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For some guys, it's all about what's underneath. Underwear is a game, and navigating through the plethora of brands, fits, styles, fabrics, and colors is the challenge. Here, Racked investigates what differentiates a boxer from a brief, a slouch to a pouch, and what fit works best for what personality—directly from the source.
Last month, we spoke with Spanx for Men's Director of Research and Development Jadideah Yarbrough, where he told us about the benefits of their body-hugging underwear. Now, there's competition—and we're turning the tables and hearing out Carolina Ale, the head designer for Equmen, about their compression clothing with core precision benefits. Let the games begin!
What makes your product range unique?
Our product was the first of its kind; we use special yarns and seamless technology to incorporate physiotherapy benefits into a garment that can be worn every day. We combine a fashionable product with health benefits.
Who would you say is your target demographic? What are their interests? Where do they live?
Everyday men really. Any man who cares about their health and well being. We have loyal customers that are CEO's to truck drivers. Our core demographic is men aged 30-50 years old, all around the globe.
What is your role on a day-to-day basis?
I manage the design and development process. So generally speaking, fittings with models, researching trends and new seasonal concepts and working with our suppliers to ensure we are making the best quality product possible every production run. We are constantly evolving and improving our product and our Helix Mapping technology to ensure that we offer our customers a superior core precision garment.
If you had to recommend one product from your line that every man should own, what would it be and why?
I would recommend the V-neck tee: It contours and streamlines your body perfectly to give your body a "fitter" look. Like all our garments, it can be worn easily underneath your clothing—from your business shirt to your casual weekend wear. Not to mention it has our Helix Mapping technology so it gives you posture and core support amongst many other health benefits from our fabrications such as moisture wicking and circulation promotion!
What do you think men are looking for when they purchase underwear?
Comfort is number one, but men are definitely starting to get more experimental with their underwear, they are no longer afraid of a bit of color and are steering towards something that is a little more fashionable.
Where do you seek inspiration for your designs?
I think it's about really looking at what is already out in the market place and coming up with a product that is stylish, has a unique point of difference from other product on the market and that can also give our customer extra well-being benefits. This really comes from looking and talking to the "everyday" man and trying to develop something that is going to support him in his everyday life.
What are you working on now? What can we expect next from the brand?
We are currently working on some new injection lines that will give our customer some new seasonal colors to choose from. And secretly, new and improved underwear. Stay tuned!
· EQUMEN [Official Site]
· All Below the Belt Posts [Racked NY]