Looking to try something new? If so check out the Aware SOHO Retro Hipster. These are available at the Aware SOHO site for £15. Go check out these and more.
When you ask someone about the evolution of men’s designer underwear, there’s really only one name that should spring to mind as the starting point, the foundation: Calvin Klein. Back before Andrew Christian was a gleam in his parents’ eyes, before people knew how to pronounce 2(x)ist or C-IN2, when AussieBum was just the name for an Australian guy’s butt; Calvin Klein was gracing the cover of Vogue magazine and forging his own empire. In September of 1969, only a year after releasing his first clothing line, Calvin Klein was featured on the cover of the iconic fashion magazine, and even though it would be another ten years before he would venture into the men’s underwear scene, things were about to change.
In today’s world of men’s designer underwear, it’s hard to tell where things got started. There seems to be a new style every week, straps are added and subtracted at will, colors and prints come and go with seasons; but you can trace everything we have to choose from now back to the revolution that happened in the 80s and 90s, and Calvin Klein was at the forefront of that revolution. Up until that point men’s underwear was simply an item of necessity, but the emergence of designer underwear made it sexy. Full-cut briefs gave way to sleeker, more European-inspired styles with high cut legs and less coverage. Boxer briefs became wardrobe staples. Colors and prints became huge selling points. Men’s underwear was no longer something to be kept hidden, and the new styles, prints, and colors were almost daring men to show them off.
Marketing also played a huge role in the emergence of men’s designer underwear, and perhaps the most recognizable marketing campaign was Calvin Klein’s partnership with rapper/model/actor Mark Wahlberg (then, Marky Mark). Many other stars have followed, but Mark Wahlberg’s ads seem to be the ones that have stuck with everyone the most. Calvin Klein had made men’s underwear sexy and appealing, but Mark Wahlberg made it cool. Calvin Klein is no stranger to scandalous, provocative, scantily clad advertisements, and has actually gotten into some trouble over some in the past, but that kind of “in your face” marketing got everyone’s attention. If underwear wasn’t something men were talking about, Mark Wahlberg’s partnership with Calvin Klein got them talking. All of a sudden, men’s underwear was here to stay, and Calvin Klein brought it to us.
In the years that followed, other brands popped up to leave their mark on the underwear industry, but Calvin Klein has always remained a staple. Calvin Klein seems to have always operated under the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” rule. While other brands are certainly more innovative, more daring, the classic simplicity of Calvin Klein underwear has always persisted, and still holds true today. Calvin Klein underwear has grown from the basic black and white that it started as to include multiple different lines, colors, fabrics, and prints, but their styles have always stayed remarkably consistent. The Steel line has been one of my favorites and has included a great selection of colors over the years; and their Body line should be a staple in any man’s underwear drawer. You’re pretty hard pressed to find a Calvin Klein jockstrap or thong these days, but they existed for a while, and they’re still out there if you know where to find them.
In September of 1969, when Calvin Klein appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine, his brand was a fledgling company, barely past infancy. No one could have known 45 years ago that his company would have made the impact on the underwear scene as it has today. It wasn’t always an easy ride for the Calvin Klein brand, facing economic troubles, failed product lines, and ever-growing market competition; but I think every other designer underwear company out there today owes a great debt of gratitude towards Calvin Klein for not only designing sexy underwear, but for bringing it to everyone’s attention. Would men’s underwear have evolved without Calvin Klein? Probably. But at the same time, we might not be where we are today. I’m pretty pleased with how far underwear has come, and I’m certain that I’ll enjoy the ride as men’s underwear continues to evolve.
Modus Vivendi sent us a great series of pictures. They feature model DW Chase and photographed by Cory Stierley.
Credits:
Underwear by: Modus Vivendi http://www.e-modusvivendi.com
Photographer: Cory Stierley – http://www.corystierley.com/
Model: DW Chase – http://instagram.com/DW_Chase2
Today’s Brief Distraction features PUMP! Underwear. The model may look familiar, if he does you may have seen him on Facebook. His name is Colin Wayne. The first time I saw Colin was with FuriousFotog
Jack Adams Flex Racer X Fly Jock from UNB Blog on Vimeo.
