It’s what’s underneath that matters, as some sexy underwear proves
Let’s face it: Gay men like their underwear. (Sure, they like taking it off, too, but that’s another story.) And Dallas is awash with many options, from stores in the gayborhood that offer the best and sexiest, to several retailers and designers based in the area who sell their briefs, trunks and tanks online. We surveyed some of the best to come up with these Prideful recommendations.
Photography by Arnold Wayne Jones. Models by Bar10 Events.
(X)ISTENCE ISN’T FUTILE | So much of 2(x)ist’s brand is so readily identifiable, they almost don’t need to show their logo so boldly across the band. There’s the super-hot Gold line, above left, with its stand-out golden waistband making it easy to forget how supple and form-fitting the briefs are; there’s the sturdier, rugged look of the Athletic line, center, as manly and supporting on your workout as it is likely to get you noticed in the locker room; there’s the Touch line, as brightly colored as a spring flower garden. But we also love the tops 2(x)ist makes, from the uber-sexy square-cut tank to the club-wear-quality henley, pictured above left.
> Available at Skivvies, Macy’s and online at Shop.2xist.com.
KEEPIN’ IT REAL | Of course Skivvies sells underwear, but they also design their own line, and retailing has taught them a thing or two about what looks good on a man, as anyone even glancing at the Commando Pouch brief, pictured above right, could see. Doesn’t “commando” mean going without? Trust us: That’s what these feel like. (Photo courtesy David Smith)
> Available exclusively at Skivvies.
CANDID COLORED | We know Dallas-based Candid
Underwear’s name doesn’t exactly rhyme with ‘candied,’ but it’s hard to look at their collection of confectionary-colored briefs — from the sugar houndstooth style, above left, to a lush grape to electric blue —and not feel like a kid in a candy store. Actually, it’s not hard to look at them at all. Sweet.
> Available exclusively online at CandidUnderwear.com.
MAKING YOUR MAREK (+RICHARD)
Dallas seems to be a hotbed of fashion underwear for the discerning gay men. Founded just last year in Big D, Marek+Richard’s duo of designers take inspiration from vintage fashions and pop culture in designing a line with sass and attitude, like the backless mesh brief, pictured center, which is both naughty and stylish, to the XXXtreme tank that’s lightweight and cut just so that your best assets are accentuated.
> Available at Union Jack and online at MarekRichard.com.
CRY FREEDOM | If you like a snug little brief in patriotic colors, Freedom Reigns’ brief, above right, will certainly get your flag waving — and, for that matter, your boyfriend’s once he sees you in this Speedo-like brief with a little rubber hood ornament-like front.
>Available at Skivvies.
PAKIN IT IN | Right, we have to hand it to the MyPakage designers, who have come up with a sports brief that is both warm in
cool weather and cool in the heat, with a supporting pouch in front that accents your jewels while also offering support in a variety of stunning color combinations for this remarkable, lightweight fabric. Sexy, sporty and supportive? They’re like the best boyfriend ever. without the drama.
> Available at MyPakage.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition September 14, 2012.