New Cocksox - Reviewed!

If you've been reading MUB for a while, you'll know that I've long been a fan of Cocksox. They continue to innovate and stay on top of trends while continually delivering quality and comfortable products. It appears I haven't actually reviewed a pair since 2006 when they first launched -- a lot has changed in underwear and with Cocksox since then.

In honor of Cocksox's 10th anniversary (which was in 2016), I'd like to talk about their new(ish) Lustrous Elements CX12MT Boxer. I tried it in 'Gold Shimmer' (black with gold band). 

I have to admit, when I first pulled these out of the package they looked big. Not like I got the wrong size big, but just like they'd be an awkward fit big. I've tried enough underwear to be able to tell a lot from just looking at them. But don't let that deter you. Once I put them on, they fit surprisingly well. This is due in part to their seamless design - they are seamless from front to back. The only seams connect the signature Cocksox pouch to the body of the underwear. This seamlessness allows these trunks (despite the name, they're really trunks) to conform perfectly to your body's contours. Unlike some of Cocksox's earlier pairs, the pouch supports but is not too in-your-face enhancing. 

These undies are comfy. The fabric is a superb combo of supplex and lycra, making for wonderful all-day comfort. As promised by Cocksox, they do hold their shape after many washes. What I was most impressed by was how well the fabric seems to support things and hug your curves, despite being lightweight. It doesn't stretch out. Another comfort factor is the elimination of the scratchy tags (as is pretty commonplace these days). But Cocksox went the extra mile with a subtle detail, instead of stitching the elastic band together at the back of the waist, they opted to put the seam on the side for additional comfort. Great move! I seriously forgot I was wearing underwear at several points throughout the day. 

The style is basic - they come in black with a gold waistband or white with a silver waistband. But basic is not a bad thing. The feel of these makes them anything but basic. And the stylish metallic waistband adds a little extra appeal. The band is 32mm, which is a little narrower than many underwear bands, setting them apart. But the overall feel is still very masculine, despite the narrower band. 

As mentioned already, the quality is great. These have held up well in multiple washings with no stretching or fading. And I have a feeling they will continue to fair quite well as I put them into my regular rotation. At $34, they are on the pricey side for such a basic pair. But Cocksox is having a special deal where you can create a value pack by adding 3+ of a style to your cart for a savings. See their site for more details. 

MY RATING: Overall, I give the Cocksox Lustrous Elements Boxer a total score of 9 based on the following criteria: 
FIT -- 10 (out of 10) - Seamless design allows these trunks to conform smoothly to your body.
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10) - Seamlessness and other details allow for all day-comfort. Quality, comfortable fabric.
STYLE -- 8 (out of 10) - Basic, sexy, masculine.
QUALITY -- 10 (out of 10) - High quality fabric and construction.
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - A little expensive for what they are, but more worthwhile in a multi-pack.

 ********** 9

New Brand - Skull & Bones

Today I want to introduce a new brand on the men's underwear scene Skull & Bones. Founded in New York City this past December, the brand is built on the belief that they can make superior basics that are exciting, without charging the customer an arm and a leg.

Skull & Bones aims to fill a void in the underwear market -- combining a cross between premium, yet "edgy" and exciting underwear. Many brands are either luxury OR risqué, S&B aims to combine both to bring you high-quality basics. As they put it "we make basics that are anything but basic".

I'm told their team tested hundreds of fits and fabrics to produce an exceptional product. They landed on modal, supima cotton and a carbon fiber fabric depending on the line you choose.

Quick Verdict: I had the opportunity to sample a pair of the classic trunks, and I have to say I am impressed. Pulling them out of the package I was a bit skeptical about how they'd fit as the cut looked different than what I've seen before (and that's saying something coming from me, I've seen LOTS of undies). But to my surprise and delight they fit like a glove and conformed nicely to my body to highlight assets both up front and behind. The undies are really quite basic, but the attention to detail is there and sets them apart. These are not your run-of-the-mill three-pack basics, these are high-quality, wear on the first sex date to impress basics. My only real complaint about the brand is I wish there was more variety in colors and cuts. But I'm sure that will come as they progress. I'd love to see their take on briefs!

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

JOR '80s Jockstrap Review

JOR is a brand that I didn't know all too much about until recently. They are a Colombian based underwear company, but have their products sold through many different places online. Most of their underwear are simple and basic styles, but they use many colors and color combinations that most companies wouldn't. The jockstrap I will be reviewing I purchased at MensUnderwearStore .

