Archive for the 'Men’s Underwear' Category
Liquid Cotton Collection by 2Xist – What exactly is it?
September 09, 2008
The men’s undewear line, 2(X)ist has a new collection out called Liquid Cotton. The claim is that fabric used is lightweight stretch cotton with an incredibly soft and luxuious hand without any kind of synthetic feel to it. As their press release states: "the cotton literally feels like it was poured onto your body!"
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So, what is really going on with this collection by 2Xist? The Dow Chemical Company has created a fiber called DOW XLA. This fiber is an alternative to spandex and latex that can be mixed in with cotton to give it great stretch and shape retention. XLA is combined with natural fabrics such cotton, wool etc. and claims to keep the same hand as if it weren’t there but has the advantage of stretch that returns to its natural shape when taken off.
Additionally, XLA is more resistant to heat and chemicals. Spandex and latex are known to break down when put in the dryer. DOW XLA claims to be more resistant. Thus garments made in XLA should last longer, be more durable and retain their shape all day and night.
Given that there is nothing worse than baggy tighty whities on a man, 2Xist Liquid Cotton made with XLA sounds like just the ticket in mens underwear.
Posted by Tomima at 9:50am
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Speedos VS. Boardshorts – The Great Debate
August 23, 2008
My summers, as a youth, were spent at our Country Club pool practicing for swim team. All the kids – boys and girls – donned Speedo style bathing suits. This weekend, while watching my girls at the pool, I noticed that not one kid was wearing a Speedo. In fact, both boys AND girls were wearing boardshorts – those long-legged swimsuits we used to call "jams." Am I dating myself?
So, what’s going on with swimsuits for men these days? Rather than skimpy and streamlined, men seam to be turning to coverage and baggy. A great article at AskMen.com shed some light on the subject.
To begin with, it’s kind of a regional thing. European men by far wear mostly speedo style swimsuits. American men, on the other hand, basically refuse to, unless competing in some kind of water sport. The article went on to say that women from both regions are of the same opinion. American women kind of snicker at the thought of a guy in a Speedo. European women accept the fact that, whatever the physique of a guy, he will be strutting around in a little Speedo.
So, what are the pros and cons to the two styles? Apparently there are far more pros to the speedo style:
- They’re more comfortable – All the parts of a man’s "package" stay put without worry. In a boardshort, the parts shift each time water hits them.
- Better tan lines – More body is exposed so better tanning. A boardshort gives you a goofy partial tan on your legs.
- Sign of confidence – A man who is comfortable strutting around in a Speedo does not lack personal confidence.
- Better movement – The Speedo style has little to get in the way when moving. In contrast, a boardshort is bulky and can create drag in the water.
Another point to bring up here is that, like women’s swimsuits, many suits are not actually used for swimming. They are more beachwear. So, maybe the answer here is to own both styles – the Speedo-style briefs for European travel and water sports and the boardshort for socializing around water, for modesty, and social survival in America.
A quick straw poll from male colleagues got a stark ‘swimshorts or nothing’ reaction. But according to Askmen.com the debate is actually divided by geography more than anything else. Men in North America are more swim/boardshorts based than their European counterparts. Certainly having holidayed in the South of France last year, Speedos seemed de rigeur among the older holidaymakers. And the Russians. But the younger ones were certainly veering towards shorts by the pool.
Perhaps it’s all a confidence thing, with the older male more used to his body and feeling confident with who they are than younger types still working it out. Whatever you feel most comfortable in of course, we’ve got a great selection of both, check ‘em out here.
Posted by Tomima at 7:26am
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2xist or 2(X)ist Has a New Marketing Strategy
August 08, 2008
2xist (pronounced "to exist") has become one of the most popular men’s underwear lines in the last few years, with a very loyal following . In our last meeting with them, 2xist shared with us their new marketing strategy going forward. Now you too will be in the know.
In the past 2xist has launched new collections, while maintaining popular pieces from the older collections. Unfortunately, this was causing kind of a mish-mash of styles that didn’t appear to have a cohesive vision.
Going forward, the plan is to introduce two new programs or collections a year. Each collection will have the lifespan of one to one and a half years before being discontinued. The thinking is that by doing this, the brand will always look new and fresh.
The downside is that if a customer simply loves a certain style or collection, he will need to stock up, for it will not be continuing or returning. Now, that being said, 2xist just re-introduced their former "Basic" collection from a few years ago. So, re-introduction could also be a trend… sort of like when Disney "opens their vaults" to bring back classics.
The Carbon and Fusion collections are expected to go away during Spring of 2009. However, one thing is for certain, the famous 2xist fit will remain the same season after season. So, at least you can feel confident that when you buy one of the new styles, it will have the familiar fit you have grown to love.
Posted by Tomima at 7:11am
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