Kronis - New Brand + Exclusive Discount

Hello friends, today I'd like to introduce you to an awesome new brand called KRONIS. KRONIS is a fantastic new line of basics designed in Italy. 

The line comes in trunks and boxer briefs in sexy, solid colors. Yes these undies look basic, but the feel is anything but. They're made from high quality, brushed cotton that you really have to feel to appreciate. They'd make a great addition to your everyday wardrobe. 

Seriously these are some of the softest, comfiest undies I've tried recently. But don't just take my word for it, try them for yourself!

KRONIS is offering an exclusive coupon code of 25% off your first purchase from their Amazon store. To get your unique code, simply fill out this form and you'll be emailed a one-time use code. 

KRONIS undies come in 2-packs and are sold exclusively on Amazon. Typically they sell for $20 for two, but with our exclusive reader discount, you can snag a couple for only $15!

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!

New Elite Sport Collection from Garçon Model

Our friends at Garçon Model have recently launched a new collection entitled Elite Sport. The collection contains briefs and trunks in a more muted palette than the brightly-colored hues that the brand has become known for. The waistband has also received an update with a sportier branding. We're really digging the new look.

Elite Sport introduces 4 new styles to the line and is made of bamboo. The briefs and trunks are available now for $28 and $32 respectively. 

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

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

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.

Croota Releases "Sprinkles" Range

Croota underwear has just released its ‘Sprinkles’ range of men’s trunks, adding to a 2014 collection of underwear filled with unique styles, designs and fits. We can't wait to see the rest of the upcoming 2014 range!

Croota’s ‘Sprinkles’ trunks offer a subtle splattering of colors against one of two monochromatic color options: grey or black. The range features a waistband that is a mixture of two distinctive materials (cotton and elastane), which give the Croota logo a reflective surface. 

Like its other ranges, Croota’s ‘Sprinkles’ range is a lo-rise glove-fit pair of men’s trunks. It was designed for a guy who likes simple designs and subtle flair. It is made with 95% breathable cotton and 5% elastane, and retails for $22.95. 

Rounderwear Jam Beat Trunks Reviewed

Today I'd like to introduce you to a new brand with a little review. Rounderwear is a brand that has recently come to my attention. They have A LOT to offer in the way of underwear for men.  Just a brief perusal of their website reveals this. They have everything from boxers, to briefs, to jocks, to thongs and everything in between. They have a number of different collections to offer as well. There's the classic Rounderbum collection as well as the Jam collection (which has several collections within it). They also make underwear for Joe's Jeans and Seven7 Jeans.  Today I'm going to review the Jam Beat trunks.

The fit of these trunks is perfect.  It's exactly what you would expect from a trunk.  It's close-fitting and hugs the body but not too close.  The leg length is good.  It isn't too long but isn't so short that it's confused for a brief.  They fit very well through the crotch so that they not only don't ride up, there really isn't even any possibility for them to do so.  As far as comfort goes, these are great for all day wear.  The fabric is lightweight enough that they are great for summer wear despite being trunks, but they don't feel flimsy either. The fabric isn't super stretchy like lots of underwear, but it's just stretchy enough. This helps them maintain their shape and stay fitted to the body. The waistband is also super thin and sits nice and flush up against the body.  The contour pouch isn't too tight, but somehow manages to make my package look quite huge (if I do say so myself).  

These really are a great looking pair of underwear.  While there isn't a lot going on, they're still incredibly stylish.  This is partially due to the super stylish, metallic waistband with funky print pattern. But believe it or not, just having an excellent fitting pair of underwear makes them look that much better.  It really helps these to stand out from the crowd.  Not only are they fresh and colorful looking, they also just look great because they fit great. 

At $25 a pop that's a pretty typical price tag for designer undies these days.  And for something that looks and fits so damn well it's a good deal.  They also are good quality.  I honestly want them in every color they make and more!  Seriously that's my only complaint, that I don't have more and that they don't make more colors!

