What to Wear to the Gym?

Hey, it's me again. The least model-esque writer on this blog. But I'm back, and I'm still on my quest to lose my belly. I'll never be as rail-thin as UMan, but I don't have to be twice his size, either. Just an update - as of this week, I have lost 34lbs from when I started tracking last summer, and I am about to hit my first-stage goal. Now, if only I could wave a magic wand and make that stubborn, beastly muffin top disappear overnight...

Anywho... So we opened a new wellness center/workout facility in my little corner of nowheresville, and I've started working out a few times a week. My running pace is crummy compared to where I left off last fall, but it feels good to stretch my legs, even if it's just on the treadmill. I haven't worked with weights in years, so that's nice, too.

What that brings me to is this: What does an average joe wear to work out in? And specifically, what kind of underpants does one wear for running? I've asked UMan this, and he's one of those sickeningly thin people who doesn't have to work out, so that was a bust. So I'm going to talk about three pairs I have recently worn to the gym, and how they worked for me.

First is a Calvin Klein jockstrap. I have had this one for years, and it is the only "street" jock I own. It is mostly cotton, but it is wicked comfy (although it may not have enough room for someone as gifted as UMan). As far as workout wear goes, it does the job, and it didn't get all sweaty. I think I could like working out in jockstraps like this, if I had more of them. What do you gentlemen wear for running undies? Do you, O Reader, have any recommendations for running jocks that don't cost a fortune?

Second is a pair of UnderArmour 6" BoxerJock. These are entirely synthetic fabric, and they have a ventilated pouch. I like these, especially for running outdoors on a cool day. I wish they actually made my basket look like the guys in their ads, but I suspect I haven't got enough "padding" for that. I think I'd rather wear a jock more often than this pair, though.

Third is a pair I just got recently - a Jockey Sport H-fly trunk. The fabric makes the same claims as most athletic underwear - form-fitting, sweat-wicking, and so on. They feel nice, and I really like the way the H-fly pouch holds my bits, and makes my bulge look. They're good, but nothing super-spectacular in terms of workout wear.

So... What are your recommendations for undies for running? For gym wear?

Ginch Gonch - Live Like a Kid!

Kasey is a new contributor to the site.  Please give him a warm welcome and feedback.

Do you own, and actually wear, boxers that feature a print of SpongeBob SquarePants, a strategically placed elephant trunk, or a douchey saying like “Place lips here?” If so, please burn them and delete my number if you have it.

Kasey in Crotch Rocket briefs.

Clearly, you wear these atrocities because you have a sense of humor. I commend you for that. Aside from obscene amounts of wealth and a home in Manhattan, a solid sense of humor is the main thing I look for in a man. But the manifestation of that sense of humor can make or break the situation.

If you want to wear something under your skinny jeans that makes you chuckle to yourself knowing what lies beneath, I have a two-word suggestion for you to replace those “Who’s your Papa?” Smurf boxers – Ginch Gonch.

Kasey flashing his I Love Paris undies.

This Montreal-based company has been around for almost 10 years now and they have perfected the combination of humor and sexuality. Tongue-in-cheek designs printed on comfortable, fitted, and durable briefs, boxer-briefs, and more.  According to their website, “[Ginch Gonch] was the first of its kind to successfully combine humor and sexuality with funky, fashion-forward designs, and has completely reinvented the underwear industry through the unconventional ways it sets the trend for the rear end.” Hear, hear!

Indeed, with design titles such as “Wiener Eater,” “Crotch Rocket,” and “Eyeful Tower,” as well as the option of a fantastic low-rise fit, this company allows you to have a childlike laugh while still feeling like your boys and your buns are supported and sexy.

I Love TV briefs.

Their recent “I Love…” collection is wonderful (though disappointingly devoid of jockstraps) and has only left me with baited breath to find out what’s coming next! This collection has something for everyone: I love London, I love Paris, I love Tokyo, I love Bacon, etc. (I currently own all of the aforementioned designs as my way of manifesting the man who will have homes in each of those locations and feed me bacon every morning.)

So to recap: Bounce the boxers and give in to Ginch Gonch. Look good, feel good, and live like a kid!

Smooches, pooches. Thanks for reading!

Seeing and Being Seen

Do you have issues with being seen in your underwear?

Of course there's the discussion that could be had about saggers. You know the type; I saw them in the mall yesterday. Their pants are riding so low you can almost see light between their pants and their drawers. There must be someone who thinks that's sexy - for the life of me I can't see why.

But I've noticed that a lot of guys have problems with being seen in their underwear. Even more so when getting into and out of their undies. I know of guys who don't like going to the doctor, because he might see their undies, or worse (personally, I'm fine with it). In changing rooms or when sharing hotel rooms, some guys go out of their way not to be seen in a state of undress. To me, that's a hassle. Just do your thing and keep moving. That said, I do choose my undies more carefully when I'm sharing a room with other guys. Don't want my friends to get the wrong idea by my choice of undies.