I own a few jockstraps, and I decided to give this one a try. I wear jockstraps mostly when working out, but sometimes I do like to wear them under normal everyday clothes. It's kind of a sexy secret, that only I know about.

JOR '80s Jock Strap 

Once I got this jockstrap, I was so excited to wear it, that I wore it out the next day. I had never really worn a jockstrap under jeans before, but it is definitely a feeling that I could get used to. There's a sense of freedom to it that I had never felt before.   

MensUnderwearStore carries a number of different colors, and prints of this jockstrap, but I chose to go with the pink waistband and black and white striped pouch. The pink is a very vibrant color, somewhat of a cross between highlighter pink, and bubblegum pink. 

The fabric of this is great. It is a 96% Polyester /4% Spandex blend. It is much stretchier than other jockstraps that I have. But it isn't too stretchy that it will lose it's elasticity quickly. With the spandex blend in it, it gives you somewhat of a "natural hang" in the pouch, while still supporting everything. 

I am normally a small in most company's sizing, and this one is no different. The only downside to these that I would say is that the straps that go around the back are just the tiniest bit too long. I do think part of this can be contributed to my lack of "junk in the trunk".  

The straps sit in a good place in the back, and don't seem to move around too much during movement. The elastic is just the right amount of tight. It is tight to your body, so it won't slide around, but it isn't too tight, to squeeze you too much. I have had other jockstraps where the waistband in the back likes to rise up, but these don't seem to do that. I have worn and washed these a number of times, and don't see any signs of wear on them. I would definitely recommend these for working out, wearing around the house, or everyday wear. They are super breathable, and very comfortable. 

Overall, I would give this jockstrap a solid 8.5/10. 

FIT: 8/10

COMFORT: 9.1/10

STYLE: 7.9/10

QUALITY: 8.5/10

VALUE: 7/10  

-Michael 

New Brand Sheath + Review

So far I've reviewed some big names in underwear which happen to be some of my favourites. Now, I have for you a brand most of you won't be familiar with, Sheath. The pair I was sent is the Sheath 2.0 boxer brief.

Sheath has created a boxer brief with the active guy in mind. This is a very traditional cut and look for a boxer brief and while the design is simple the engineering and thought put into this boxer brief shows when you put it on. I did notice on the Sheath website that the boxer briefs are true and tested in some extremely active situations like mountain climbing, martial arts and yoga (and probably more).

Most guys are probably familiar with the pouch designs in active boxer briefs with the growth of the market all over North America. Sheath has created a pouch design that as you may guess is where the name Sheath comes from. It's a different design from 'keyholes' or lifting/enhancing pouches by a piece of fabric seen into the pouch that allows your stuff to sit into the pouch much like the lip of a cup [Uman says: reminds me a bit of the now-defunct brand Alio]. The fabric used is stretchable and lightweight enough to be comfortable and doesn't rely on any hardware or wiring inside the pouch to maintain shape. So this is a very gentle approach to underwear designed to separate and support your package. There is still some room for improvement in the pouch though, I found that as my package grew and shrunk in the cold weather that I would need to check and reposition myself.

The construction of the rest of the boxer brief is an obviously classic feel. A lot of modern underwear and pants for that matter have been lower rises including other athletic/active underwear. So this does stand out because of the higher rise. Other than the signature sheath pouch design and the higher rise, the construction is simplistic and minimalist. This includes the waistband which is a hidden fabric covered waistband with a small tag on the front that has the logo and brand Sheath. A great thing about this type of support in boxer briefs is the freedom a lot of guys are crazy about doesn't come with slipping out of one of the leg holes and for some this can happen constantly. So, if not for the construction for athletic needs, this is a great price for holding everything in place so you aren't slipping and falling out of your underwear.

If you aren't already familiar with my size, I am about a 26-28 waist and just under average height. So, when possible I try to go for the smallest size available from a retailer. The 1.0 is made in a boy's sizing 26-28 as the smallest size and the 2.0 is a 28-30. I was sent a 28-30 for this review and I was a little sad when I put these on that they were just a little big. I wasn't surprised but the higher rise did move and shift on me because of the sizing. Now, this is mostly just a heads up for the smaller guys who may be too small for these. But for every other guy who isn't a 28 these should fit great. Especially since the target audience for these boxer briefs is guys who have some more muscle, you should be fine to order the same size as your jeans. As for the leg size, these were perfect, not too tight and not to small and with a little stretch should stretch perfectly.

