business newsState of our underwear nationThursday, 24 January 2008 While we may be used to BBC’s Jeremy Paxman getting his knickers in a twist over politicians refusal to answer his questions, it seems this week it’s not them but his underwear that’s really vexing the 57 year old Newsnight presenter. In a leaked email to M&S Paxman complained about the quality of the chain's range of underwear for men. "Their pants no longer provide adequate support" he was quoted as saying whilst he found the socks were "wearing out much more quickly" than before. Radio phone-ins, newspaper column and TV chat show sofas have since jumped on the underwear story and offered much support for the supportless Paxman. And here at Real City Network we couldn’t help but notice the complaints from listeners, readers and writers about the lack of style, support and choice in the men’s underwear world. But it’s something we found hard to believe. Where are these men shopping? One glimpse round any venue we know of and the display of underwear on show confirms just how stylish undies have become. Are we the only ones who get the need for Calvins, Rufskin, D&G, Armanis, B*Boy and HOM? The likes of Clone Zone, Prowler and Schultz all offer a vast array of sexy undies with a few clicks of the mouse. Diving beneath the trousers of the underwear industry we contacted AussieBum, home of the wonderjock, and asked if the male undie wearer was being badly served. Apparently not according to Sean Ashby, principal of the label. "The U.K. represents approx 20% of our global sales. In terms of why the UK are into AussieBum I figure it's because the brand has a personality and heritage that was born in London within the gay community. In Australia the brand was rejected by local department stores and it was actually London that started the global trend towards our styles. "We do not to conform to the basics – white, black underwear. And believe the fact men can look sexy and have a choice of colours, styles and personalities. We invented the Wonderjock for men and in turn have many men look even sexier than ever. Don’t be surprised if you start to see spin offs of the Wonderjock from major brands globally. Trends have to start somewhere and its London that really sets the pace for men’s underwear globally." Whatever the global underwear trends whether this is a gay vs. straight issue is as debatable as the boxers vs. Y-fronts conversation. But either way if Paxman wants support and style it’s time he shopped around. It appears we do – and we look great because of it.
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