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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.
Designer Andrew Christian is a man of many firsts. He was the first to infuse technology into his underwear, was the first to create an undergarment that was "butt lifting" and was the first to create a product that helped to reduce love handles. So naturally, we wanted to chat him up. From the boxer briefs to the front-enhancing pouch, here's the man behind his namesake line.
What makes your product range unique?
Andrew Christian underwear was the first underwear infused with technology. Our underwear comes in street, sport, fashion, and basic-themed lines and is available in a range of styles including low cut, super-low-cut, and boxer briefs. Each style is intricately designed using specialized dye treatments, printed graphics and innovative materials such as bamboo fiber, sports mesh, and patented moisture-wicking cotton blends. I was the first to introduce Ultra Slimming elastic in my underwear designs to reduce the appearance of love handles and also Flashback - Butt Lifting Technology. With Flashback, one can create the illusion of having that much sought after "bubble butt" without having to waste hours in the gym as the construction of the underwear automatically lifts the buttocks making it look more firm and round.
I try to continue to push the boundaries of underwear fashion by the release of "Show-It" technology, the anatomically correct underwear for men, which has a front enhancing pouch. I also was the first to use burn out fabric and also the first to introduce a long boxer in bamboo—not your father's long john.
Who would you say is your target demographic? What are their interests? Where do they live?
Men who like comfort and style and perfect fitting underwear that perform a function. Our demographic is very diverse and we cater to all types of men with a variety of interests. Our styles are form fitting so we are a big hit amongst men who live healthy life styles, therefore we are known for our sporty lines of perfectly fitting underwear. We also are known for bright colors and prints, which attract a more fashion forward type of man. The basics-themed lines come in a variety of styles, which allow any underwear lover to find something comfortable in their taste and price range.
What is your role on a day-to-day basis?
I am very hands on in design and production. The factory is attached to my design studio and I know exactly what is going on at all times. We do everything in factory including concept development, making our own samples, creating our own proprietary patterns and cutting and sewing the garments.
If you had to recommend one product from your line that every man should own, what would it be and why?
Every man needs a pair of underwear from our Almost Naked collection. This anatomically correct underwear features contrasting fashion detailed leg openings and feels like you're not wearing any underwear at all. The anatomically correct pouch design is shaped the way a man is shaped and creates extra room in front, just where you need it. When you pull them on, your package falls naturally into the super soft snuggle pocket to create a truly enjoyable unique wearing experience. Virtually eliminates sticking, squashing, re-adjusting, sweating and chafing. They are constructed from super soft rayon made from bamboo fiber with elastic to minimize the appearance of love handles.
Where do you seek inspiration for your designs?
A lot of my design inspiration comes from traveling and different cultures. I am also inspired by color and textures of fabric. My customers are vocal about what they like and I listen to their needs.
What are you working on now? What can we expect next from the brand? ?
I am expanding the brand beyond underwear and gym wear. In 2012 you will see more woven shirts, shorts and accessories and, of course, some amazing new underwear concepts that will blow you away!
· Andrew Christian [Official Site]
· All Below the Belt Posts [Racked]