The biggest complaint we get by far is sizing. It is also the most asked question about any pair we profile on the blog. “Is the sizing true?” By being true we are speaking of the size medium being a 32. Then the other sizes are based off this size. Typically a small would be 29-30, Medium 32-34, large 36-38 and X-large being a 40-42. This is pretty much the standard for US sizing. Countries around the world have different sizes.

I hear many of you saying “How can we implement sizing standards right now?” While it may seem like a something easy to do. Just adjust sizing and bam you’re done. It’s not that simple. Brands would have to redo all their patterns and production. This isn’t a  cheap thing to do for bands. Once production is set, it costs money for every change that you do in the process.

The next issue is production is worldwide. In the US we want a medium to be 32 inches. Other parts of the world they want smaller or larger sizes. People are built differently around the world. Some areas would not need the larger sizes. They may actually need sizes smaller than 28 inches. We must see the bigger picture in the world of underwear. As much as we would love standard sizings, it’s not something that will be happening anytime soon.

What can you do to deal with sizing issues?

First, make sure you check out our sizing charts page. We have most major brands there and their official sizing charts. We try to update it as much as we can but don’t always get bands on there. If there is one you want to see on it, let us know. We want this to be a one-stop spot for sizing questions.

Second, Its best to know general areas of the world and how their sizing runs. Working on UNB for 8 years, I have come to know when sizing runs different from the US.

• Japan – Sizing is typically smaller than the US. I have seen sizing for large and XL being 32 inches.
• Australia – Usually the sizing is similar to the US. aussieBum and Cocksox both are very similar to US Sizing.
• Columbia/Brazil – Sizing is typically smaller than US. Not as bad as Japan. XL can usually be around a 36-inch waist. Brands such as Clever Moda and Mundo Uncio.
• UK/Europe – European countries can be a bit of a crap shoot. Some brands are equal to US sizing and others run smaller. There is no set standard as to what is equal and what is smaller. Sukrew, BumChums and Big Boys Pants are comparable to US sizing. Then brands like Barcode Berlin, Bruno Banani and more.

Lastly, if you’re on the borderline of a size err on the side of caution. Always go up in the sizing. Don’t try to squeeze into a size that may be too small for you. Nothing sucks more than a pair of underwear that is too small. Some guys don’t want their pride hurt to know they have to wear a large or XL. For me, comfort always wins out in this debate. Plus, you can always cut out the tags so no one will know the size you bought.

You can’t avoid sizing issues. It’s one of those necessary evils of loving underwear. We won’t be getting universal sizing anytime soon. But you can avoid some issues. First, double check the size charts before you buy. Next, ask friends and even us at UNB about sizing for a brand before you buy. Lastly, if you buy a “larger” size than you normally wear don’t fret. Remember, who really is going to look at your size tag of your undies?

Now, I want to start with a clarification. One of my previous posts was about buying underwear for a friend, you can find it on the website.  This piece is different in a few key ways. First, when buying pairs for friends you have a bit more freedom as to what to buy because it is your money that is being spent. Although as pointed out in the piece there are still points and thoughts to consider regardless. Second, buying for someone else can be much more about you than them. Not to make it sound selfish but it’s true. We give a little bit of ourselves with every gift and you do get to take into consideration your opinions or wishes more so in that case. However, with advice, it should be much more about them. Personalized as best as possible.

Giving advice always is a bit tricky. On the site I write a lot of reviews and reviews, to me, are much easier than advice because it is a more straightforward. As Walter Cronkite would say, “And that’s way it is,” type of a piece. Advice needs to be precise for an individual and it much more than about one pair. It throws open the entire Underworld universe for possibilities. Yikes!

Yet we must never shirk away from giving the advice when it comes to underwear because we always want to encourage the discussion and the community of underwear enthusiasm. If someone has come to you for advice on underwear it is a badge of honor. They respect your opinion, thoughts and underwear knowledge. It may also have been a difficult or even awkward thing for them to ask you about. So we must be excited that they did! When you aren’t used to talking, writing, or thinking about underwear as much as some of us it can feel awkward.

So let’s give some advice:

Background info:

Ask the person what type of underwear he generally wears or is looking to buy. Remember, it’s his underwear and his money so we need guidelines! Getting a sense of his cut preference and perhaps brands he generally wears can help give you a sense of direction.

If a friend asked me for advice and he says that he generally wears trunks and more generic ones at that. Say Jockey or Hanes (both perfectly valid brands btw. I wear Jockey athletic trunks almost exclusively for my workouts) then you have a taste for where you might direct them. Perhaps Private Structure would be good for their trunk needs. Very classic yet very well made and often in fun colors. If that doesn’t suit them then maybe PUMP! For a bit more of an adventurous trunk (be careful on sizing, PUMP! Can tend to run a bit small).

