End of an Era - Equmen

With the recent passing of their Founder and Managing Director Gavin Jones, Equmen is saying farewell. Known for the innovations in supportive undergear that helps your body breath well maintaining good posture, this company will be missed.

If you haven't tried them yet or want to stock up, now is the time! They're clearing out their warehouse at 80% off. You can even stock up big with discounts on special multi-packs. Their briefs are some of my favorite for working out, check out our review here. 

Equmen on Sale at Gilt (Again)!

I just wanted to give you all a heads up that high-end performance underwear line Equmen has just gone on sale at GILT again today.  As of now they have all the styles that Equmen makes from briefs to long trunks as well as socks and undershirts in a variety of colors and sizes.  The sale is only on for a day (through tomorrow 9/27).  If you don't know what Equmen is, read my review here.  I'm quite partial to their briefs, they're my go-to for working out.  If you don't know what GILT is, it's a members only website that sells discounted designer clothing.  If you aren't a member, use this link for an exclusive MUB sign-up.  Happy shopping!

Happy Belated Father's Day from Equmen

For all those of you who didn't quite get what you wanted for father's day (we all know you wanted some styling undies), now's your chance to get yourself what you wanted.  Equmen is having a special deal going on now where you buy any two products and you get a third one for free (whatever is the lowest valued product).  This deal is available from now until July 10!  We here at MUB have been a fan of Equmen products, so this is definitely worth checking out.

Equmen on GILT

I've discussed Equmen a number of times before.  They are a brand of pricey, performance underwear.  I've reviewed their briefs, and I've gotta say they are some of my favorites.  My only real complaint was the price.  But now, with the help of GILT they're a lot cheaper.  The Equmen sale ends on Monday (April 4, 2011).  There are really some great deals here.  The briefs that retail for $49 are now only $29 on GILT.  And trunks that retail at $55 are also only $29 on GILT.  GILT currently has most sizes and colors available for purchase, but act fast because it won't last long.  Also, if you are not yet a member of GILT you have to have an invitation to join - use this link for your invite. 

Holiday Underwear Buying Guide

Buying underwear for someone is a very personal matter. Especially for guys, because (as much as I'd like to argue otherwise) they don't get new underwear all that often, so when they do it's important that it works for them and their body.  That being said, many guys have a strong preference for what style (boxers, briefs, trunks, etc) of underwear they wear.  Some don't care that much or may be happy with a number of different styles, but others care a lot.  So make sure you know your man well before buying.  Also, it is very important for you to make sure you know your man's size.  What he wears in pants may not be the same as his underwear, so make sure you check.  Also, snooping in his underwear drawer may not tell you the completely correct size as it's possible he may have some old undies lying around that no longer fit or never fit.  If you aren't going to ask him outright, make sure you look at a pair that you know fits him well.  It's important you get the right size because most places won't let you return it.

That being said, underwear is a great gift for the holidays and many people love to give and receive it!  So once you've figured out what style and size of underwear your man needs, there's still a whole lot to choose from.  I've broken it down for you based on the personality/type of man who might like to wear each pair.  Use this holiday underwear buying guide as a jumping off point for what to get your man.  While some of these undies may seem a little expensive to you, you're paying for quality so they're worth it.  

And finally, make sure you check shipping times and order early so it arrives in time!

 

For the Classic Man:

Ristefsky Macheda low-rise brief.

• This category is for the guy who likes to keep it simple.  He's not opposed to something with style, but he likes his comfort first.  
• Jockey has some great selections this holiday season for the man who likes to keep it simple.  The Jockey Classics briefs are simple and affordable.  And if your man's a little more adventurous you can get him them in some different colors.  I'm also loving the looks of the Jockey Echelon bikini brief.  Super modern and hip, but still classic and simple.  
• Another one of my new favorites in Ristefsky Macheda.  Their underwear is all about being simple and understated but still body conscious.  I really like some of the briefs they have for their retro flair.   I also love their low-rise brief (shown). 
• Another great option for the classic guy is /baskit/.  I would especially recommend (read my review) something from their Snugfit Seamless collection. 

For the Lover/Boyfriend: 

Embossment Boxer from Intymen.

• This is the category for that special someone in your life or just that guy who you know will love and appreciate some sexy undies.
• Some of my favorites are Good Devil and Intymen.  I personally love the Embossment boxer from Intymen (shown).  Once he's done unwrapping them you can unwrap him.  
• Another good option is Doreanse, a French brand that is newly available to the American market exclusively through Audace.   The name literally means "golden bay".  They have all sorts of sexy undies including my favorite Jungle Brief.  Stay tuned for an upcoming brand profile of Doreanse. EDIT 12/16/10: Doreanse is NOT a French brand, it is just a French name.  The brand is actually from Turkey. 
• Another great new-comer on the market is Croota.  They stock some super sexy bikinis (which are basically thongs) called second skin.   I'm also really digging their WW-III collection, which has military-inspired cargo pockets on the sides. 
• For the super daring and open guy, there's the new K'Mando brand of underwear.  This is just a pouch for his goods and nothing more.  They are quite comfy, but not for everyone. 