MY RATING: 
Overall, I give the Jam Beat trunks a total score of 8 based on the following criteria: 
FIT -- 10 (out of 10) - Superb fit adds to the overall look and style.
COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Great lightweight fabric, perfect for summer wear or really any time. Wish the pouch was more supportive.
STYLE -- 8 (out of 10) - Very stylish waistband.  Wish they had more color options
QUALITY -- 8 (out of 10) - High quality.  A little bit of fading on the pouch elastic.
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - Average price.  Worth it.

********** 8

InTouch Hulk Boxer Briefs Reviewed

Hello old and new readers of MUB. I am very excited to be joining the team as the result of the recent “Join our team” announcement. I am a 25 year old who recently graduated from college. I have recently begun to see results from working out and have put on some muscle, which has been my dream for most of my scrawny life. With this change comes the confidence to dress myself up well and be seen. What better place to start than the most basic layer of clothing? As I outgrow my current collection and start to amass new pairs, I look forward to telling you about my new discoveries in the world of men’s underwear. Hope you will allow me a little stumbling room as I get used to things around here.

Now, I might have forgotten to mention in the intro that on most days, I work from home as an animator. Working from home certainly has it’s benefits, one of which is, not having to get dressed. As somewhat of an underwear enthusiast, I own easily over 25 pairs. Which in my opinion is not an extremely large number while making sure that there is everything from boxers to thongs in my underwear drawer. My purchases span everything from lounging, classy, raunchy and erotic while others are just plain fun.

For my first review for the site, I will be reviewing a pair of underwear that I own which falls in that category of “plain fun”. Being a geek and superhero movie fan, I just had to get my hands on (or "my ass in," more accurately speaking) this “Incredible Hulk” boxer brief as soon as I saw the picture. These boxer briefs are by a brand called InTouch (site works sporadically) and can be ordered for about $15 on eBay (auction ended).

As with all Asian sizing, I went for a Medium and it fit me perfectly. The back, and legs are snug without being uncomfortably tight. The pouch provides good support in the front and due to the soft and very stretchable material will also accommodate a sizable package. What I also like about the underwear is that the pouch is just one layer of cloth, thus it is more comfortable in warmer weather and also allows for the hulk (sorry, I had to do it) to expand comfortably.

Finally, lets talk about the aspect that really made this a must buy for me: The print. The back sports the big “HULK and the super mariner” title which could be read from across the room. A smaller image of the hulk lies underneath which isn’t going to be seen if you have a very round butt. But the front is where the impact is. The face of the Hulk is front and center on the pouch with his green arms on the sides accented by Hulk’s pink pants. The colors will survive washes so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out.

All things considered, I believe this pair is a great value for money. The elastics, stitching and fabric have all passed the test of time really well. This is one pair that is a must for all superhero fans.

Tally:

• Fit: 4 out of 5 for asian size discrepancy 

• Comfort: 5 out of 5 

• Look: 5 out of 5 

• Value for money: 5 out of 5

Luis & Juke Trunks Reviewed

A while back I mentioned a new brand called Luis & Juke that specializes in fun, fashionable underwear for men.  The designs are inspired by 1950s American rock and roll with bright colors and fun prints.  Today I'd like to tell you about their Stevie Trunk, I tried mine in Singin' the Blues, but they're available in many more fun colors. 

Starting with the fit, these are what I would call a generous fit.  I've got to say they're much more coverage than the underwear I normally wear (especially since I've recently been on a briefs roll).  That's not to say strictly that more coverage is a bad thing, it's just not what I'm personally used to.  The legs hit mid thigh and the back coverage is ample.  I definitely feel like everything is kept in place and under control with these on; no fear of falling out.  The pouch has a functional fly and is well rounded to accommodate your junk.  The ass has seams set to the far sides, which leads me to believe that these would comfortably stretch and conform to those who have more junk in the trunk.  Just a word to the wise, when I first got these they were a little too large for me (granted I'm in between sizes).  But due to the cotton content I was able to shrink them down in the dryer to a more comfy size (although technically you are supposed to line dry these). 