Range of Acceptance:

Okay so I am borrowing this term from my old argumentation/debate days but I think it applies. You’ve figured out what he usually wears, style and brand. Now let’s figure out what he would wear. Perhaps, as stated above, our friend usually wears trunks but would he be amenable to wearing briefs? Not to say that we’ll start him out in a bikini but maybe a nice hip brief. Here is where you can push but not too hard. Try to see if expanding his comfort zone is possible or if it will just result in never worn underwear.

If you’re going to suggest a new cut, totally valid, think a bit strategically. A good way to go about it might be to recommend a brand that does his original cut.  In addition to the new cut that you’re advising. This way if he eventually didn’t care for the new or different cut he may have discovered a new favorite brand in the meantime! Still a win.

Keep it simple:

You have no idea how hard it was to not write ‘stupid’ after that. It’s just automatic. But yes, keep it simple. Give him freedom in what you recommend. Direct them to a particular brand with recommendations on cut.  Don’t get overly specific unless he really just wants one pin pointed pair. “Have you looked at N2N’s new briefs? They might be a good place to start.” A recommendation like that gives them so many more options and so much more freedom then, “You should get the <insert pair here>.” That type of suggestion leaves them with only a Yes/No type of response.

Keeping is simple like that also allows for him to navigate the murky world of pricing. Let’s face it, some people just will never be comfortable paying over $20 for a pair of underwear and leaving them with more open advice allows them to price shop in a focused area.

Speaking of Pricing:

Many of the folks who might ask you for advice (as just mentioned) do not, would not pay as much as perhaps you or I would on underwear. For me, it’s just part of my life’s budget and I make do with that. Not so much for others. So. Directing them to, “Try looking at Baskit on Tuesdays for their $12 deals, they make a good, solid brief,” can help them be more comfortable spending the money as well. Remember the sales sections! (write that on my tombstone one day, please).

The overall and most important thing is, of course, to think about the person. Your advice might set them on a path of incredible underwear bliss for a lifetime. Inform yourself, find his range, and keep things simple.

All of this was brought on when a friend just recently asked me for advice on buying new underwear. I also immediately told him a new brand that I am falling more and more for (what up Teamm8!). I realized that he would be much more comfortable with options. So I stopped myself and thought it through a bit more. He is a fairly classic guy who really just wants a comfortable, solid pair of underwear that he might throw on for a day at work or a special occasion.

Eventually I arrived at telling him, “For briefs, you might want to try looking at Garcon Model. If you’re feeling more trunks, Jack Adams or PUMP! might be fun ones to try”. For other friends I would have other recommendations but for him, these ones all just felt right. I have previously recommended to friends, JOR briefs, Andrew Christian briefs, N2N thongs, Nasty Pig jockstraps, BumChum trunks, and a whole lot more.

Ok, I’ll admit it I’m somewhat of a penny pincher. A little less so when it comes to underwear than other things, but I watch and wait for deals. Since getting married and having kids, I’ve had to cut down on my underwear spending. Nowadays I try to get the most bang for my buck. One thing I follow pretty strictly is not to pay more than $12 a pair though I do have a splurge rule. The rule is that if it is a pair I really want and it is on sale for a great price then I can consider it. Let’s move on to some of my methods to try and keep my spending under control.

First, there are some brands of underwear out there that do sell pairs under $12. No, it isn’t just Hanes or Fruit of the Loom. I do however still wait for sales on them. You probably don’t buy a car or television at the first place you look, so why do that with your underwear? Yes, you’re not spending as much money as on those big ticket items. But you sometimes can save a couple dollars on a pair. That’s a couple dollars towards another pair. Also with comparison shopping. You’ll start to learn how brand and retailer pricing compares to each other. This will come in handy with my main way to try to get some savings.

Another way to save some money is to check out the sale and clearance section. These items are most likely discontinued styles or colors. But good savings if they still have your size. Another thing to watch is shipping rates. These vary from place to place and free shipping isn’t always the best place to buy. A lot of times that is built into the price anyhow. So when comparison shopping make sure you factor in shipping.

Now if you do all the above work, you should have a good idea of some good places to shop for some underwear. The next step to even more savings is signing up for retailer and brand emails. Also, you can follow them on social media sites. Don’t stop there. Take time watching what comes into your inbox and social media feed from them before jumping on the deal. Over time you can learn what kind of deals they offer and which ones are their best ones. Once you know their best ones then you’ll know the times to buy.

What money saving tips do you use when shopping for underwear? Comment and let us know.