Well we have a few more reviews from Alex before he leaves. Yes, after 5 years he’s leaving thes site guys. I know many will be upset that you won’t see his video reviews any more. Don’t worry we have another video reviewer in the wings! But, we will def miss Alex here he’s been an amazing part of the site since almost the beginning. It’s like a chapter of UNB is coming to a close. Wish him well and enjoy this great review featuring Jack Adams.
This pair was furnished for review.
We got a chance to ask one of our long time favorites, Jockstrap Central a few questions about the first 9 years of their business. I think this interview shows their personality and why we like them so much!
How did you guys come up with the idea for Jockstrap Central?
Both Adrian and I (John) were both at career crossroads when we met 10 years ago. I was a graphic designer / programmer with an internet marketing background from my previous job and had a huge underwear fetish. Adrian always wanted to open a brick and mortar underwear store. We combined our ideas and chose to focus on the underwear style we loved the most.
Did you think it would last 9 years when you created the site?
I guess starting any new business there’s always a bit of doubt but I felt pretty confident in what we were creating. At the time I ran a community based website for underwear enthusiasts and saw a movement happening. I saw guys that were obsessed with underwear (including myself) being fueled by the Internet and the access we all had to international brands and styles. No longer were we stuck with the boring department store offerings.
What has been the biggest joy in creating Jockstrap Central?
Working side by side with my husband creating something I love with the guy I love (yeah I know, pretty sappy!)
What have been some of the more popular jocks you have sold?
Nine years and countless jockstraps, that’s a pretty tough question. The one obvious one is the Bike #10s (RIP), that’s the one that started it all. In the fashion/fetish category, anything Nasty Pig and Cellblock 13 create as their designs are so edgy and the quality impeccable. Of course, anything mesh and see-through sell well for us. Probably because we’re totally uncensored, but if I had to choose one from that category it would be the Pulse Stretch Mesh Jockstrap (hopefully back in stock soon!)
Since it’s all jockstraps, what is your favorite jockstrap?
My all time favorite jockstrap was the Nasty Pig Knockout Jockstrap in blue white and red. It’s been discontinued, but it really spoke to me on so many levels. It tickled my graphic design sensibilities with it’s retro feel and comic book reference. (I’ve included a photo).
You have always produced your own photography, do you have a favorite model? (Mine is Trent)
Our photography is core to our business. Not only is it a huge part of our image but being an online store, our job is to instill confidence in
customers when purchasing. In a brick and mortar store, customers can touch the goods. As an online store, all we have are our lengthy descriptions and our extensive and highly detailed photography. Sure, manufacturers supply photography but most isn’t great, won’t fit the format of our website, doesn’t show the detail we require and isn’t blatantly sexual or has that dash of irreverent fun that we’re all about.
As for models: There’s not one model that I don’t love (well, ok there was one but we won’t go there). I know a lot of guys have a “type” but I don’t and that’s the reason our models are so varied and based on feedback, our customers and fans appreciate that. But since you’ve asked me to choose, I’ll say that Trent is a favorite as he’s just a dream to work with and he’s so handsome but the one model who I have a (platonic) crush on would have to be Adam Stray. There’s something about him, his look, his personality that drives me crazy plus he’s definitely not shy so if there’s something mesh or something that requires frontal exposure, he’s our go to guy.
What does the future hold for Jockstrap Central?
Although our focus is and always will be jockstraps, we’ll certainly be continuing to branch out into underwear and sportswear as we’ve been doing over the past year.
Post contains an affiliate sales link.
Flash Avenue Studio sent us some great pics to share. This picture feature models Terence Eastburn (left), Daniel McCarroll (middle) and Martynas Paulauskas (right) wearing Andrew Christian.
It’s time for Baskit $12 Tuesday. Where you get an amazing pair of undies at a super low price. This week the pair is the Energy Brief. So make sure you go over and check it out before it’s too late!