These undies are very comfy.  As I said I feel like everything is held together comfortably in them with no fear of falling out.  The modest coverage makes these great undies for knocking around the house in while the patterns available make them fun and stylish (more on that later).  The waistband is a little wider than most (about 1.5x the size of the average one).  The inside of the waistband is soft and smooth and doesn't cut.  All the seams are flat stitched, making for a smooth and comfy fit all around.  The legbands are a thin elastic that is tight enough to keep things in place but not too tight to detract from the comfort.  And like most comfy undies these days, the tag is printed on the inside, so no itchiness going on there.  And again like many comfy undies, these guys are 95% cotton, 5% elastane (for shape).

I really like the style of these trunks, in fact the style is what makes them.  They're a great comfy, go-go to pair for days when you just need that comfort.  But the style is what makes me want to put them on and feel excited about wearing them.  The pair that I tried is a fun blue and yellow striped pattern, you can definitely see the rock inspiration.  They also have tons of other great, bright prints available, all with that 1950s vibe.  If pattern isn't your thing, they also just have plain colors. 

As for the quality and value?  These undies are great quality.  They hold up well to multiple washes and dries!  The stitching is well done and the fabric is well made.  At £10.95 at Rockola (that's about $17), they're a steal. 

MY RATING:

Overall, I give the Luis and Juke Stevie Trunks a total score of 8.5 based on the following criteria:

FIT -- 8 (out of 10) - Generous coverage. Mid-thigh, higher waist. For me they were a little large but can be shrunk to size.

COMFORT -- 8 (out of 10) - Very comfy, go-to pair. 

STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - The style is fun and exciting.  1950s flair!

QUALITY -- 8 (out of 10) - Well made. Holds up to the washer and dryer.

VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) -Much less expensive than a lot of what we talk about here on MUB.  Good buy for stylish and comfy go-to pair. 

**********8.5

M-N Reviewed

Earlier this year I introduced you to a new brand called M-N hailing from Mauritius.  Today I'd like to take the opportunity to review one of the products from the AZURE range, specifically their trunks.  For the purpose of this review I tried the Cherub trunk in blue. 

Starting with the fit, it is rather unique.  It is billed as a trunk, but the legs are not quite as long as standard trunks are.  In fact, when I was putting these on today for review I was debating whether they were technically trunks or briefs - the fit is somewhere in between.  From the front, the legs angle up a bit from the pouch as would briefs.  But from the back it is clear that these are trunks and not briefs as the fabric is cut more straight across as opposed to the more curved shape of briefs.  The rise is what I would bill as low-rise, but it is a nice comfortable low-rise that gives you the confidence that everything will stay put all day long.  

Moving on to comfort, the cotton elastane blend makes for a very soft fabric.  The pouch has enough room that you don't feel squashed.  But on the inside around the pouch there is an elastic band of the same material as the legbands that holds everything in place.  Now this is not like a enhancing strap or sling, it is completely attached to the interior of the pouch.  Rather it is there to ensure that the sides of the pouch stay tight and close to your body so that all the goods stay in place, while still allowing for a roomy pouch that is comfortable.  I think this is a really smart way of putting together a pouch, there is nothing artificial looking or feeling about it, it's just smart sewing/pattern making.  The waistband is thin and sits close to the body.  Made of soft elastic, I have no complaints about the waistband or legbands.  They all do their jobs well.

The style of this range is where it's really at.  As I explained in my brand profile, the AZURE range is the "fun range" of M-N's underwear.  It comes in a number of fun prints/patterns and colors.  Just sticking to the cherub trunks that I tried,  I really like the logo waistband with a metallic silver logo against a black background - it really makes for a classy and distinguished look above jeans.  The pattern is screen printed black silhouettes against a blue background making for a very crisp look.  You may ask why these are called cherub trunks, well there is a large cherub printed across the back.  And because the back has no seams, it makes for a perfect canvas for such a print.  The style of these undies makes them very unique, they aren't like anything anyone else is offering on the market.  

These trunks are very well made.  I actually have a number of pairs, and all of them show great attention to detail both in the design process and in the manufacturing process.  There are no loose seams or threads.  Everything is done perfectly.  The high quality is sure to last for a very long time.  Also, the fabric is printed in a special process that does not fade or get funky after washing, it is a part of the fabric.  At £32 (~$50 USD) they're rather expensive.  But for something so well made and so unique I think they're worth the investment for a pair or two. 