The fabric choice is also something most guys will be comfortable and at home with. This is a 95% cotton and 5% Elastane blend with average stretch. The 2.0 design was made to be more lightweight than the original design and as such will be more breathable and have a more natural/barely there feel. There isn't much to say about the fabric choice as it felt while I was wearing these because it is a simplistic blend. Throughout the day these moved with me and didn't require constant adjustment or shifting from moving but as I mentioned with the weather, I would slip once in a while.

Design is simple with the brand Sheath. I assume because the point of the underwear is to provide support to active people they've made a minimal design to keep the price for the consumer low and to allow for a lot of testing and designing newer designs. So, keeping all that in mind, as I mentioned before, we have a classic boxer brief that has a high rise and short length legs. This boxer brief does come in five colors (black, grey, white, blue and red) which is quite typical of many active wear brands.

It is worth mentioning that on the website there are close up pictures of the 2.0 design which shows a close up of the inside cup design and at the time of me writing this the 1.0 design is on sale.

UMan says: The folks at Sheath have generously extended a 20% off offer to MUB readers with coupon code MUB.

MY RATING:  6 (out of 10)

Recommended for: Active and bigger guys. 

COMFORT: 9

CONSTRUCTION: 7

DURABILITY: 7

DESIGN: 5

APPEAL: 5

VALUE: 7

Emporio Armani Big Eagle Brief

Emporio Armani is one of those coveted brands that I had always hoped to one day own. However, for the longest time, I couldn’t bring myself to splurge the amount of money one of these pairs command. But one day I finally took the leap and this bright green pair of Emporio Armani Big Eagle printed briefs is the first Armani brief I have worn. As fate would have it, there has not been any Emporio Armani underwear reviewed on this blog and it is my pleasure to share with you my impressions of this bright green (I think officially it is called mint green) stretch cotton brief. It is also available in black, white, marine and mastic.

Let's start with the most obvious thing about the underwear: It has a rubberized Emporio Armani logo eagle on the hip. This raised design element looks amazing but doesn’t get uncomfortable. In daily wear you can barely tell there are these lines running on your underwear. So that’s not something you need to worry about. Speaking of comfort, there is no lifting or pushing out of your package in the front like in certain products that aim to enhance the bulge. Just ample room for your precious cargo to hang and be supported. This makes it very comfortable to wear for extended periods. You feel like you have nothing on. No complaints about the waistband whatsoever either.

Finally, I am also able to comment on long term performance of this underwear as well since it has gone through the cycle of wear and wash a few times. The one thing that was disappointing about something in this price range was that the fabric on the crotch shows a lot of pilling. Also known as bobble, these are small round balls of fibre which result from rubbing or abrasion. This makes the underwear look unsightly and old. As per my understanding of textiles, this is more prominent in fabrics made of shorter length fibre. So take that as you will about the quality of this $30 underwear.

Overall, I would give these Emporio Armani Big Eagle Briefs a total score of 7/10:

FIT: 7/10
COMFORT: 8/10
STYLE: 8/10 (really depends on your feelings towards the green)
QUALITY: 6/10
VALUE: 6/10

Andrew Christian Spree Brief Review

So, I have to completely honest. I just bought this pair of briefs today and could not help but put em on and write a review. I've become a very regular customer at this men's boutique here in Alberta, Canada and have been having a lot of fun with shopping and having access to a lot of different brands all under one roof. So this boutique always has a lot of Andrew Christian and for good reasons - it has a broad audience they make a lot of different color, style and fabric combos.

I first fell in love with Andrew Christian when turned 18 and went to my first adult convention where I happened upon a booth with some Andrew Christian for sale. I was immediately drawn to the thongs and had my friend help me pick out the right one. I like to think this is the point in my life where I became an underwear fanatic, this was the tipping point and as such, Andrew Christian has a really close place to my heart as the reason why I fell in love with underwear. I still compare the quality of all of my thongs to the first one I got from AC. Now, onto the review. I will be reviewing the Almost Naked Spree Brief (with Snuggle Pouch).

I want to start with the sizing first because this is the first time I have bought an extra small (26-28) from AC. I usually buy a 28-30 in most underwear because that is usually the smallest size available and the same has been true with AC until recently. I'm rather glad I did just to try out an extra small, but also because I have a small waist (about 27) and the fit of these as you can see is very low in the front. Even though I do have a small waist, my legs and butt aren't small. The leg holes are a little tighter and I can certainly feel that when I put them on at first in the morning but I don't have a problem with them being too constricting; they move with my body. You should consider buying a size bigger if you are a 28 waist to have some more leg and butt room. Of course you may not need to worry about this if you plan to wear these to be flirty and they are coming off quickly.