Ok good, now with that out of the way let me tell you about one of my favorite brands of underwear. Express is known for great fitting dress shirts, and stylish clothing, but something they do well also is underwear. It comes in Sport Trunks, Boxer Briefs, and then online they have briefs.
I started buying their underwear because I liked the colors and patterns on it. For me these aren’t your fancy underwear but a nice pair to just wear on a day to day basis. To me they are a more upscale version of Hanes. I mainly started buying pairs when I would find them on clearance, can’t pass up a pair for $6.
My favorite style Express offers is the Sports trunk. This is a redesign for them from a normal trunk. The sport truck is slightly shorter. The materials are cotton and spandex. The material is extremely comfortable and fits excellent around my bubble butt.
The briefs, when you can find them online in your size, which can be hard to do sometimes are really nice. I enjoy the feel of them against me. The elastic around the legs does an excellent job of holding up throughout the day. It also stretches nicely to accommodate my butt.
So if you get a chance to check out some Express underwear I do recommend it. They just started carrying a Core Performance line for working out. I know I am going to be getting them soon to try them out.
Disclaimer: I am an employee of Express. I am not getting compensated for writing a review about their product…I just like it on my own accord.
You may know Tom Daly as the Olympic Diver who was a fan favorite at the 2012 Olympics in London. But he’s been shooting a 2015 calendar featuring swimwear and underwear. Its a fun video where you can see Tom’s personality.
Today’s Brief Distraction features Andrew Christian featuring the Almost Naked No Show Brief 9689 in Neon Yellow. We hope you enjoy the pic! Note post contains an affiliate sales link
I will way in the world of underwear models I have a few favorites. Mostly they are guys I either know or have worked with before. But there is one model I just love and think if we ever did work with him it would be awesome. I’m not sure Jockstrap Central would like that but the model is Trent. He’s been a long time model for Jockstrap Central and does shoots for them every so often. I wish more than every so often but when you do get pics they are awesome. This time he’s put on some muscle mass and is back for more jock pics.
From Jockstrap Central: Our fan favorite model Trent is back with a bulked up body to model our new Nasty Pig Champ range of jockstrap, briefs, long johns and socks. Between Trent’s amazing looks and hot body, the incredibly striking and stylish new gear, we were inspired and I hope I don’t come off as too boastful bit I think this is some of our best photographic work yet.
I hope you enjoy the photo set! (Post contains an affiliate sales link)
We profiled this fun limited edition pairs earlier this week from aussieBum. Here is the promo video for the pair. Just remember they are available for a limited time so don’t miss out if you want them. It’s not often we see really cool and fun Halloween undies that aren’t boxers!
I personally love Nick DiCristina. This is a new picture he did Orange Glow by the extremely talented Dan Simoneau. We are going to see more of Nick soon!
Are you looking to get some new Andrew Christian? They are having a 20% off sale on Everything! Just use code 20SALE at check out through October 5.
Note post contains an affiliate link
Ever since I started with UNB, I have put some underwear designers on my wish list to try. This week I was excited to learn that one of my dream pairs from Marcuse had arrived for me to review. The pair was the Ultra Brief in white which I had seen in various advertisement photos. On first look, this is a very sexy pair of briefs. You expect to see a basic white brief but instead are met with lines that ad sophistication and sexy curves to the pair. I was also able to instantly tell how soft the fabric was to the touch. I slid the pair on and the sexiness continued.
Anyone who is a fan of briefs knows that there are many different types ranging from basic and sport, to thicker sides and thinner sides, waist level and low rise. This pair was definitely low rise and smaller as they barely came up to the top of my butt. There are people who may find this uncomfortable or feel as though your underwear needs to be pulled up throughout the day. This was not the case here. I wore them through an entire work day, moving around quite a bit, and did not ever feel as though I needed to pull my underwear up. The back of the briefs fit just around the butt with no extra coverage to bother the wearer. At the top of the back there is a thin strap, similar to what I used to see in dress shirts. I did not see a purpose for this strap nor do I find it very visually appealing. It did not bother the pair or its wear ability.
