And speaking of National Underwear Day, stay tuned for this year’s celebration, an extravaganza of epic proportions that will give your favorite underwear a kick in the pants. We’re remaining tight-lipped for the moment, so hang in there.

This week Marc rolls out his newest installment to the otherwise stale category of men’s fragrance. Some may disagree, daring to call it ‘exciting,’ but I can’t remember the last men’s fragrance I sniffed that made my head spin, so we’ll stick with stale, at least until I get a sniff of BANG (that’s what it’s called) and that’s how you’ll remember it, especially after seeing the racy ad campaign that will present it to the world. If it weren’t for the shiny metallic mylar that makes it visible from space, we’d call it ‘stripped down,’ so we’ll reserve that description for Jacobs himself, who stars in the ad, dead center, naked as a jaybird, albeit the richest jaybird we’ve ever seen, with nothing but an oversized bottle of BANG hiding his moneymaker from the rest of the world.

Admittedly, we like the look. It’s hot, fresh, sexy, and may even elicit a “Go Marc!” from us, because it sparks our interest in metallic underthings. If the term “gold underwear” causes you to waver between fabulous and Flash Gordon (and it should), we’re going with the former and, inspired by Marc Jacobs’ new fragrance, presenting our offering of “more bang for your butt.” [homo-neurotic.com]

	Candyman Zipper Brief The Zipper Brief by Candyman is a fun, frisky number that, when worn correctly, becomes the center of attention and is best worn as overwear, rather than underwear, for obvious reasons. Assume the mythological golden touch of King Midas or go for the gold by pretending to be your very own superhero, as the Candyman Zipper brief has all the fetish superpowers of its own.
	Candyman Ring Thong Equally daring but a bolder tone of graphite is the Ring Thong also by Candyman, revealing a little more of the superhero inside of you. We figure guys who go for metallic underwear have a chutzpah all their own, and what better way to let it loose?

The same company who, last fall, debuted the first ever (and as far as we know, only) “Nice Cup in Bra” that turned a normal bra into a putting mat for golf driving practice (and establishing a new par for intimates), has given those blessed with a green thumb or at least the drive to attain one a chance to turn their bodies into one-woman farms with the simple hook-and-eye switch we all love and expect from conventional bras. The two cups are formed from planter halves that comfortably snap together with the ease of Velcro. Interior padding seamlessly transitions to protective arm guards, shielding the adventurous wearer from the environmental affronts of sun, dirt and pollutants, and the neck strap is, naturally, outfitted in reflectors to ward off avian intrusion, and adds lovely halter effect. Attached is hose detail for proper irrigation, a pouch for potting soil and—you guessed it—rice seedlings to ensure a prosperous start. Matching panties include work gloves and are emblazoned with the Japanese characters for “a good harvest.”

The company cites a cultural swell in agriculture as its inspiration, though western thought might attribute it to the most fashionable way to assimilate into this whole gluten-free craze. Unfortunately, Freshpair won’t be the official carrier of My Tanbo Bra, as it isn’t for sale, but here are three bras overflowing with floral detail that might scratch that green thumb itch. [Examiner]

Goddess Rose Soft Cup Bra	Panache Ariza Balconette Underwire Bra	Felina Helena Busted Unlined Bra

Here’s a look at all the components of your bra that work together to make you look and feel good!

1) Gore - The center of the bra, this should sit flat against the body because if it digs in or sits away it will disrupt the fit around. It can either connect to the cups or to the “wings” (#4) which we call a “Full Frame” (in the picture above it connects to the cups).

2) Cups- these can be molded (no seams), molded cup (foam cup underneath) which can be paired with seamed cover or a molded cover for a seamless t-shirt bra. The shape of the cup dictates the shape of the underwire and vice versa.
FIT TIP: If you’re full figured or petite you might have a bad feeling about padding but try styles labeled contour, these have a soft stretch and less padding to give you shape while not adding bulk.

3) Underwires - The “shallow” curve on a plunge does not equal the support of the “U” shaped curve on a balconette or full coverage. The amount of control that the wires have depends on how much they “encompass” the breast tissue.
FIT TIP: If you’re a fuller figure make sure your underwires encompass your breast tissue without digging in or leaving too much room. This will be a major part of your support and comfort.

4) Wings- These can connect to just the cups or the cups and the gore in a “full frame” bra. They provide around the body support. Along with the underwires, the gore, and the hook and eye they create the stabilizing tension around your body that is then balanced by the straps’ and cups’ vertical tension.

5) Straps- The thickness, material, and stretchability of the straps affect how they sit on your shoulders and the level of comfort in the lift you get.
FIT TIP: If you are a fuller figured woman, look for rigid or non-stretchable straps in the front with stretch in the back for adjustability. If a strap stretches along the full length front to back that’s less supportive for fuller figures.

6) Strap Join- This one is pretty obvious, where you strap joins your bra in the back and the front is a major part of how tension from the weight of breasts is distributed.
FIT TIP: Another tip for fuller figures, look for a “Ballet” or “Leotard back” the weight will get distributed or balanced by your connection in the back. The leotard back as seen below will be far more supportive than a strap that joins along only one quarter inch sewn into the fabric. Imagine hanging something by a thread taped to a wall vs. a nail or a screw. Which do you think equates to the below?

7) Rings/Slide- If the straps are the beams that make up the vertical support of your bra, imagine the rings and slides as the hinges. You need them to create an adjustable back so that one bra size can fit different body types/heights.

8 ) Hook and Eye- This is the final hinge in the around the body support of the wings.
FIT TIP: You should always first start the bra on the last hook and work your way tighter. Elastic loses its ability to return so each time it stretches it doesn’t go quite back to its original size and shape, having the slight adjustment lets you combat that over time.

