Puma Bodywear's Jillian Pasley Recommends a Pair of Underwear That Offers Quality Pouch Support

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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.

Jillian Pasley is the apparel designer and merchandiser for Puma Bodywear, the line of athletic-infused underwear that is designed with "real men" in mind. She spends her days either scouting for inspiration or drawing on her computer all day, but the end goal of her designs is to create pieces that exude confidence and quality. Here, she takes us inside her world, straight from the Puma Bodywear NYC Headquarters.

What makes your product range unique?
Everyone's body is different and all require different fit and features from bodywear. We keep this in mind when designing every piece in the line. The four different ranges in the collection each bring something specific that we can offer to our customers.

Who would you say is your target demographic? What are their interests? Where do they live?
The man who wears Puma bodywear is confident. He likes to take risks, he's particular about his appearance, and he appreciates quality product. There is something for everyone, whether you are a cotton brief or boxer brief guy, or you prefer a more technical, performance product with some pizzaz, you'll find what you're looking for. Every style in the line features comfort, durability, and quality.

What is your role on a day-to-day basis?
As a designer and creative director, every day is different, which keeps my work interesting. There are days that I'm drawing on the computer all day, and others where I'm brainstorming with colleagues in the creative process, or out shopping stores for inspiration.

If you had to recommend one product from your line that every man should own, what would it be and why?
The Pro-Tech Cyclist: It has a slightly longer length than the typical trunk silhouette. It is 90% mesh, so it's breathable in all the places you need it to be, and the pouch is double lined with a high-tech nylon for support. The waistband is made from brushed microfiber yarns for comfort and is non-irritating to the skin. There is also an inside "sport pocket" on the side big enough to hold a key or currency while you are out for a run or at the gym.

What do you think men are looking for when they purchase underwear?
Comfort, functionality and a value price. Generally speaking, men often approach shopping differently than women do. Men typically have a specific item in mind, they know what they are looking for, and buy it without much browsing. Technical underwear must be functional, but must still have the comfort of everyday underwear.

Where do you seek inspiration for your designs?
My inspiration is found in everyday life, in everyday conversations. Living in a big city gives you a chance to meet with many different people from all walks of life. I get inspired by people's backgrounds and their lifestyles, what they wear, what they say, and what they need.

What are you working on now? What can we expect next from the brand?
Currently, I'm researching new yarns and technical fabrics. I ask myself how we can update what's working well now, what else we can add, how can we keep people coming back for more.

· Puma Bodywear [Official Site]
· All Below the Belt Posts [Racked]