When it comes to smaller briefs, it can be difficult to gauge the sizing factor. I wear a medium and as I mentioned the pair came to the top of my butt. Since it is a smaller brief, it felt very tight on me all day long. I could feel the tightness under my suit. This did not bother me but it is a notable observation that I feel I should share with my fellow UNB readers. With the smaller briefs, there is usually less fabric and less room. I did find the front pouch to be tighter than I expected. I did not feel as though I had much room which led to slight discomfort throughout the day.
Overall, I am happy that I was able to add Marcuse to my underwear drawer. This is a very hot pair and I love the look of it on. The small concerns I had with the pair could be a result of the way it felt on me today and would not keep me from wearing them again. I nominate this pair for a second wear in a few weeks to see how it feels that day. I have complete confidence that they will be even better the second time around.
Pros:
- Sexy look
- Soft fabric
- Low rise fit
Cons:
- Smaller front pouch
- Back design
Ratings
- Daily Fit = 8
- Sizing = 8
- Construction/Materials = 8.5
- Styling = 8
- Daily Performance = 8.5
- Overall = 8
Marcuse furnished this pair for review
This underwear is made from a unique, air-rated, nylon supplex yarn making it super smooth while it moulds to your body. Blue, green and grey colourways are available in both brief and hipster. Find it at the aussieBum site!
I love FuriousFotog, and his work. The past few months he had been on the go. For months straight he’s been shooting some of the hottest fitness competitors. This is Zac Smith.
What would a holiday be without some great themed undies from aussieBum. Their history goes back to the beginning of UNB. One of my favorites, that I unfortunately didn’t get, was the easter themed ones. I LOVED those. Halloween has brought a new pair called “Jack the Pumpkin”
From the aussieBum site: For a strictly limited time only, get aussieBum’s hilarious Halloween themed undies ‘Jack the Pumpkin’. This cheeky print features a custom illustrated design, fused with a classic aussieBum waistband for durability. Made from our new scarily soft fabric blend, they are sure to get you in the mood to Trick or Treat!
So if you want this pair you better act fast. Their limited edition pairs have always gone fast and then sold out. This pair is available in a brief and hipster. Both have the really fun print made out of a 92% Polyester 8% Elastane blend.
Each is on sale now at the aussieBum site for $22.47 fro the brief and $23.47.
Andrew Christian is no stranger for colorful underwear. This picture features both a pair of undies and a shirt in pink. The picture features 10059 Laurel Cropped Tee, Lime, 9589 Electric Air Jock w/ Show-It Tech., Magenta.
Note post contains an affiliate sales link
I love jockstraps, it’s as simple as that. They’re extremely supportive, comfortable, and downright sexy. They come in multitudes of colors and fabrics, so dressing on the outside to compliment what’s underneath is never a problem. With so many underwear designers carrying jockstraps now, everyone is sure to find a type they like!
The jockstrap’s original design was for support during sporting events, and it’s nice to see that the great styles that we have to choose from today still feature that same basic concept, along with the bright colors and prints we’ve all come to love. Today’s jockstraps have come far enough as well, as to not smash or constrict your package. They still keep things in place whether you’re at work, at the gym, or just lounging around. I also find jockstraps extremely comfortable during the hot summer months. While only covering what’s absolutely necessary, they help your nether regions stay cool and dry. Jockstraps almost completely eliminate bunching, and if you can manage to find some way to make them ride up; well, you’ve got some real skills!
I like to wear sexy underwear under my everyday attire, and in my opinion, you can’t get any sexier than a jockstrap. Even if no one else sees it, there’s something arousing about just knowing that I’ve got something sexy on; and I think it’s that “I know something you don’t know” mentality that keeps me from going absolutely insane when I’m stuck at work with all women and no eye candy. I know a lot of folks think that boxers give people a confidence boost, but I disagree. I think that knowing I’m secure enough to wear a pair of sexy undies is a huge confidence booster! Plus, when I get home and my partner and I are ready for some intimate time; I’ve already got a jockstrap on, and that just adds to the experience. The way it fits the male body, covering just the most intimate of places is truly arousing. I advise anyone who hasn’t worn a jock in the bedroom to at least try it once and see where things go; satisfaction guaranteed (please note: satisfaction NOT actually guaranteed)!