As for the fit, they can be summed up with tight and bright. I'm a huge fan of tight-fitting, so this really hit the mark for me. At times I did find myself adjusting the back by pulling it up onto my waist, it didn't feel too skimpy or ill-paired with my regular dress clothes though. I felt really naughty wearing something so lightweight, barely there, so low rise and flamboyant - but that's what really attracted me to these. I would be careful, however, about wearing them too long since they are such a tight fit on the legs. But as I previously mentioned, if you are aware of your size you shouldn't have to worry about that and can enjoy the tight and bright feel of these briefs.

The construction is probably the most intriguing part of these briefs and they are expertly designed. The construction is very specific and it really shows in three aspects of these briefs which are as follows:

1. The waistline is not the typical elastic Andrew Christian logo style. Instead it is a simple single-color waistband that AC calls a crisscross band. The band dips down lower than an average brief showing some more skin in front.
2.  The pouch is designed as (again I'm going with what AC calls it) a "snuggle pouch" which holds everything in place a little higher up and out from the body instead of tucked in. This added push up caught my attention and I did see a difference through my pants - these were doing what they were designed to do. 
3. There is a well placed rear seam that is accents the butt and gives definition to each cheek. 

So overall, the construction is well done and some of the best I've seen.

The AC site shows some of their briefs in action on their models with a bounce test about how they fare for jiggling and moving and I have to agree from my own experience with what the videos show. There is virtually no moving/bouncing or discomfort when moving in these briefs, everything stays in place separate from the rest of the body. Even though these are not the most covering briefs, I would love to hear how these work for other guys at the gym. I haven't had a chance to wear to the gym yet but would like to see what others might think. These would actually be really fun to wear out or on stage at the bar because as AC site says, the neon colors will glow under black light. Perfect for under your white pants. ;)

The fabric is another thing to note about this brief. They come in three colors: white, royal and black. They are made in a cotton-spandex blend while the yellow is made in 100% polyester. This is done once in a while and keep in mind I am reviewing the cotton-spandex blend in blue/pink. Online this fabric does look almost velvety, and at first I was hesitant about that, but in person it is a lot softer. Both the body of the brief and the waistband are made from the same material, so it does all feel like one piece of fabric which is very comfortable down there.

My last comments about this brief is actually a con, and that is that these are a LIMITED EDITION brief and this will be the only time you can get it!! I recommend you get it while your size is still available. And one other thing, they are ~$27 on the AC website so also a little pricey but in my opinion, these are the kind of brief that you would want at least one of to try.

MY RATING: 9.6 (out of 10)

Recommended for: feeling naughty and flamboyant. 

COMFORT: 9.5

CONSTRUCTION: 10

DURABILITY: 9.5

DESIGN: 10

APPEAL: 10

VALUE: 8.5

A New Classic - aussieBum Lockerboy Reviewed

It's been a long time since I've written a review, I guess I just haven't found much worth talking about in a while. But recently I've stumbled across what I believe is a new classic from aussieBum. Today I'm going to be reviewing the new(ish) Lockerboy range from aussieBum.

If you've been following us for any period of time, you'll know that here at MUB we love aussieBum. They are always innovative, stylish and above all else comfy. So it came as no surprise when I received a sample package from them recently that there was a LOT of great new undies in there. So hard to decide what to wear and review first. I chose the Lockerboy range to talk about first because I believe that these are what I call a new classic, truly everyone can wear and enjoy these undies.

For the purpose of this review I tried out their hipster trunks. I have also tried their lockerboy briefs and have equal amounts of praise for those as well. The fit of these trunks is superb, not too long and not too short. The right length that a modest guy will feel comfortable in these, but at the same time a guy who likes to be a little sexier won't feel too covered up. The cut of these conform nicely to the male curves, making a very simple design look very luxe. The pouch seems to have an enhancing factor as well, it holds your package a bit away from the body making it look larger.

Along with the superb fit, the comfort is also on point. The fabric is a nice mid-weight cotton/elastane blend so they are soft and smooth to the touch. As is standard with aussieBum, the waistband is thin and lays flat with a soft, comfy interior. Unlike many brands that opt for tagless designs, aussieBum uses pillow tags on the waistband interior. But don't worry, it's so well done you won't even know it's there! I think one of the keys to comfort with these undies is that they don't have elastic bands around the legs, instead aussieBum has opted for a comfortable folded over design. This still holds the legs in place, while allowing for movement.