The Fun Guy:

Lick brand Check Brief.

• This category is for the guy who likes to have fun.  He's adventurous and not afraid to take risks.  That goes for his fashion choices as well.  He's daring and confident in his appearance.  There's a lot of great new styles out there for this guy.
• Grundies is a great new brand from Australia.  I especially like their aussie collection like the trunk with the Austrlia flag or the trunk with a cock (rooster) printed across the pouch. 
• Another great new brand is Lick, which has four collections: Leisure, Individual, Classic, and Kinky (thus their name Lick).  I personally really like the Individual collection, especially the Union brief and the Check brief (shown).   
• Stonemen has also just released some great new beach-inspired styles, a great way to feel like you're on a vacation this holiday season.  Read what I have to say about them here. 
• And another one of my favorites is Popduds.  These are screen-printed undies with original artworks on them.  You can read my review here.  

The Fashionable Man:

James Tudor retro boxer.

• This category is for the guy that's all about style.  He's all about refinement but also isn't afraid to have a little fun with his fashion choices.  
• James Tudor just released some great new retro-inspired undies.  I personally love this brand with all it's funky details like the fully functional button flies (great for easy access).  I'm particularly loving the new retro boxer (shown).    
• Another great brand for the stylish guy is 2eros.  They're underwear is all about refined style that is still very form flattering and original.  I really like the looks of their newest Icon 3 series. 
• And finally there's the habitual favorite aussieBum.  This brand offers a lot of great stuff.  Some fits into fashion, some is more fun.  All in all aussieBum is just a great brand.  But their stuff is very personal, so make sure you know your man well before buying. 

The Sporty Guy:

• This is for the guy who is athletic and likes to do sports.  He is very body conscious and keeps in good shape and is proud of it.
• My favorite underwear for working out is Equmen brand briefs because they support and wick well.  Check out my review here.   

Equmen - A Review

Performance underwear has long been a staple in the men's underwear world, but recently there has been a push towards making performance wear also stylish.  These new ideas for men's performance underwear are represented by the Equmen collection.  Specially designed with a precision fit to give you the ultimate in support and performance, Equmen helps keep you comfortable while working out or just hanging at the office.  Equmen is most noted for their core precision undershirts that help support your core and reduce back pain and stress.  Today, however, I will be reviewing their precision brief (I tried a blue one). 

These things fit like a glove.  These low-rise briefs are streamlined and well fitted.  There are no extra seams or stitches, they've taken the brief back to the basics in terms of construction.  Upon first glance, the fabric looks as though it's not going to be very comfortable.  It has a very sexy sheen, but it looks thick and artificial.  But don't let that fool you, this fabric is soft and stretchy.  It is a blend of nylon, micropolyester, and spandex.  It breathes well and has wicking performance to keep you dry all day long now matter how hard you're working.  The rear has a special vent to help keep you dry where you tend to sweat the most (right in the lower back above your crack). The fabric here has a slightly different stitch, but you won't notice it unless you're looking for it.  The fabric is design to stretch and pull in a way that works with your anatomy to keep everything optimally supported and in place.  The contoured pouch is double layered and has a seam down the middle and two on the sides.  It expands well when needed, but holds everything in place as well. 

These briefs are very basic looking, but there is a sophisticated style about them.  They aren't just your everyday, boring briefs.  They come in blue, black, gray, and white.  There is a line of accent color on the waistband (the blue ones have a white band).  There is no writing on the waist, instead it is kept plain and simple - sophisticated.  Centered, in the back of the waistband is a logo patch that is very sexy and stylish peeking above your pants. As I already noted, the fabric has a slight sheen to it that makes these things not just your average briefs. 

I have had these for quite some time now, and have worn them many times.  In fact, they're one of my go-to pairs, especially on hot days or when I know I'm going to be doing some physical activity.  I like them because they keep me dry and comfy, and they're just easy - effortless style.  That being said, I've washed them many times and they are holding up beautifully.  There is only slight pilling starting to happen on the waistband after almost a year of wear, so that's pretty good. And they should be too, because these things run in a little high at $50 a pair.  But that being said, these are performance underwear, which usually runs a little more than regular undies.  These are good quality undies that will hold up well under pressure - and we all need a pair like that sometimes.  So if you're willing to pay a little more for performance wear that's gonna hold up well and last, these are the pair for you.  They also make trunks and long trunks if you prefer those styles instead.  Personally I like my legs to be a little more free when working out that's why I opt for these briefs. 