We got a chance to talk to Eric Alden (@EST290 on Twitter). He is currently Mr. New England Leather 2016. So he knows a thing or two about leather and fetish wear. He also loves lace underwear. Its not something you would expect from a reigning Mr. Leather. We had a really amazing conversation about lace underwear and thongs.

I had a blast talking to Eric about the mix of leather and lace. We hopefully convinced him to come back for more discussions on underwear including lace! Now on to the Interview.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Last week, we talked on Twitter and your pictures amazed me. Here is a leather title holder wearing lace briefs and thongs. Its a combination we don’t see much, what made you try lace and thongs?

I have been into thongs for as long as I could buy them! The first thong I ever bought was the Y-Back 2(X)IST thong from, I think TJMaxx. Lace is still slightly newer for me, it has a shock value, and I like to push boundaries. It’s different, has detail, revealing and sexy without being just plain mesh. I’m comfortable with myself and don’t mind the play on feminism. It might be lace but its cut in mens styles.

One company you post a lot of pics wearing is BodyAware, why do you like BodyAware underwear?

I like BodyAware because they push boundaries and make a quality Underwear. They present something on a masculine male that is typically more feminine. I love the juxtaposition of what would be considered “feminine” style presented on a “masculine” man. They show a black lace thong on a ripped masculine guy. I love the way they present themselves and believe it or not men that look like their models are wearing thongs and lace.

One of my current favorites is the Baby Ribbed thong. Its super soft. Its a great pair for travel. It gives a nice lift and moves with you throughout the day. It’s my version of tight whites and just a great basic pair.

Another favorite is the Lace Brazil brief. It has half back. I own it in white and black. I would buy in more colors if they sold them. It has a play on a thong, because it covers half the back. I love the Silloutte, hopefully they will make it in other fabric

I seem to buying more from them these days, One of my latest purchases are the black mesh shorts. I am going to wear them over a fuchsia swim brief at the beach.

Have you always loved underwear? If so how long have you liked undies?

I have been into underwear for as long as I can remember. and all types for that matter. I do wear more than lace and thongs 😉 Right now I have almost 2 bins of underwear in storage. Plus three drawers at home filled with underwear. I remember in High School. I wanted a pair of Gucci underwear before Tom Ford left the company. I rode a train into Boston just to get them. They were my first pair of mesh briefs as well. They were black mesh but had the double G logo all over them. I probably spent $85 on them at the time. I still have this pair. The design was similar to lace with the illusion you can see through. Maybe that’s where my love of lace started.

Have you ever mixed the lace and leather? If so what was the reaction of the person or people who saw you?

I have, more recently though. When I mix the two, I prefer to do black lace with my leather I think it looks better when paired with black leather. I tend to buy lace in darker colors not sure why, Its just my personal preference I guess. I also have a blue harness and blue lace thong that I like to pair together. My style is constantly changing and growing.

I have posted quite a few pictures on social media. People comment that they find it very sexy. I think people and trends in underwear are changing. So many companies are making thongs now which means men are buying them. There are tons of blogs devoted to just thongs! It’s crazy! They show guys from all different walks of life, body sizes and ages in pictures.

Playing off that question has anyone ever said anything negative about your lace undies? If so how did you handle it?

No one has ever said anything negative to me in person or online. I have gotten eye rolls when I have changed in front of people. But, people know I don’t care. There have been positive comments on all the pictures I have posted in social media. It lets guys who want to try lace, see it in a different light. It helps them see past the feminine part. A harness and combat boots are uber masculine and then I pair it with a black lace brief. People can get confused but it doesn’t matter. You can be masculine and still wear lace underwear.

We want more guys to try new things, you being a “leather man” what advice would you give guys who are hesitant about trying something more “fem”?

You don’t know if you’re going to like something if you don’t try it. If you’re intrigued there is no reason not to do it. You only live once right? Explore what interest you. If you are intrigued by thongs, try ordering a basic simple black one, no need to jump right in to hot pink or lace. its about finding your comfort level. Getting into the silloutte is the first step. Everything in moderation.

Are there any brands you have seen in the market you have yet to try? If so who are they?

Not really. If I see a style I like i’ll find out who makes it and order it.

Joe Snyder is one brand as a whole that I should explore more.

As for thongs, I won a free thong from SUKREW on Twitter and Its an amazing thong! designed well andI highly recommend it ( great starter for newbies)and I will totally be ordering more of them and their jocks! Another favorite is Kick Sagat’s Steele Push Up thong in pink or blue. I own both colors and its fantastic. They do a great job at presenting two colors, pink and baby blue, in a very masculine way. They are a pair if someone wants something beyond basic. It also makes your butt look fantastic!

We want to thank Eric for his time. You can find him on Twitter @est290 and on Instagram at EA290.

