I'm Feeling the (Male) Power - A Review

It's not often that you come across a new brand of underwear when you're someone like me. And while I had heard of Male Power before, it is new to my underwear drawer. I must say, I wish I had tried them earlier!

I received a sizable bundle of undies from the nice folks over at Male Power, but so far my hands-down favorite is the Heather Rib Enhancer Bikini Brief, which I will review today. At first glance, the brief is nothing too special. It looks like your standard grey brief. Its heather grey fabric is nice, but nothing out of the ordinary. That is at first glance.

Once you get these briefs on, it's a whole different game. The fit is a cross between a brief and a bikini, although in the Male Power catalog they are officially referred to as bikini briefs. The legs are high cut, but there is still some fabric below the waistband making them not true bikinis. The pouch is generously cut, but also form fitting. I did not realize this with my initial wear, but the pouch is actually designed to be enhancing according to the product listing pages. While it is enhancing, it is still comfortable and has a natural look.

In fact, these are some of the comfiest briefs I've tried in a long time and they will definitely take a place in my core rotation. The fabric is silky soft, light-weight, and breathable. The pictures really don't do the fabric justice, it's a very subtle knit that is soft and smooth to the touch. While I've only worn them over the past few weeks in the summer heat, I have a feeling they will wear well throughout the year. The waistband is also smooth, with a side tag that isn't noticeable.

While basic, I'd argue that these briefs are quite stylish. There's something very sexy about them, while at the same time timeless. The light-weight fabric contours perfectly to the male form, emphasizing every curve in the sexiest way possible. They truly live up to the brand's name Male Power. 

These briefs are very versatile, I can't think of a purpose for which you couldn't wear these. With that in mind, and considering I'm adding these to my main rotation, I'd say they're well worth the $22 price tag. They can be purchased at both Freshpair and Mens Underwear Store. The heather rib collection also comes in a thong, jock, and trunk which I imagine are all equally comfortable.

MY RATING: 
Overall, I give the Male Power Heather Rib Bikini Brief a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - High-cut, cross between a brief and bikini; contours to every curve.
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10) - Silky, smooth, lightweight fabric. Soft waistband.
STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Basic, stylish, sexy, and timeless.
QUALITY -- 10 (out of 10) - High quality fabric and construction.
VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) - Great for every occasion, worth the price.

********** 9

Like Wearing a Second Skin... Croota Review

Croota is yet another new men's underwear brand hailing from down under... it seems lots of undies are coming from Australia these days.  They really know how to make them.  Today I'm going to be reviewing the Croota Second Skin Bikini, which is really a thong.  

The fit of these undies is difficult to describe.  On first inspection they seem to be a thong, but they're not quite as stringy as a thong.  There's a little more coverage to them.  In fact, Croota bills them as a legless t-back bikini.  But that's not very descriptive either.  Basically the back triangle is a little larger than what you normally get with thongs, thus making the strap that goes between your legs a little thicker and less likely to wedge itself up your ass in uncomfortable ways.  But there is no coverage on the sides other than the waistband.  The entire contraption is low-rise with a fairly small-sized pouch.  

As far as comfort goes, as I previously mentioned the pouch is on the small side.  It does a good job of holding things when everything is in its normal state, but otherwise forget it.  However, I honestly didn't have too many problems with this once I got them on.  I really enjoy the widened t-back, because my biggest complaint with thongs in general is that I occasionally need to pull them down as they ride up through the day.  But the wider back seems to hold this bikini/thong in place better and I only found myself having to adjust once or twice during the day.  One judge of comfortable underwear is if you notice you're wearing it, and with these I barely even realized I was wearing anything during the day they were so light and comfortable.  It was like being naked, or wearing a second skin. 

The style says sexy, but doesn't scream sexy like many other skimpy undies.  It is sexy, but it doesn't take itself so seriously - it's a little fun.  I really enjoy the printed waistband in lieu of a logo waistband.  The pair I tried had a leopard print, but they also come in plaid and striped prints.  I really enjoy the flair that Croota put into these undies.  

As far as the quality goes, the fabric is excellent and washes quite well with no fading or pilling on the body or waistband.  Depending on where you live you can get them from Croota for $17.90 or from Croota.us (the official US authorized retailer) for $17.90 as well.  While they're not very much fabric for the price, they are well made and make for great summer wear.  They are also a great alternative to your standard thong. 

In addition to this thong, Croota also makes lots of other great products.  So be sure to check them out at Croota.com and Croota.us - both great retail sources.  

MY RATING:

Overall, I give the Croota Second Skin Bikini/Thong a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:

FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Similar to a thong but with a larger triangle in back.  Small pouch. 

COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Soft, comfy fabric.  Great for all-day wear. 

STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Sexy but fun.  

QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Well made. Does not fade or pill. 

VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - Expensive for something so small, but nice alternative to the standard thong.

**********9

Take Advantage of Undergear's End of Summer Sale

Undergear just started a spectacular summer sale where you can save up to 50% off select merchandise.  There are really a lot of great deals going on, like this hot Andres Velasco bikini shown here.  It comes in pink, gold and turquoise.  It usually costs $16, but now with the sale it's less the $10.  So go ahead and check it out!  But hurry, sizes and styles won't last long. 

Sinuously, Though - A Review

WARNING! This review uses blatant, ethnocentric generalizations Americans have of Australia. Be warned! No actual Australians were harmed in writing this review.