 MY RATING:

Overall, I give the M-N Azure Range Trunk a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:

FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Cross between brief and trunk.  Roomy pouch holds everything in place. 

COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Soft, comfy fabric. 

STYLE -- 10 (out of 10) - Unique and fun look.  Won't find it anywhere else. 

QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Well made. Great attention to detail. 

VALUE -- 7 (out of 10) - On the expensive side but a good investment. 

**********9

Wearing my Grundies... A Review

We've spoken a couple times on here about an up-and-coming Australian brand called Grundies.  Today I want to give you my opinions on one of their most prevalent and popular cuts - the fit short (read "trunk").  So without further ado, I bring you today's review.

For the purpose of today's review, I tried the Tattoo Fit Short in blue.  I really like the fit of these trunks, this is one of my favorite fits to wear period (regardless of brand).  They give you nice full coverage while still being revealing and hip.  You don't have to worry about anything falling out or being on display but they're still small and tight enough to subtly show off your physique.  The legs on these trunks are just about even with the bottom of the pouch and the waistband rises to about where your low-rise jeans would sit.  So they're not a super low-rise but they're not up to your navel either. 

These things are comfortable for all day wear.  As is common in a lot of undies, the tag is screen-printed onto the back so there's no itching to worry about.  The pouch is made of a single piece of fabric (no seams down the middle, which is often the case).  It isn't quite what I would call a contoured pouch, but it gives you enough room to hang in.  If you look at the cut of the design, the pouch is actually a sort of filled-in U-shape that extends down to your perineum area.  Made of 90% cotton and 10% elastane (to hold its shape), this fabric hugs the body snugly but not too tight.  I feel like I can breathe in these.  The legbands are simply the fabric rolled over a couple times, so there is no uncomfortable pinching.  The logo waistband is not only stylish but quite soft on both sides.  It stays in place but doesn't cut in.  The back is seamless for a nice smooth look. 

While the cut of these is quite basic, there is still some stylish flair.  The blue color against the black waistband really pops.  On one leg (on this particular pair) is screen printed the "Grundies" logo and then a few stars are printed on the other leg to mimic the Australian flag.  These are nice touches that make these undies (or should I say Grundies) stand out.  Also, as their signature on all their undies, Grundies puts a small red tag with their logo on the left leg attached to the bottom of the waistband.  I think this is a nice designer touch that shows the care and attention to detail that this company has.

These undies are pretty well made, I'd say.  I've worn them numerous times (keep meaning to do this review) and have washed them just as many and they've held up well.  The elastane helps them to keep their shape after each wash.  And just by glancing over them, you can tell they are made well: the waistband is held on by at least three rows of stitching.  The fabric, does, however fade a little after a few washes.  But that is to be expected with such a bright blue.  The screen printing also cracks a little bit, but that is to be expected on fabric that is constantly stretching and moving.  Other than that, these undies hold up fantastically.  They are currently on special for $19.95 (normally $24.95).  I would say for the style in combination with the comfort and great fit these are worth it.  Give Grundies a try. 

MY RATING:

Overall, I give the Grundies Tattoo Fit Short a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:

FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Modest trunk.  Covers just enough but still shows off physique.  

COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Good all day wear.  Tagless, no cutting on elastic. 

STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Basic with some Aussie flair

QUALITY -- 8 (out of 10) - Excellent attention to detail.  Will fade a bit though. 

VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) - Good bang for you buck.

**********9

Grundies Muscle Trunk - Just $9.95

Grundies is now offering an exceptional deal on their muscle trunk.  They are now retailing for just $9.95 as an everyday low price.  This low price includes free shipping to anywhere in the world!  The muscle trunk is what I would describe as a more full coverage trunk or boxerbrief fit.  These undies have a soft silky feel and they hug your butt in a very comfy way.  These are a great bet for all sorts of activities and at this price they're definitely worth having a couple pairs.  They come in black and white with either contrast stitching (yellow, red, or white) on the black or just plain black or white for a total of five different color combinations.  While they are a fairly basic pair of trunks, the contrast stitching is in a unique pattern lending them a modern, stylish feel.  And if you buy more than three you will save 20% off your entire purchase, so it's really a great deal.  And like I said, there are five different options so it's not like you'll have three of the exact same thing.  This is definitely worth checking out.  