The style of these is definitely what many would consider to be basic, but that's why I like them. They're simple, attractive, but they aren't trying too hard. So many things out right now are trying to be the next big, trendy thing and they just miss with over-the-top style that no one actually wants to wear. You'll want to wear these over and over again because they are classic. With these aussieBum has taken classic men's underwear designs and modernized them with some splashes of color, but they haven't taken it too far. These will look as good five years from now as they do today (although we do recommend you replace your undies more frequently).

As for quality, aussieBum always makes high quality underwear. These wash great in the washing machine repeatedly without fading, stretching, tearing or any of the other nasty things that happen to lesser quality underwear when washed. So yes they're $23 a pair, which is a little expensive for something so simple. But they're worth it. You will get so much wear out of these, seriously go buy them!

MY RATING: 
Overall, I give the aussieBum Lockerboy Hipster a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 10 (out of 10) - Superb fit. Conforms to all the male curves.
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10) - Luxe, you won't want to take them off. Great fabric and waistband.
STYLE -- 9.5 (out of 10) - Classic with modern colors.
QUALITY -- 10 (out of 10) - Great attention to detail. Washes and wears well.
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - A little pricey for a basic, but you will get a lot of use out of them.

 ********** 9

Thonging, Obviously - A Review

The Obviously Geometric Thong is quickly becoming my favorite thong! While some guys may be hesitant to try thongs because of the idea of having a piece of string running up the crack, this thong is one I'd recommend for anyone, from novice thong wearer to the experienced thong connoisseur. I am proud to review this thong for you today.

This thong has a very "cool" design. It is bedecked with the a geometric pattern on the pouch. This particular design is made up of an array of colors, including gray, black, white, and a cool baby blue. Across the black waistband closer to the left hip, the brand's namesake "Obviously" is prominently but tastefully displayed in the same baby blue. The designer does a very good job of pulling the color scheme together in a cohesive and artistic manner throughout. The string of the thong is wider than some I've worn, so there's not as much discomfort as with some strings.

Obviously has created one of the most comfortable thongs I have encountered. The waistband is hardly noticeable, even after a long day; whereas many thongs have waistbands that are too tight and that leave an impression in the skin after just a few hours, this waistband is snug without being too tight. What is probably the thing that distinguishes this thong from any other I've worn is the pouch; while most thongs have a "barely there" pouch with hardly any fabric, this thong has a considerably roomier pouch, which Obviously calls an "anatomical pouch.". Usually, in my experience, when you get hard in a thong, there's no way to stay inside the pouch. But this pouch seems to expand as I do. The thong is made of a Modal/Lycra blended fabric, and I must say that it is super soft and has a nice "airy" feel. The fabric also wicks away sweat from the groin to keep things nice and dry. 

As far as price goes, this thong is a little on the pricey side. At roughly $25 a pair, this thong may not be for the novice who is unsure as to whether he wants to try thongs or not. However, as a more seasoned thong wearer, I can honestly say that I can see paying this much for a thong this comfortable and stylish. 

Overall, I give the Obviously Geometric Thong a 9 out of 10 based on the following categories:

Style = 10 (out of 10): very stylistic design with cool patterns and a good choice of colors

Fit = 10 (out of 10): anatomical pouch sets this thong above most others

Comfort = 10 (out of 10): very comfortable Modal/Lycra fabric blend

Value = 7 (out of 10): a bit on the pricey end, so not for the hesitant, but definitely worth the price for what you get

Croota Review - Sprinkles! (Part 1 of 2)

I've told UMan about that I don't wear boxer briefs often - I prefer to have underwear that is fun, revealing, tight fitting and even daring. You don't often find these qualities in a boxer brief but, I was pleasantly surprised with what came across my underwear drawer recently. I was given the chance to review two new Croota products, both of which are boxer briefs. One is a trunk style and the other is a more traditional length. 

So, here's the first review. For the second review, keep your eye out for the All The Pattern review (coming soon).

First up is Sprinkles!

I'm actually really in love with the Sprinkles pair because they automatically popped out. The concept is something I've never thought about, kind of like a combo of a polka dot with a retro twist. I can't get over the name too, it just sounds fun! I had no idea what two pairs I was getting so it was a surprise that these were included. I immediately decided these were first to put on. I got the grey pair (I am modeling above) which has a simple white band, contour pouch and a short leg. The stitching on the legs gives the trunks a classic feel and paired with the colorful sprinkles pattern is really fun and nostalgic. So these definitely fit in the category of fun and flashy.