You’d think by reading this that I’ve been into jockstraps for quite a while, but I only discovered them recently. I had been wanting to try out a jockstrap after seeing them often in some of my favorite “movies”, but for some reason, had never committed until recently. I got really lucky with my first purchase, and the first jock I bought is still my favorite. I started with an Andrew Christian Almost Naked jockstrap, and things were never quite the same. The one I got is simple: black pouch, white straps, black waistband with the brand name across the top in white lettering. I know it’s a kind of overdone color combination, but I find the simplicity of the black and white combo appealing. The blend that AC uses on the Almost Naked undies is fantastic, as well. It’s super lightweight, and I’m really surprised it’s held up this long, since any time the laundry is done and I see that jock in my drawer, it’s the first one I grab. The “hang free” design also doesn’t sound like it would be too good for support, but the jock surprisingly keeps everything in place really well.
After my soirée into the world of Andrew Christian, I experimented with my staple brand of C-in2 and their assortment of jockstraps. Their pop color lines have covered the entire spectrum and I never have a problem matching or complimenting whatever I’m wearing to my jockstrap (what, I’m the only one that does that?). The pop color lines do tend to be a little more constrictive than some, but not uncomfortably so. C-in2’s Zen line is one of my absolute favorites, though. Made out of a great blend of fabrics and woven into an almost-mesh pouch, the Zen jocks breathe remarkably well, but aren’t see through like actual mesh. While they don’t come in as many colors, the ones they do provide have some nice contrasting colors on then that are eye catching.
Those are my favorite jockstraps, and I’d recommend them to anyone. I’ve tried other brands, but I still haven’t found any that I love as much as Andrew Christian or C-in2. I’m really glad that fashion jocks have made the impact they have on the underwear scene in the way they have, and weren’t just left as a sports accessory. If you’re on the fence about buying a jockstrap, don’t be. Do it. You went be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for something for the gym, something to spice up the bedroom, or just looking for something fun and different, the jockstrap is definitely the way to go!
NOTE: Shawn is a new guy on the site and you will read more from him very soon!
I love a great behind the scenes video. Cheapundies.com released a fun behind the scenes video featuring models Colby Melvin, Jon Varak, Michael Brent and GR Jeff.
Since Jockstrap Central is celebrating 9 years we thought we needed to share some love for them. This picture features a jock by Jack Adams underwear.
While in Vegas I got a great chance to talk to Justin Case Underwear. I had briefly heard of them before but didn’t know a lot about them. I got to sit down and go through the new collection and find out some things they will be doing soon. They really impressed me, not because they had great underwear, but they had a big passion for it!
The one thing that really made me take notice of them is they aren’t afraid of color. They used just about every color in the spectrum, which to me is awesome. I hate it when companies do the Calvin Klein treatment, meaning they just use black/white/grey. One color they have used that makes me super happy is green! It’s one of those rare colors in the world of men’s underwear. So when I find a green pair I must have it.
The picture above features their new swim. It’s more of a gingham rather than stripes, it reminded me of Dorothy’s dress in the Wizard of Oz. Which is a good thing cause I love that print. There is a pair in a different color that I love (you will have to wait and see it) that is not used in men’s swimwear too often.
Their new line will be out soon and we will be covering them and giving you a lot of info about the new pairs. I hope to have an interview with Ryan, who I always call Justin, after the line is released.
We love Armando Adajar’s work. He sent us a few pictures to share with you that he shot using Marcuse Underwear!
Credits:
Model: Jonathan C.
Underwear used: Marcuse
Find more about Armando at https://www.facebook.com/AAdajarPhotography or his website: http://armanadajar.wix.com/justaboutmen
INSTAGRAM: ARMANIS_EMPIRE