Keeping my Devil Cool with 2wink - A Review

2wink is a company that has been around for quite a while now.  While I have posted about a lot of sales that they have, it's been a long time since I've reviewed anything from them.  In fact, the last thing I reviewed from them was their Graffiti Minibox in 2006!  This review was a guest post over at Undies Drawer.  You can read the review here.  In fact, 2wink was the first review I ever did based on actually wearing a product.  Needless to say both 2wink and I have come a long way since those days.  So today I want to reintroduce you to some of 2winks new stuff with a review of their Cool Devil trunk. 

One of my biggest complaints about the old 2wink stuff was the fit.  It just wasn't quite right - too big in the thighs, too small in the pouch.  While I didn't quite realize this at the time, this problem was due to the fact that the Graffiti Minibox was made entirely out of cotton.  The Cool Devil trunk eliminates all these problems by adding 8% spandex with the cotton.  This allows for a much more tailored and individual fit.  This trunk is snug, but not too snug - you can move but you still feel supported at all times.  The Cool Devil trunk provides a fit that I would call "cozy".  I am almost constantly aware of its presence hugging my butt and balls, but it's not uncomfortable.  It's like a nice embrace letting you know that your undies are there for you.  The trunks are low-rise with short legs (about a 1.5" inseam).  The butt is seamless allowing for a nice snug, comfy feeling.  I do want to point out, however, that my butt is on the small side and on me these feel snug.  So if you have a large bubble butt these may not cover it very well.  The pouch has enough room to grow but is not too roomy.  

The fabric on these undies is soft.  Like I said it feels nice and cozy as it very softly holds you in place.  While I am aware of these undies during the day, it is not an uncomfortable feeling.  These undies do a good job of staying in place throughout the day.  While they are low-rise, they are not so low that you keep having to pull them up every time you bend over.  

The style is basic with a little bit of punch.  The body of the trunks is crisp white.  This is in stark contrast to the bright red legbands and yellow and red waistband.  They are fun while not being too over-the-top. They are a good "go-to" pair for days when you don't want to be too sexy or complicated but you still want something a little more than basic.  My only complaint is that they don't come in more colors.  

At $18 a pair these are a little pricey for something so basic.  But the fabric is super comfy and soft.  It's a small price to pay for something that's going to hug you in a warm embrace all day long.  One thing that is quite impressive is how color-fast these undies are. One would think that the red waistband and legbands would eventually fade or run onto the white body but that is not the case.  These undies are still as bright and crisp as the day I got them.

Also, if you prefer, the Cool Devil line also comes in a brief style which is currently on sale for only $9.  

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the 2wink Cool Devil Trunks a total score of 8 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Allows for movement.  Low-rise but not too low. 
COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Soft fabric.  Feels like a soft embrace.  Constantly aware of their presence, but not uncomfortable. 
STYLE -- 7 (out of 10) - Basic with a punch.  Wish there were more colors.
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Color-fast.  Doesn't fade.   

VALUE -- 8 (out of 10) - A little pricey for something so basic.  But good quality. 

**********8

Andrew Christian Keeps Me Dry and Naked - A Review

Andrew Christian has long been touted as a stylish brand known for their innovative technologies when it comes to men's underwear.  They've introduced all sorts of performance and enhancing technologies such as the anti-muffin top waistbands, flashback underwear, show-it briefs, ActiveSHAPE, and much more.  Today I'd like to talk about one of their performance boxers - the Dry and Naked Sports Boxer.  

The fit of these undies is what I would describe as snug.  They are very form fitting throughout.  Unlike most undies, these trunks have no real excess fabric and they hug your perineum all the way down it.  The pouch has room, but is not too roomy.  The back hugs your butt nicely with a center seam to help shape the look.  The legs are just a little longer than the pouch, making these trunks a great fit for running and other athletic wear as they don't restrict movement.  