Then there's the paradox of the guys who fastidiously cover up when in street clothes, but when they put on swim trunks - even boardies - the shorts ride down almost til the bush is peeking out.

This past week, I ran a 5k, and it was 35F when we started. That got me thinking about the idea of running tights. Do I want to be seen in skin-tight pants? Does one wear undies under them? Should one wear shorts over them? I ended up running in a pair of long-johns with my running shorts over.

On the other hand, I bet some of you have a bit of exhibitionist/voyeur streak. Do you like to show off, or keep things hidden? How much do you let show? Who do you let see?

Get an Actor's Pants! + Exclusive Photos

Minnesotan actor Paul Cram is giving away his pants again. This time he got a whole shipment from aussieBum for the exclusive purpose of giving them away to his fans. So there is a range of sizes and styles. All you have to do to win is correctly answer six questions about his career. The first 12 correct entries who's sizes match those available will win on a first come first serve basis. So act quickly.

Just head on over to Paul's website and fill out the quiz form. Also be sure to check out the photos of him in his underwear for a preview of what you could win. Thanks to Paul for the exclusive photos in this post - you won't find them elsewhere.

Coming Soon: I LOVE London + Exclusive Giveaway

Today we give you an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming styles of Ginch Gonch's I Love collection. The next styles are called I Love London and feature London iconography printed all over. I am excited about this new collection as with it they are bringing back some of the old spirit of Ginch Gonch with more obvious double entendres such as Big Ben splashed across the pouch area. They are also introducing the boxer short fit with this collection - so we'll see how that works out for them. The collection also features the new re-worked waistband, this time with a plaid print, which I think is a really fun addition.

As a special for Men's Underwear Blog readers, Ginch Gonch will be giving away three pairs of this new collection to one lucky reader (a trunk style, a brief style, and a long john). In order to win, all you have to do is send an email to underwearblog-at-gmail.com with a reason why you love London and you'll be entered to win. It's that simple. The subject line of your email must be "I Love London". If your email does not include this subject line your entry may not be counted. Entry period is from now until Sunday February 21, 2010 Friday February 26, 2010 at 12 (midnight) EST. Like always, you can send us more information, creativity can help you win! Here's some more details:

-1 entry per day
-Entry times will be calculated off of EST.
-The entry period 2/16/10 - 2/21/10. extended to 2/26/10
-Decisions of the judges are final and are subjective.
-Your entries will become the property of MUB and Ginch Gonch and may be posted on this site even if they do not win.
-There will be one winner
-MUB and Ginch Gonch reserves the right to change the rules as needed.

click images to enlarge

Exclusive Eye Candy: Butt Bagg

Once again Butt Bagg brings us another fantastic exclusive eye candy shot. In this one Butt Bagg shows off his aussieBum briefs. Also, be sure to check out Butt Bagg's site where you can see more fantastic photos of him in his gear as well as reader submissions.

Eye Candy: Butt Bagg

Here's another MUB exclusive from Butt Bagg. Enjoy! Sorry for the lack of posting, I am currently traveling and have very limited time to post and will be doing so only sporadically.

Happy New Year from BB

Buttbagg would like to wish MUB readers a happy new year. Here's a pic of him created exclusively for this blog. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek: Obviously Low-Rise Range

Here's a first look at the upcoming range from Obviously. These are the low-rise trunks. They also feature a new, wider and sexier waistband. If you have not yet heard of Obviously, they are known for implementing an anatomically correct pouch that allows your stuff to hang freely, as it would naturally, while still being supported. Be on the look out for more sneak peek photos of this range as well as arrival dates.

iCandy: Butt Bagg

You may remember the eye candy shot from Butt Bagg a while back, while here's another exclusive shot. Enjoy!

Eye Candy

A giant thanks to Butt Bagg for this exclusive photo.  Butt Bagg runs a site where you can find photos of him and his gear as well as photos of readers and their gear.  It is definitely worth checking out. And be sure to check back here for more exclusive photos from Butt Bagg.  

Exclusive aussieBum image

This is the last of the exclusive images of the new aussieBum bamboo line (coming soon!). Enjoy!

another exclusive image from aussieBum

aussieBum: exclusive image

This is a photo of part of the new freshhh swimwear line from aussieBum. This particular suit is the freshhh starlight. Stay on the lookout for more exclusive imagery.

First Look: aussieBum Bamboo

This is an exclusive first look at the upcoming Bamboo line from aussieBum. This image and others will be debuting in magazines in a few weeks time. And soon after you will be able to purchase them at aussieBum's website. This is aussieBum's answer to the popular trend of going "green" in terms of underwear fabrics. I cannot tell you much more about this product as the rest is top secret. But I will be keeping you updated as more information comes out. Also, be on the lookout for more exclusive images from aussieBum in the coming days. Remember, you saw it here first.

