NY Times Talks about Shift in Underwear Ads

Watch this video from the New York times about a shift in men's underwear advertising.  They discuss a shift from the hyper-sexualized male ideal to a more relatable guy in underwear advertisements.  Have you noticed this shift?  I think I've definitely seen a change in some underwear advertising recently.  The ads are more quarky and fun and not as much about the sex.  But then again look at Andrew Christian; the sex is definitely still out there.  The truth is and always has been, sex sells.  So sure maybe some companies are switching up underwear ads, but does it work?   What sells you (or doesn't sell you) on underwear when you're shopping?  Let's get the conversation rolling boys.  

Opinion: Did Diesel Go Too Far?

Today we bring you a new contributor Dr. NutHut.  He will be writing all sorts of opinion pieces for us.  Be sure to let us know your thoughts on our newest addition to the MUB force. 

Advertising is an art and in the world of art you’re given an endless supply of freedom. It’s hard to judge art because really there is no wrong way to produce it. However in the world of advertising this art has to be formulated to fit an audience. And in the process of it’s creation it must follow certain marketing, commercial and legal obligations along the way. Sometime ads come out that shock and even disgust individuals, which often is the intent. Or perhaps the endorsement was aimed at the audience drawn to that particular subject matter. Whatever the case the advertiser got your attention, even if you didn‘t want that. This happened recently with a particular promotion for Diesel Underwear shot at the Brooklyn Law School.

The Dean of Brooklyn Law School Michael Gerber called the shots for Diesels Underwear ads inappropriate advertising that caused discomfort and embarrassment for the school. The Dean sent an email out to students apologizing for the ad campaign that was shot on the schools campus. “That’s how much respect they have for the school” said a local woman to the New York Post. Michael from Brooklyn NY said “I see nothing positive about this”. Jordan Hersch a student at the school said “I thought the ad was disgusting”. Some other students were not happy that the behavior in the ads was happening in their library.

After taking this criticism Diesel released more photos from the same campaign except this time the pictures where taken at the New York City Transit Museum. It featured models in Diesel underwear flashing imaginary passengers. However as opposed to the Law School's reaction, Aaron Donovan the Museums spokesman said “this photo shoot was closed to the public, and it provided revenue need to help keep the museum operating”. And even with the Brooklyn Law School shoot not everyone was upset. A lot of students had no problem with the campaign. One man named David from Brooklyn told the New York Post “It’s not inappropriate, it’s clothes, it’s fashion, it’s what Diesels known for”.

So did Diesel go to far? Although the School and many other individuals strongly feel they did, they have to admit legally Diesel did nothing wrong. The fashion company went through all the right channels and received full permission from the school to do the shoot. They went in, did their shoot, paid the school and went on their way. The school agreed to this. The school should have done their research if they were honestly worried about their reputation. A quick Google search of Diesel ads would have told them that they weren’t dealing with L.L. Bean. And Diesel has the full right to advertise this way directing their marketing to a more off-the-beaten-path demographic. Some may not agree with their style nor their grubby slogans and they don’t have to support the company. However we do want to support freedom and diversity. So it’s too bad the Brooklyn Law School had to undergo this discomfort but maybe now they know to do a little investigation before signing a contract. And Diesel well keep being Diesel.

Ed Hardy

The folks at Ed Hardy just sent me some ad images that will soon be appearing all over New York phone booths. So if you live in the Big Apple, be sure to check it out. Otherwise, here's the images for your enjoyment.

BoxerBucks card with UB quote!

MUS has started sending out this card in orders to people who don't have a Boxer Bucks account. This card is really cool and uses a quote from UB from this post. The quote is "...check out Men's Underwear Store...! ...make sure you sign up for their ...Boxer-Bucks. It's free and will definitely be worth it if you buy a few items." I was just wondering how many new users to this blog were directed here by this card. If you were just leave a comment on this post.

RIPS and Mensuas deal

As you may have noticed, there are now ads on the blog. Currently there are ads for RIPS and Mensuas on the site, so why not check them out. I know some of you may not enjoy having ads, but really the financial support is greatly needed in order for me to keep this blog running and be able to put as much time into it as I do. I really appreciate all your support and I welcome your feedback on this. I am trying to make it so that the ads do not detract from the blog so I do not think there will be very many more than there currently are. If you would like to advertise here drop me an email.

Also, Mensuas is currently has a great deal going on that really ties together both the sponsors very well (and it's just a coincidence). This promotion is only available at Mensuas. The deal is... Buy any two RIPS items and get a RIPS Baseball Hat free with your order (while supplies last).