As for comfort.  These undies are a little different.  They are made of a special fabric that is moisture wicking and also designed to be anti-bacterial and anti-staining.  This is perfect for the gym-rat.  The fabric itself feels a little stiff and doesn't stretch a lot - but this helps hold everything in place, which is great for the gym.  The fabric is super thin and super light feeling making them great for working out. Despite being made mostly of polyester, the fabric is surprisingly comfortable to the touch. The black side panels are made out of regular fabric to allow for a little give.  

The style of these is great, especially for athletic underwear.  Usually performance underwear is one color and boring looking - they usually look like they're made for performance but at the risk of style.  That's not the case here.  These undies are very stylish.  They have a little bit of retro flair about them with the grey and white color blocking.  They have black contrast seaming and a black contrast waistband and side panels.  They're definitely the kind of undies I wouldn't mind showing off in the gym.  The fabric is punctured with small holes throughout to allow the moisture-wicking properties to take effect, but despite this the fabric still appears opaque.  I do wish that these came in more color options so I could have a couple different pairs in different colors to wear to the gym. 

These are very well made undies.  As promised, they do not stain or fade.  I've had these for almost a year with no noticeable changes in the undies after washing.  In fact, these things feel like new every time I pull them on.  It's fantastic!  At $26 a pair, these undies are comparable to a lot of performance underwear.  But for the style and the way they last, they're definitely worth the investment.  They also come in a brief style if you prefer. 

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Andrew Christian Dry and Naked Sports Boxer a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Fits snugly throughout. 
COMFORT -- 8 (out of 10) - Light fabric keeps you dry.  Stiff fabric, but holds you in place. 
STYLE -- 10 (out of 10) - Very stylish retro flair, especially as far as performance underwear is concerned.
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Well made.  Does not fade or lose its shape. 

VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) - Moderate, but comparable to other performance underwear.   

**********9

New Stonemen Styles Reviewed!

So a while back I reviewed the original collection of Stonemen underwear.  While I wasn't totally explicit about it (or aware of it at the time), my main complaints with the older styles are that the fabric is a little too thick and the print makes the fabric not as soft as it could be.  Also, as I did explain, the fit isn't quite perfect and they need to be shrunk a little bit in the wash before they stay up. 

Well today I'm back to review the latest styles from Stonemen - the Hibiscus Square Cut.  As before, they are a little too big for me when I first got them on.  It's not just an issue of the body of the fabric, but also the waistband is a little too big and doesn't snap against my skin.  This could be partially an issue with me as the smalls are meant for those with a 29 inch waist - 31 inch waist, but I am actually a 28 inch waist.  But that shouldn't make that much of a difference.  But after a good wash and a hot dry they shrink perfectly to my size.  But they do not shrink after subsequent washes, so I've concluded that they may not be adequately preshrunk or something.  Anyway, these things fit great (after slight shrinking).  As I found before, they hug everything well but they don't feel too tight.  The cut is a nice hybrid between trunk and brief being somewhere in between in terms of coverage.  This makes them sexy, but also good for the modest guy.  The legbands are thick as far as legbands go, but this holds everything in place throughout the day without need for adjustments.  

The fabric on these undies is treated differently than previous stuff from Stonemen.  It feels a lot softer.  And the big key is that the fabric is quite a bit thinner.  The original ones were  210gsm, the new ones are only 190gsm.  So quite a bit lighter. And that makes a big difference making for easier movement and a freer feeling.  These things feel great.

Of course what is really great about these undies is the style!  These things sure have style.  In fact, the style of these is so great that even though these just came out they're only available at the moment in L and XL (the other sizes should be back in stock soon).  These things are just so fun and playful.  The print is fabulous and wraps around the brief continuously without any interruptions from seams (except for at the pouch) and such.  And let's be serious, who doesn't want to imagine they're at the beach during the winter.  So these can at least provide a bit of escape from the cold for you and your partner.  Taking off your pants with these can be like a trip to the beach.  The new collection also comes in a "Red Sunset" print. 