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Equmen Briefs a total score of 8 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 10 (out of 10) - Stripped down to the basics.  Well fitted and low-rise. 
COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Surprisingly comfortable fabric.  Keeps you dry with wicking performance. 
STYLE -- 8 (out of 10) - Basic and sophisticated. 
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Holds up great after a long time, only slight pilling on waistband. 
VALUE -- 6 (out of 10) - Expensive but good quality. 

**********8

SHORT NOTICE: Win a Week's Worth of Underwear + 25% off at Equmen

Equmen recently received a heartfelt review about how their undergarments were able to change a man's life by giving him the support he needed and improving his posture.  Have you had a similar experience?  Well if you have, send it in to Equmen.  If they like your story the best, you could win a week's worth of underwear (7 pairs).  Two runners up will each receive two pairs.  But you must act quickly because this only last until the end of the month of July (sorry for the late notice).  For more details on the contest, check out this page. Also, if you just can't wait to try out Equmen, you can order 5 or more pairs and use coupon code "UNDERWEAR" to get 25% off your purchase.  This code is also good through the end of July. 

New Trend: Men's Shapewear

For a long time women have had the option to modify their body shape using their underwear. Well it was only a matter of time until this trend made it's way to men as well. Now men who are self conscious about their tummy can use their underwear to achieve that slim, toned stomach that they desire.

The first option out there comes from 2(x)ist and is known as their Form collection. 2(x)ist Form is designed to "make abs out of lovehandles". This is accomplished by extending the elastic waistband six inches above the natural waist. While it may not look incredibly stylish, the 2(x)ist does its job and can cut off up to two inches from your tummy. It comes in both brief (shown) and trunk styles in black and white (but more colors are coming soon). It's hard to tell how effective these undies are because the only photos show them on models who already have perfectly toned bodies and don't need the help that the Form collection offers. 2(x)ist Form just came out this month so the availability is limited. But you can currently get it at Skiviez for $26 and $22 for the trunk and brief respectively. Men's Underwear Store also stocks it for a slightly cheaper rate at $18 and $24 for the brief and trunk respectively.

The next two options on the market are undershirts instead of bottoms. I think this option looks better because it could look a little strange to have shapewear showing above one's pants; an undershirt is less noticeable. However, I feel like the underwear is more likely to stay in place because it is anchored at the bottom whereas an undershirt could ride up. So the effectiveness of these options remains to be seen.

The first undershirt comes from a company called RIPT Fusion. RIPT (pronounced "ripped tee") is designed by Heather Thomson who designed and created Yummie Tummie - a women's shapewear line. She saw the need for men to have shapewear as well so she designed the RIPT. The RIPT is a body-sculpting undershirt designed to support your core. It works off the same principle as compression garments like those used in athletics, the only difference is that this is designed to be worn as everyday wear and not just for sports. The RIPT has a patent-pending design that appears to use a compression panel across the midsection to help achieve the desired look. The chest and the sweep of the shirt are made of lightweight cotton that makes this perfect for wearing under any outfit - or even alone! The RIPT only comes in classic white in either crewneck or v-neck. It retails for $58 and can be purchased at RIPT's site or at RibbedTee. Once again it's hard to say just how effective this shirt is, but from the pictures it does appear to tighten the core a lot better than standard undershirts. Stay tuned for a review.

The final product is actually undershirts and underwear. It is from a fairly new company called Equmen. Although it's not exactly designed to be shapewear - it's more of a performancewear brand - it does have similar capabilities. Equmen uses both Core Technology and Helix-Mapping to achieve a supportive, body-enhancing garment. The Core Technology of the garment is basically all about getting the core aligned properly and ergonomically so that everything in the body is positioned in a comfortable manner that puts the least amount of stress on the body. It is also about temperature control of the body. The Helix-Mapping system is a little more complicated. It was designed in conjunction with physiotherapists, ergonomic consultants, and athletic engineers. Basically it is a built in compression and ventilation system. But unlike other compressionwear it targets specific areas for optimal support that works with the bodies natural systems. I know the science is a little complicated but these things have been getting rave reviews. A lot of the reviews have been saying how much more confident it makes them feel. And so maybe that is the point of this shapewear even if it doesn't alter your shape as much as you would like. Shapewear can boost your confidence which in turn leads to better posture and makes you look better. Confidence is sexy. The Equmen undershirts come in three styles: long sleeve, v-neck, and singlet. The underwear is available for pre-order in briefs, trunks and long trunks. Everything is available in four colors: blue, grey, black and white. The shirts sell for about $100 a piece and the underwear goes for about $50 a piece (they will be shipping to the US at the end of the month). Stay tuned for a review of Equmen and a more thorough brand profile.

So there you have it. The new trend on the men's underwear scene seems to be shapewear. What are your thoughts on shapewear? Would you try it?