The sizing for the sprinkles pair I got is 27-29, small which worked nicely for me (I'm about a 27). I do appreciate having a sizing that goes below 28 because it is so difficult to find something that is tight fitting enough to not get too big through the day. Not many brands do go to a 27 or even a 26 and it definitely makes a difference. They fit me nicely in the waist, the junk and butt area.  The legs fit a little big in back right beneath the butt though. I suspect this is simply for comfort while walking or for shape while sitting as well as me being a 27, the smaller end of the sizing. The pouch is seamed on the sides and once down the middle to slightly contour, though the trunks hold everything comfortably snug. 

Croota uses a simple fabric blend of cotton with an elastane for stretch, so there isn't anything really special for these in that department but this works as an advantage. These are definitely not meant to be anything kinky or daring so a simple fabric choice is good for comfort and to get guys to try out something different in their comfort zone.

I've worn these to work, school, and to lounge at home and found it was comfortable, moveable and functional. They do, as I mentioned, have a little more room (as you can see in the picture above) in the legs so watch for bunching under slimmer pants. This is certainly where my love for jocks and thongs comes from, I simply don't like fabric that feels like it doesn't need to be there. 

I really wish they would make some more colors of this style. I love nice neutral tones with pops of color, it's fun and different but also realistic for the average guy too. I could also really see these in an inverted color scheme like bright pink with chocolate sprinkles or white, grey and black. There's definitely a lot of potential for this boxer brief.

MY RATING: 8.25 (out of 10)

Recommended for: Comfort and showing off (whatever that may be ;) )

COMFORT: 9

CONSTRUCTION: 8

DURABILITY: 7.5

DESIGN: 8.5

APPEAL: 8.5

VALUE: 8

Stay tuned for the next part where I will review the All That Pattern boxer brief.

CIN-2 Grip Jock Review

CIN-2 is hands down one of my favorite brands so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I decided to review their Core Grip Jockstrap. 

This jock doesn’t look very similar to other styles, it has a different strap design and the pouch is contoured with side seams as opposed to a central seam found on many other styles of underwear. I find this front seam can be unflattering or distracting but these side seams flatter while also providing the same if not superior pouch contour and support as other brands.

This jock was definitely designed with the active guy in mind, it wicks away moisture and provides great support. The straps connect to the front pouch and I find this helps in keeping everything in the right place for the day. The downside to the fabric is that you can’t use a fabric softener while washing so you do require some extra care for this Jock.

While it is obvious this was made for the active guy, I’ve worn these for many different reasons. They’re great for warm summer days, running, and I’ve even worn these underneath a full suit on an active day. So consider this no matter your lifestyle.

An added bonus about this jock is that the Grip line is an ongoing collection by CIN-2, it is redone every once in a while in more colors keeping you up to date with new looks but the same quality. If you enjoy working out in style, you are going to have luck with this being available in many colors including a new season of colors that was just recently released. 

If you aren’t much of a jock kind of guy the Grip line is also available in other styles offering more coverage. This jock leaves very little to the imagination but the waist moves easily and adjusts nicely. 

MY RATING: 9.25 (out of 10)

Recommended for: Comfortable (and stylish) working out. 

COMFORT: 10

CONSTRUCTION: 9.5

DURABILITY: 9

DESIGN: 9

APPEAL: 9.5

VALUE: 8.5 They are a little expensive, but worth it in my opinion. 

Bottoms Out Reviewed

Bottoms O*U*T is an all-American brand out of NYC. Their products have what they call a "chill attitude" for the casual and dorming lifestyle. They are, in a word, what I would call "basic" underwear. But today I want to review them because we don't often discuss basic, everyday underwear on this site. And these are really great basic option. Today we will be reviewing the Bottoms O*U*T boxer briefs.  

First off I must say, I don't usually wear underwear that comes in three-packs, so this is quite a change from what I normally wear. That being said, I was quite pleasantly surprised with the quality of these boxer briefs. I received the Bottoms Out boxer briefs in the basic army, charcoal, heather grey combo pack, but they do come in more exciting colors and patterns as well.  

These boxer briefs fit quite well. They aren't too tight or too loose and I haven't experienced the legs riding up as is often a problem with boxer briefs. The legs are the perfect length. I usually don't like underwear with a functional fly as they tend to be not too useful, but on these boxer briefs it actually enhances the look and fit of the underwear. And from those that have the privilege of seeing me in just my underwear, I've been told that they make my ass and package look nice.