So all in all.  I think these are a great new collection from Stonemen.  They were already good to begin with.  But they have gotten even better with much lighter, softer fabric, fun wrap-around prints, and as always a big dose of style.  These undies are well-made with great attention to detail and will definitely last you for a good time.  At $35 AUD, they're much less than a vacation to the beach. But you can get 10% off with coupon code MUBTEN. 

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Stonemen New Hibiscus Square Cut a total score of 9.5 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Not quite perfect out of the bag.  Requires shrinking. 
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10) - Very comfortable.  Super soft. 
STYLE -- 10 (out of 10) - Tons of style.  Feels like a trip to the beach!
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10) - Well made, will last well.

VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) - Pricey, but well made. 

**********9.5

Got my Mojo Covered Downunder - A Review

Mojo Downunder is another brand that hails from Australia.  Adam Rakowski, a plumber, wanted to design this brand because he was sick of all the awful underwear out there and wanted to create something that was comfortable.  The team at Mojo is so confident you'll love these that they've offered a 100% money-back guarantee if you don't think they're the most comfortable things ever.  And they warn, they may cause a rise in your mojo.  Mojo comes in briefs, boxer shorts, hipster trunks, and long trunks as well as a variety of undershirts.  All styles come in four colors: white, grey, black and blue.  Today I'm going to review the hipster trunks in blue. 

Well I gotta be honest, my first impression of these things is "there's a lot of fabric".  There really is.  A lot more than I'm used to having between my legs.  Usually I wear pretty skimpy, fitted things.  So these are a bit of change for me.  Also, the size chart recommends that the size small is good for sizes 30" - 31", but I'm most definitely a 28".  But the folks at Mojo told me it should be ok.  That being said, it is a little difficult for me to critique the fit.  But I'm going to anyway.  Like I said, there's a lot of fabric here.  Most trunks that I'm used to have the legs come just to the bottom of the pouch, but these legs extend a good inch and a half past the crotch.  They're also rather high rise.  When I pull them up tight they peek out above my low-rise jeans.  All around they are quite roomy.  The legs fit nice and snug.  But the pouch and crotch area is a little looser than I'm used to.  I imagine that if I had a larger butt or larger thighs, they might fit a little tighter.  The back, however, is surprisingly well fitted.  But I find that due to the looseness, I have to keep pulling these up a bit during the day to keep them tight the way I want them. 

Fit problems aside, these things actually are quite comfortable.  This may actually be because they are so loose and therefore aren't constraining.  They are 92% cotton and 8% spandex.  So they are super soft and comfy.  The elastic waist is super soft and smooth and doesn't cut like some do.  They're a good pair for just knocking around in. But they're not going to give you a ton of support (even though they are supposed to be tight-fitting).  Considering that these seem to be very sporty looking and promoted as underwear for sports, that's not a good thing.

As for the style of these, I simply love this color of blue!  Combined with the silver, semi-metallic waistband these are super sexy.  They have a logo across the waistband and also down the side of the left leg to add a little flair.  The right leg has a 'dom pouch', short for condom pouch.  Where you can store something for a little protection in the bedroom or just an extra house key for safe keeping. 

Let's talk quality.  These things are good quality.  I've had this pair for about a year now and they're as bright and brilliant as the day I got them.  That's really saying something, especially for such a bright, saturated color as this blue is.  No signs of fading at all.  The waistband is also in great condition after all that time.  But these are a little pricey at $37 AUD (about $37 USD), especially with all the fit problems considered.  So even though they're nice and comfy for knocking around in, they might not be worth it.  

** Please be aware that most of my complaints are about fit, which may be alleviated by having the correct size (Mojo Downunder does not make my size).**
MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Mojo Downunder Hipster Trunks a total score of 6.5 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 5 (out of 10) - Not well fitted in the pouch and crotch.  Too loose. 
COMFORT -- 8 (out of 10) - Very comfortable.  Great for hanging around. 
STYLE -- 7 (out of 10) - Splashy waistband and logo leg.  Condom pocket. 
QUALITY -- 8 (out of 10) - Colors retain brilliance after lots of washings. 
VALUE -- 6 (out of 10) - Expensive for something that doesn't fit well. 

**********6.5