their latest release. “Mermazing” is an exclusive collection of ocean themed threads accompanied by a fin filled lookbook full of your favorite M+R merman. The ultimate fantasy of aquagay fashion, Mermazing is inspired by everything wet and features a revealing look at what really happens under the sea. Anchor cut out tanks, sequin tops, and iridescent running shorts and are just a few of the pieces you can look forward to. If you’re feelin thirsty there’s plenty of merch to wet your whistle, and don’t be afraid to show off that bubble butt you been workin on all summer with an assortment of scandalous see-thru undies. Trust us, you don’t have to be raised on cavier to enjoy the all the fish Marek+Richard is serving.
But don’t get too salty when we tell you that shit is already selling out. So you best swim on over to www.marekrichard.com asap to dive deep into all the fishy realness.
Is that a Banana on your undies are you just happy to see me. Sorry, I had to say it! New Pikante is out now! We are in the process of writing up the new collection. You can see the entire collection at Candyman Fashion.
The holiday weekend is over and it’s time for some underwear shopping! This week’s $12 item is the is the Light Yoga Tee. It’s just $12 till midnight! That’s right! Go shop for some great Tee’s for around the house, working out or any time! Shop the Baskit website.
The world of men’s underwear is very diverse. Most men find their favorites brands and order whatever fits them best. Nick and the team at Niku are exploding onto the market with some great products. I recently had a conversation with Nick to get some insight on his business. I hope you enjoy reading about what Niku is doing and go out and try their products.
Salvatore: What got you started in the underwear industry?
Nick: I am formally trained as fashion designer and pattern cutter and I have been making my own underwear for many years. Around the year 2009 I was between jobs I wanted to create a brand, make a website and ship around the world.
I have to admit that as much as I liked underwear my other choice was denim jeans. We all love that perfect pair that fits just right. The Italian brands get it right for me: Dondub, D&G, Versace. The whole world wears jeans, but denim is a very expensive process and the environmental impact is huge. Shipping underwear anywhere to any place in the world is a much more cost-effective option for a startup like me. With underwear matching my passion for good jeans and having made my own underwear for some time it was an easy leap to start the NIKU brand on the world`s fastest growing market: men`s fashion underwear. I have always been hands on in the manufacturing industry. The processes fascinated me and I mastered all of them: Design, patternmaking, grading, cutting, sewing, screen-printing, etc. I have had some of my own businesses in the past and started out young then. This taught me a great deal about trade, the industry and business. I was too young to be taken serious, but did end up being headhunted.
To start was not an easy process. A great deal of sacrifice is required. The development process is costly. Being new in the market makes for slow sales. Hard work and determination is required to push in and win that space in the shop shelves. Education of the clients, as well as store buyers, and a slow conversion of customers to make NIKU their new best brand is a difficult process.
Many guys approach me directly or by e-mail with advice to start their own brand. The strong images and huge Internet following makes many want to be a part of it. The cost of getting started has many running for the hills. I have helped a few get to the point of having a good selling range. Others I advise to get involved in sales, shoots, blogging and many other creative ways of becoming part of this industry. For those who are willing to be consumers of the images and garments we produce, I express my gratitude, because they motivate us to push on and keep doing better.
Salvatore: Specifically, what led you to high quality men’s underwear? What setbacks and successes have you experienced throughout the process of startup?
Nick: I always had a passion for underwear. It was the first thing I would buy myself on my travels to many cities around the world.
The worst setbacks are bad business people who do not honour their word. They waste your time and some do not pay their bills. When you do not grow your business and have no funds available to buy stock in and request consignment stock.
My best success is when a client returns time and time again and they changed over to only wearing NIKU. There have been many and I am sure still many more to come.
Salvatore: From the production aspect, what does it take to create a pair of your underwear from start to finish?
Nick: The raw materials needed are elastic, fabric, and labels. Then one needs a pattern that is well developed for cut and fit. With the proper machinery it is a quick and effortless process. My skilled staff put a pair together very quickly.
Salvatore: What is the logic behind your emphasis on the basic look and your pouch design
Nick: Lots of guys like basic looks. That’s what we offer. #bestbasic refer to mainly style, eg. brief or trunk. None of the weird and wonderful creations you can find out there. The basic styles are updated with fabric, paneling and contrast bindings to bring a new modern look.
The pouches are well fitted and tested. Anatomical is quite accurate. I have to tell you this funny story about a lady that used to sew for me. As an older lady her statement was even funnier.
The pieces of cloth that make up the pouch look like leaves. One day as she was sewing pouches she told me that from her experience with men, I can cut my leaves smaller. Lol ! We had such a good laugh. I have found that older men like a looser pouch . We incorporate various pouches with the different styles and the clients find their best pair.
Salvatore: What types of people are buying your brand? Are your clients mainly South African or are other countries catching on?
Nick: We make converts all the time; from gay men to a greater amount of straight men. Most of our clients are mainly South Africans. We do have many foreign visitors to Cape Town who discover and support NIKU. Some websites sell NIKU to the international markets and we have shipped to diverse places around the globe.
Salvatore: How important is client feedback? Can you share some of the feedback you’ve received?
Nick: Most styles are developed on client feedback. Some of the first feedback from clients helped us reach the perfect size of the pouches. Then new preferences like low cut or high rise are some of the additions according to demand. The sales figures are the best form of client feedback. We love to see styles fly off the shelf as result of client affirmation of our fabric choices and color combinations.
Salvatore: What is the most important thing for our readers to understand about your processes, product, and professionalism?
Nick: We desire to make underwear and other garments that overtake garments in your wardrobe as your new favorite. NIKU is the first garment you reach for in that freshly laundered pile.
Salvatore: Thank for sharing your heart and passion for underwear, Nick. We look forward to working with your brand on many posts. Can’t wait to try your products.
There you have it, folks. From the mouth of the creator, designer, and producer of Niku–they strive to make you comfortable in your underwear. I encourage all of you to go and check out Nick and Niku at:
If you are ever in Capetown, South Africa, drop in on their brand store and sample a few pairs!