These boxer briefs are surprisingly comfortable considering they are made from a cotton/polyester blend. The fabric is soft to the touch as is the waistband. The seamless construction across the sides and rear not only makes for a comfortable fit, but also makes these undies perfect under tight pants - these have become a go-to for me under tight dress pants. One caveat, they don't breathe super well, so I wouldn't recommend them for working out, etc. 

Style-wise these are quite basic, although some pairs are more stylish depending on the pattern. For example, some pairs have patterned or contrast elastics. What I like is that each three-pack has good variety within the pack. You can also buy them as single pairs if you prefer. The quality of these is quite good for basic underwear, I would highly recommend them. And at $29 for a three-pack or $8 for a single pair, they are a good value!

MY RATING:

Overall, I give the Bottoms O*U*T boxer briefs a total score of 9 based on the following criteria: 

FIT -- 8 (out of 10) - Great fit. Nice seamless rear and side construction makes them perfect under tight pants.

COMFORT -- 8 (out of 10) - Surprisingly comfortable for a cotton/poly blend. Doesn't breathe well. 

STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Basic. More stylish depending on the color option selected.

QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Good quality for something so basic. Not your average three-pack

VALUE -- 10 (out of 10) - For a three-pack they are a bargain. 

********** 9

Mckillop YUCA Brief Review

A couple months back we introduced you to the new YUCA collection from Mckillop. Today I'd like to offer my review of the YUCA hosta brief. I haven't had much opportunity to sample Mckillop underwear before this, but I have to say they treat their craft with pride.  Every pair is custom made to order and is truly a work of art. This is a great system because it means they'll basically never run out of your size; if you want it they'll make it. And moreover, it didn't take that much longer for them to arrive (considering they're made to order and all).

My first impression of these undies is that they're amazingly soft. In fact, that's the reason I chose to put them on for the day; the fabric is just so soft and smooth to the touch. Excuse me a second while I touch myself... mmmmm. Where was I? Ah yes, the fabric. The fabric is awesome. Just generally these are some damn comfy undies.

How do they fit? Again really no complaints in that department. As for how they fit, they're an interesting cross between a full brief and a skimpy brief. You may wonder what I mean by that, let me explain. The back and sides are what I'd classify as more of a full brief; it's large, full-coverage. Your typical brief. But the front actually takes a turn towards the more skimpy. It's not super skimpy by any means, but there's much less coverage compared to the silhouette of the rest of the brief. I like this contrast. Also the pouch is constructed in such a manner as to give you shape and lift. My package looks HUGE in these things. It's not obnoxious or fake looking, but it definitely has an enhancing effect. The key here is the briefs are form fitting along the perineum allowing the pouch to perfectly cup and lift your balls forward along with the rest of your goods. Again it doesn't feel or look fake, it's a perfect design. The legbands are much thicker than your average bands. I don't mind this actually. They are, however, not super tight. Again this is not really a problem. They're not so loose that your junk is falling out, but they stay away from being so tight that they make you muffin top around your legs (if you've experienced this you know what I'm talking about).

Style wise these briefs are on point. The body of the brief is basic black everywhere (or white if you go with that version) with a simple black waistband. There is a simple logo on the waistband centered in the front. But there is also an element of fun to them: the pouch. The pouch has a floral mesh overlay (it is an overlay, so the pouch is NOT sheer) with contrast stitching. It does bring emphasis to the pouch without being vulgar. In a few words they are simple, classy, and understated. A perfect combo. What about value? Well yes these undies are custom made to order by hand, so don't expect them to be dirt cheap. But the quality here is much better than much of the competition. You can tell these are made with love and by people who pride themselves in their work. Every last detail is perfectly done. So with that in mind, I think $40 CAD (around $38 USD) is a perfectly reasonable price to pay for these undies. This collection is limited edition, so go get them while they last!

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Mckillop YUCA briefs a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Great fit.  Nice cross between skimpy and full cut brief. Loose legbands. Enhancing pouch.
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10) - Amazingly comfy fabric.
STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Basic with some style.  Simple, classy, and understated.
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Handmade to order. Great attention to detail.
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - A little pricey, but worth it if you can afford it.

 ********** 9

Brief Boys Review Good Devil Ballz-Out Boxer Briefs

GoodDevil

Ballz-OutBoxer Briefs

Avg. $24.50

Brief Boys Mitchell and Patton review the Ballz-Out Boxer Brief, by Good Devil – “for those who dare.”