I get it, compared with most of my friends I spend way more time thinking, talking, shopping, writing, all things underwear. I’m not apologizing, I’m just saying that I get it. Another thing I am known for amongst some friends of mine is my use of gift giving as a “love language”. I just really enjoy giving people presents, randomly or for a reason. So… this is the Buying Undies for a Friend post!

Some thoughts on buying underwear for friends:

Expose people to new brands:

Lord bless my friends. If they’ve ever bought anything besides Calvin Klein (whom I love) or 5 packs of Hugo Boss or something from Nordstroms. It’s one or two random AC pairs. So treat them to something new! My new favorite brand to expose people to is Jack Adams USA. One, it has the whole Pacific Northwest thing that we PNWers adore. Even if it is Portland :P.  Two, they have very classic pieces, great simple but cute briefs and trunks. So you’re not asking people to try something too far out of their comfort zone. However, pick whomever you like! I have a friend (I’ll tell this story shortly) that I always get different brands for, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, etc.

Let’s face it, if you’re reading this on Underwear News Briefs right now. Then you’ve been doing your homework. Don’t make your friends reinvent the wheel, show off some of your knowledge. Give them a new pair of underwear and a new window into brand variety.

Challenge people to try new style:

Again, don’t ask your very conservative friend to wear a jockstrap thong combo from AC right out of the gate. Wait a week or two ;). But really, push people in your selection of an underwear gift. Make sure to keep it within the range you think they’re willing to move. If someone is a very solid boxer briefs person, try giving them a sleek, shorter legged trunk. A good Private Structure one, for instance. They’re probably more likely to actually wear something closer to their normal. Than if you tried to get them into a bikini cut. Well intentioned perhaps but you want them to actually wear it!

If this is a friend that you’ve had conversations with about underwear. You might have a better idea of a new style to try. For instance: I have many friends who know and or follow my posts on the website. They just generally know that I enjoy underwear. So it isn’t too surprising that it comes up in conversations periodically. “Tim, do you really enjoy those pairs that don’t have a butt?” “Are those one kind of, the ones like a jockstrap, are they actually comfortable?” etc. Obviously this means that next time I’m shopping and want to play the part of the Underwear Fairy (take that in whatever way you want). I pick out a pair of assless briefs for said friend or friends. Now I do have a particular fondness for Timoteo’s assless briefs so it is generally one of them or Addicted. However, be careful. Again, the overall goal is to get them to actually wear it and enjoy it. o only get them one if you think there’s an actual chance they want it.

Make a tradition:

Here is the previously promised anecdote. I have a lovely co-worker who was first a date interest and from then on just a very good friend. He is a great guy and has impeccable taste for all things well designed when it comes to houses, architecture, dishes, furniture, and all. Yet his underwear selection was…not up to code. So for his birthday one year I picked up a pair of cute Hugo Boss trunks. I knew they were similar to what he wears but were an incredibly soft fabric and a sleek design. He laughed and loved it. Then 365 days later, I got him another pair! It was the birthday year tradition and his now boyfriend thanks me for cute pairs that he owns because I basically bought all of them.

It doesn’t have to be birthdays, maybe every time you go on a trip you bring a friend back a pair. Maybe your friends do a big Holiday gift exchange or White Elephant type event, always bring undies. People love it! Two Christmases ago I brought a beautiful gift box with a Power Bottom mesh, assless briefs and they were fought over all night. Make it fun, make it special, make it a tradition!

Buy what you love and make sure they know it:

Now, if you want to go a different route than discussed earlier and just buy something that you love and want to share, then do that. BUT make sure they know it’s special to you or that it is personal. If you want to buy them a red, skimpy thong because you love yours and you think everyone should have one, make sure to tell them that it’s something that you love and special BEFORE they open it. Just let them know that this means something to you and whether it’s their style or not, you wanted them to have it.

Remember, this is a gift and it’s normal:

I know that sometimes underwear seems like a semi-taboo topic for men. Women can all go to Victoria’s Secret in the mall and no one thinks that odd but if you’re two guys (gay, straight, bi, whatever) it’s suddenly odd or sexual or just wrong. It’s not. It’s underwear. I wear it, you (might) wear it, we (generally speaking) wear it.

Don’t be uncomfortable about it. It can be special and a very thoughtful gift but it doesn’t have to be weird. You aren’t asking them to model them for you (but god bless if they want to!), you’re simply sharing a passion you have with them and that’s super cool.

Okay, so now that we’ve gotten that all out of the way. I wear a 30-31 small waste and pairs can be sent to… HAHA! Joking, totally joking. Go out and shop with someone else in mind. Some great websites to check out if you don’t have a good store in town are below. Enjoy!

Online Underwear Stores to Shop:

• International Jock
• Men’s Underwear Store
• Jockstrap Central
• UnderBriefs