So, I visited Australia about a year ago. Before I left I made a list of “must do” items. 1. Hug a koala (check!), 2. Put something on a “barbie” (check!), 3. Go to one of those surf carnivals where all the crazy hot Australian men hike up their Speedos (sadly, no check). Though I did not accomplish everything I wanted to during my trip to the southern hemisphere, I left feeling edified (and with a suitcase full of underwear).

One of the first things I learned during my time in Australia is that the lovely men of that country can generally be categorized in two ways:

1. Hot
2. Hella hot!!!

So, I guess you’re wondering why I’m blah-blah-blahing about Australia when you really just want to read a review of the sinuous low rise bikini brief. Well, besides the fact that the garment I’m reviewing is designed and made there, the sinuous brief is the embodiment of everything that is awesome about Australia.

Obviously is an Australian brand that came into being in 2007 and with its founding, it brought forth an underwear reformation, one where comfort was paramount. Their well constructed garments personify the laid back attitude of the austral continent and its hysterically hot inhabitants. Simply put, the super comfortable, super sexy, sinuous low rise bikini brief is underwear at its very best. There's truth to the company's claim to being the most comfortable underwear in the world.

More about the briefs themselves: they’re eye catching and will surely warrant second looks or follow up questions to anyone who “accidentally” happen to see the flash of apple green. There’s also a rather cool looking design element in the back of the garment, reminiscent of a tribal tattoo-very timely and contemporary, and best of all sparing (not frenetically psycho like other tattoo inspired brands, *cough* ed hardy *cough*).

The shape of the briefs are less what we North Americans call a bikini brief, but more along the lines of what we think of as string bikinis, or for our Euro friends, tangas, with the pouch and the rear connected only by the waistband. The pouch and the rear provide minimal coverage, but I kind of like that. If you like full rear coverage, you probably will want to take a pass at these as the fabric approaches more of a ¾ coverage of your badonkadonk.

So, now, on to the good part: the fit and feel of the low rise bikini briefs. When you put the things on, you get a feeling that something different is going on. There’s an adherence to the male anatomy that make the briefs feel like a natural extension or a second skin. No woman (no offense ladies!) could make briefs that feel so right on your body. Your boys will be your besties when you carry them around in a pair of Obviously brand underwear. They’ll hang free and natrually in a luxurious, lightweight encasement that is both comfortable and enhancing. It goes without saying that you’ll upgrade yourself in the bulge department when you slip these on.

I cannot reiterate how comfortable the fabric is. It’s paper thin and super light weight. If only all underwear could be made out of it. It does tend towards the risqué, so if you are going to be on display and in polite company, and don’t want to give away your religious affiliation, better take a pass.

In economic terms, you’ll probably take a ding buying these. They're at the upper end of the price range, but considering the construction and material and the fact that they were made in a country with a developed economy, the price is justified. If you don’t want to shell out the duckets for a pair of the sinuous line, Obviously has its original line of low rise garments in a monochromatic scheme with similar cuts and materials at a lower price point.

Otherwise, I would definitely, definitely recommend the Obviously brand, sinuous bikini brief.

OVERALL, I give the Obviously Low Rise Bikini Brief a score of 9.0 based on the following criteria:
COOL FACTOR -- 9 (out of 10) – bright vibrant color, masculine design

WEARABILITY -- 9 (out of 10) – super comfortable, one point knocked off because the rear may not offer as full of coverage as one would expect

QUALITY -- 10 (out of 10) - very well made garment with great attention to detail

HOTNESS -- 10 (out of 10) – you’ll be full grown in these (wink, wink)

VALUE -- 7 (out of 10) – expensive, but considering construction, quality, and origin may be worth it to you to invest in a pair

********** 9.0

Valentine's Deal at WildmanT

This week's sale pick at WildmanT is the Low Cut Bikini. It's normally $21.00, but for a special get it for only $16 for a limited time only. That's a savings of $5! Treat yourself or someone special to this sexy brief this year!

Unzipped: Everyday Underwear

Hey guys! Its Chandler here. Today I'm here to talk about "Everyday Underwear." I mean the kind that is affordable and the kind that you have a drawer full of. For me I keep it simple. If you were to come up to me on most any given day and ask me what I'm wearing, there is a good chance I would say one of the following. Either the Elance bikini from Jockey, or the C9 white cotton trunks. You may ask why I stick with these two. I love the Elance because it is very thin, very small, and very comfortable. They come in a three pack which is great and can be found at most any department store. I think I normally pay $17.00 for the pack. Be on the lookout for a review for the Elance in the next few weeks. On to the C9's I love these trunks because not only do they look great, they've held their shape perfectly with a years worth of washing. Mine are white and have a wrapped waist band which gives them a great clean look. They are fly-less which to some is a downside, but you quickly get accustom to it, so it really isn't that bad. I got my trunks at Target, they come in a two pack and sell for around 9 dollars. So now that you know what I'm most often found wearing. What do you all wear? Do you change it up daily or like me do you have your regulars and save the rest for special occasions? Let me know, I always love to hear your feedback.

--By the way, for those of you who don't know what I look like, that is me in the pictures.--

BOIISH Sale

This is a great sale, if you're looking for stuff by BOIISH, then head on over to mensuas.com. They having a sale on select BOIISH swimwear and active wear, this is for a short time only so check this one out. They have some great bikinis on sale for $25 and some T-shirts for as cheap as $15. Get these great deals while they last.