Patton: I couldn’t wear them, but I don’t knock ‘em for trying.

Mitchell: I was surprised that I could wear them. The overall concept seems a little outlandish, but a whole day of wearing them isn’t as distracting as you’d think. And for what they are they’re well made.

P: I get the idea, and I can see how they’d work. They’re just not for me. For what they are, though, they do seem to work. Your balls fit pretty well through the opening and, well, there they are. They’re out! Good for a hot day I guess.

M: Totally. I usually wear thinner or lighter briefs with tight pants or shorts, so these are a good candidate for that. Having your balls out does open up more opportunities for pinching, though, or snagging on things you don’t want to snag. But it’s a nice alternative to full commando – the “free” feeling of being out there but without having them stick to your leg.

P: Can’t really argue with that. What I found most uncomfortable was the penis “pocket” – a little constrictive, and maybe a better fit for grow-ers than show-ers.

M: Yeah, it’s a tight fit. Most often it ends up off to the side. The other downside to the overall fit is in the back – they don’t seem like they’re quite high enough, and I found myself constantly tugging them back up. The tag is also a bit oversized and tends to stick up.

P: I suppose one good market for these is guys concerned with their sperm count who still want to wear briefs. All the support of a brief, only your “swimmie” factory gets to stay cool and productive.

M: Perhaps that’s why the two of us are having so much trouble conceiving.

P: I doubt it’s the only reason, but we can look into it. Overall, even though these aren’t for everyone, they go beyond the gimmick. These actually could find their way into a man’s regular rotation.

M: Agreed. You might want to think twice on gym days, though.

P: Or if you’re wearing super short-shorts.

M: Yikes.

 FIT /  Good
 COMFORT /  Good
 STYLE /  Good
 QUALITY /  Excellent
 VALUE /  Average

 BOTTOM LINE /  Not for everyone, but great for guys looking for something sexy, fun, and functional.

Brief Boys Review Mack Weldon Brief

Mack Weldon Brief
Avg. $19.50 US

Brief Boys Mitchell and Patton review the Mack Weldon Brief, a pair of “smart underwear for smart guys.”

Mitchell: After I figured out how to get these on, I didn’t want to take them off.

Patton: There is that first step, though – they are kind of baffling when you first look at them. The trick is finding the little tab with the Weldon logo, right next to the fly. The W faces out. Otherwise, it’s really easy to put these on inside-out. I’ve worn them to the gym a couple times and feel a little sheepish, standing there trying to decipher my underwear.

M: I don’t think anybody minds.

P: I do.

M: Well, nobody else. But seriously, there’s really no other way you can go wrong with this brief. They’re one of the most comfortable pairs I’ve worn in years, and are very stylish. Mack Weldon pride themselves on their “fusion between old-school quality and modern day technology,” and they have every right.

P: Definitely. The fabric is a jersey made from cotton, Modal, and Lycra – an antimicrobial blend that’s incredibly soft and manages moisture extremely well. I normally wear them around the house, at the office, whatever, but I also wore them hiking once, and they’re not a bad substitute for higher-performing athletic briefs.

M: I agree. Also – you know I have a waistband thing – I’ve never encountered such a comfortable, nonintrusive waistband. Just the right amount of stretch without any of the usual scratchiness. The sizing label is printed on the fabric itself, on the outside. My only concern is that, over time, the waistband could warp and/or lose its elasticity.

P: I don’t know… they seem like they’re pretty well engineered. But only time will tell, I guess.

M: I’m not arguing that at all – these are very well made. I just, you know, wonder. Can a pair of underwear be perfect?

P: No pair is perfect, but these are pretty close. Mack Weldon put a lot of love into these briefs. They’re meticulously designed, extremely well-made, and – you can tell – will fit almost any guy. They even have a dart at the base of the crotch which gives a little more of a pouch shape than conventional fry-front briefs.

M: I did wonder what they’d come up with if they tried to make a brief with an actual structured pouch. With all the skill and energy that went into this pair, they might actually create the perfect pair of men’s briefs.

P: Only if they added a “this side out” label right across the butt, just to prevent confusion.

M: Until someone else wonders what “this side out” means…

P: All they have to do is ask.

 FIT /  Excellent
 COMFORT /  Good
 STYLE /  Excellent
 QUALITY /  Excellent
 VALUE /  Excellent

 BOTTOM LINE /  Superbly crafted with attention to detail you only get from master clothiers.