Kat Got the Cream

The above photo is an exclusive to UB. The photo, so aptly titled "Kat Got the Cream", is one of the first looks oat the new line of underwear from flapkat which will be available for purchase later this month. The model is David White who loved the flapkat underwear so much he had to take some samples home after the photo shoot. He even went on to say that he felt like he was Superman when wearing the Hex brief with the red front and back panels.

flapkat underwear will start out with two styles of double fly briefs, and two styles of boxer briefs (so four styles altogether). They are all made out of shape retaining cotton/lycra fabric so they should look and feel amazing. Later in the year flapkat will be releasing its ribbed cotton range of underwear and quick drying t-shirts perfect for the gym or beach. So stay tuned for those as well. Below is a video of the photo shoot:

So if you like what you see and want to be the first to get your hands on some flapkat, just sign up on their mailing list.

Seasonal Changes in the Pants

Well it is once again time for another installment of Unzipped, so give me a sec to get my pants off, and we can have some fun. This week I thought I'd show you what I'm wearing, so the above photos are of what I had on this week. Last week I told you all about the new Undies from aussieBum, and on Monday I got a pair of the orange ones, so you can see those. Later on this weekend I'm going to post a review about them...just a hint (I love them.) On Monday I wore a pair of Jockey Elance Bikinis, which are my favorite style of underwear. Those are the white ones in the pic. On Wednesday, I wore another pair of new aussieBum's which are pretty cool, and I'm pretty sure everyone who has seen me in them wants a pair. On Thursday, I wore the ball lifter from WildmanT which I'm working on a review for, these guys are pretty fun. They give great lift and are so comfortable. And well on Friday, as any decent man does, I went commando, 'cause who really wears underwear on Fridays anyways?

So my topic of discussion for this week is: Since fall has started I've noticed a lot of guys switching their underwear. From boxers to briefs or from commando to boxers, or if you're me, I switched from bikinis and jocks to boxer briefs. So what do you all do, do you like to change it up or keep it the same?

So as always let me know, what you're thinking, the responses to last week's post were great. Keep them coming. So I've gotta go put my pants back on, and remember to always "Rock Out, With Your Hard Cock Out!"

-Chandler

Review: RIPS Drawstring Brief

Well, I've gotta say, on a whole, RIPS may very well be one of the most over-looked brands out there. I think this may be due in part to the fact that their imagery is pretty low-key and basic. But don't let that fool you, they are anything but boring and blah. Yes, their underwear is fairly basic, but it is incredibly high-quality basic and every man deserves to experience their comfort and quality. And as an added bonus, the are re-vamping their site and image to include much more flashier, sexier imagery of their products (some of the new imagery can be seen in this post).

I have had the opportunity to try all of the RIPS line and a lot of it has far exceeded my expectations. But today, I'd like to highlight their drawstring brief because it is such a unique product to their brand and you won't find anything like it elsewhere.

The drawstring brief, in a sense, is like a Speedo (swim brief) minus the water-proof fabric and liner. It is one of the most comfortable briefs that I have tried. The legbands fit snugly around the legs, as they should, and I have never felt them riding up too high during the day. But they are just the perfect amount of tightness, because I have also never felt constricted by them, nor have I found "legband marks" when I take them off at night. I think the unique aspect, though, that highly contributes to their comfort is the drawstring waist. Unlike other briefs, the fabric is not taut in the body of the brief, the waistband truly holds up the briefs. Without the waistband (or without tying it) the briefs would simply flop down around your mid-thigh (the legbands would still hold them that high). This feature is really great because it allows you to tie your briefs as tightly or as loosely as you desire, allowing for a more roomy or a more supported feel depending on your preference or mood.

The look of these briefs is also great. They provide full-coverage while still maintaining some sexiness. These briefs truly could be worn as swimwear and you would not feel exposed at all. But they still feel sexy because of the drawstring, and the fact that if the drawstring is loosened just a bit they will fall open and reveal all (which also makes for easy access in the restroom).

The variety in fabric and colors that these briefs come in is great. They make them in crisp, classic white, a heather gray and a sexy black. They also have them in blue in the RIPS colors range (shown). They also come in the performance range. And in the future, they will come in red and yellow once those colors in the colors range have been launched.

All in all, these briefs give a good bank for your buck. When you wear these, you'll be sure to have something comfortable and fun that hardly anyone else will have. The unique waist really makes these briefs the great product that they are. You can also get a trunk version with a drawstring if you prefer.

MY RATING:Overall, I give the RIPS Drawstring Brief a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:

FIT -- 10 (out of 10)
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10)
STYLE -- 9 (out of 10)
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10)
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10)

********** 9

Exclusive RIPS photo #5

Here's another exclusive photo from RIPS. This is the back of the RIPS Extreme sheer contour pouch brief. To check out the first exclusive photo, click here. And to get the second (which is the front of this same jock), click here. For the third, click here. And for the fourth, click here. More to come soon!

Exclusive RIPS photo #4

Here's another exclusive photo from RIPS. This is the back of the RIPS Extreme sheer jock. To check out the first exclusive photo, click here. And to get the second (which is the front of this same jock), click here. And for the third, click here. More to come soon!