Chest & Arms

Maybe women knew about shapewear from their mothers and grandmothers, but Spanx is the brand that made shapewear a modern household name. Now they’re making a name for themselves in the locker room, because these compression styles will help tone and tame everything from your tummy to your shoulders and biceps. Smart as they are they’ve disguised these double duty designs as basic undershirts. While no one will know the difference, you’ll certainly feel it.

The crew shapes both tummy and chest while providing improved posture. Both the tank and crew are made of a soft cotton blend.

Spanx Cotton Compression Crew	Spanx Cotton Compression Tank

Tummy

Here’s one thing both guys and girls have in common- we all want to keep our tummy under wraps! Both of these styles below serve to do just that; as you can see there is more than one solution to this common problem. Your preference will come in if you’re looking to tone more than one area, how seamless you want the smoothing to be, and what level of control you are looking to get. While these styles may not give you the six pack you’ve dreamed of, they’ll certainly give the illusion that you’ve slimmed down a few inches by sweating it out at the gym!

	2xist Form Trunk Because this Form Trunk from 2xist extends from high waist to high thighs, you’ll get a smooth shape throughout. It will work best on someone who needs shaping through their body.
	Sculptees Bandit Waist Smoother This banded style shaper from Sculptees is perfect for the guy who wants some support in just this area. Like with the ladies, this style will leave rolls or bumps if you need more general control throughout your midsection/hips.

Profile & Tush

Calvin is known for sexy, and whether it’s jeans or underwear the back view is always important. This pair of Calvin Klein Butt Boosting Trunks give you a little edge in that department, bound to make your jeans fit better front and back, and turn some heads at the same time! The Andrew Christian style below also features in seam lift in the rear and a shaping pouch in the front which will enhance your profile in front & behind.

Calvin Klein Body Boost Butt Trunk	Andrew Christian Flashback Butt Lifting Brief

Their classic thong is made of a smooth stretch lace that doesn’t dig in or leave panty lines, which is great with summer dresses and slips or your basic denim.

They’ve expanded beyond their classic thong to include some flattering new styles inspired by the thong that made them famous. If you love the original why not try a new spin like the boyshort or the g-string. If you can’t imagine parting with your 4811, try sprucing up your current style with a matching bralette.

Hanky Panky Stretch Lace Boy Short	Hanky Panky Signature Lace G-String	Hanky Panky Signature Lace Bralette

Taking their fun spirited brand even further are new styles, such as the Modal Lace Boy Short and the Low Rise T-Shirt Thong, which are sure to become classics. These styles feature solid fabric with a different stretch lace trim. You get the same forgiving Hanky Panky fit, with a little more coverage than their allover lace styles!

	Hanky Panky Modal Lace Boy Short
	Hanky Panky Low Rise T-Shirt Thong

Whether you are working out or just out on the town on a hot summer day, wicking matters! You’re going to sweat, and the worst part of the warm summer day is that sticky feeling on your skin. Fibers that wick pull the moisture off of your skin making you feel cool and, well, dry.

If you’re looking to match your style first here are some natural fiber day-wear pieces.

Calvin Klein 365 Cotton Stretch Camisole Cotton has natural wicking properties, but unlike synthetics that don’t hold moisture, cotton does. While it doesn’t really work for high impact activities where you’re going to experience sustained sweating, it will keep you dry while you walk around town. Pair this Calvin style with your favorite skirt or walking shorts for a summer stroll through country or city in style.

Modal is not exactly natural but it comes from a natural source that has similar properties to cotton: beechwood. This makes it really absorbent and comfortable. It has a silky surface that is soft to the touch; wear it on a date night to invite some closer contact! Try these modal tanks by Diesel and Calvin.

Diesel Modal Stretch Ribat Tank Top	Calvin Klein MIX Layer Tank Top

Manmade fibers like polyester, nylon, rayon, and lycra/spandex don’t naturally wick. Can you imagine the feeling of a thin layer of moisture being trapped right up against your skin? Think wearing a wet suit all day! The drawback is often counterbalanced with coatings and weaves that encourage wicking and make these fibers more bearable.

If you’re looking to keep up that morning jog or work out and don’t want to come home drenched, stay cool and dry with these activewear pieces:

	Falke Ergonomic Apparel Sanja Long Sleeve Jacket This style by Falke would be great to layer over a tank or sports bra for a morning jog where the temp is still lower but that will wick moisture away from your skin while still covering you up and making sure you don’t cool down too fast.
	Shock Absorber D+ Max Sports Bra Top We couldn’t finish without a supportive sports bra! This style by Shock Absorber will give you high impact support while also keeping you cool and comfortable with its wicking properties.

It’s a warm summer ahead so hopefully you’ll stock up and be prepared to stay cool and dry!

B.tempt’d by Wacoal, one of our most spirited brands, is serving up just that, the bright and fun colors you have been longing for. These styles are just begging to be brought into your boudoir and lingerie drawer; the weather won’t be the only thing warming up the room!

Here are the highlights of the season’s hottest colors and B.tempt’d’s freshest styles:

Turquoise
The color of the brightest tropical sea, this fresh shade is key color staple in any wardrobe or bedroom this spring.

B.tempt’d Passion Flower Demi Contour	B.tempt’d Passion Flower Tanga

Coral
Bright, vibrant, and full of life: Coral hosts flowers of the sea and the pink/red color we know as coral will definitely help blossom your lingerie wardrobe this spring.

B.tempt’d Super Natural Hipster	B.tempt’d Small Wonders Thong Gift Bag

Lavender
Soft, seductive, feminine.

B.tempt’d Coquette Demi Contour Bra	B.tempt’d Coquette Thong