Fun Tips Archives - Malebasics blog

5 Men’s Wardrobe Staples You Should Be Willing To Pay More For

Though we love a good bargain, there are a few clothing items that we believe all men should be willing to pay a bit more for. From a tailored suit to a quality pair of jeans, check out the 5 wardrobe staples we recommend men splurge on.

Jeans

High-quality denim can last years or even decades if cared for properly. Since jeans don’t require frequent washing, a good quality pair is built to last. Another reason to splurge on jeans? Denim is not a particularly forgiving fabric, meaning that it’s obvious when it’s low quality. Invest in a more expensive pair of jeans and you won’t regret it. A classic dark wash, straight cut style is our recommendation.

A Tailored Suit

All men should own at least one nice suit. Whether you wear them to work regularly or not, there comes a time in every man’s life when a suit is necessary. When this time comes, you’ll want to wear one that fits you well, which is why going to the nearest H&M isn’t an option. Instead, we advise you to invest in a quality suit that is tailored to your exact specifications. After all, there is nothing less attractive than an ill-fitting suit.

Winter Coat

If you live somewhere with cold winters, then you’ll likely wear a winter coat on a daily basis for several months on end. As such, this is an item you should be willing to pay more for. Plus, winter coats are one fashion item that are as functional as they are pretty. Therefore, if you splurge a little, you’ll likely be getting a coat that will keep you warm rather than something thin or flimsy that doesn’t offer any real protection against the elements. As something you’ll wear for a good chunk of the year, we recommend choosing a timeless style and colour, such as a grey or black wool peacoat.

Underwear

Given that underwear is something you wear on a daily basis, it’s surprising that few men invest in quality underwear. Sure, you can buy a 10-pack of briefs at a big box store for a nominal fee, but they’ll likely wear out in a matter of months. Whether they quickly develop holes, start to sag, or the fabric pills, the bottom line is they won’t last long. Quality men’s underwear on the other hand will not only be more durable but will look and feel great. Men’s underwear that is slightly more expensive (but still nowhere near breaking the bank) is typically made of thicker, softer fabric that offers far superior comfort and support than those of lesser quality.

Dress Shoes

A pair of men’s dress shoes will last you a very long time if cared for properly. While the cost of a new pair of leather Oxfords might seem like a lot of up front, when you consider how many inexpensive pairs you’d go through in the same amount of time, you’ll likely find that it’ll save you money in the long run. As this is an investment piece, we recommend choosing a classic colour that goes with everything, such as black or brown.

The Best Men’s Underwear Styles For Every Body Type

Wondering which underwear style is best for your body? You might be surprised by the results. Keep reading to discover the best men’s underwear styles for every body type, from those with athletic builds to slim men.

Briefs

Briefs are the ideal underwear style for those with muscular bodies, especially men with larger thighs. Typically boxer briefs or trunks don’t tend to work for men with bigger thighs because they’ll ride up. Briefs are also a great way to show off your body, which you may be particularly inclined to do if you’re muscular. Another body type briefs are perfect for is short men. Briefs allow you to show off more of your legs, making them appear longer. So if you’re looking to add a few extra inches to your physique, look no further than classic briefs.

Boxers

We’re going to work backwards for this one. Rather than telling you the body type best suited to boxers, we’re going to tell you which body type should avoid them: slim men. The looseness of boxers will only accentuate your thin body, and as such, we recommend a more snug-fitting pair of underwear like trunks or boxer briefs.

Further, if you have an athletic build but aren’t comfortable in briefs, then boxers are a great go-to. Unlike snug-fitting boxer briefs or trunks, a loose pair of boxers will be able to accommodate extra muscle in the thigh, without riding up. Boxers are also a great option for sleeping as they are extremely breathable.

As the loosest fitting style of underwear on this list, a pair of cotton boxers makes a great addition to your underwear drawer, no matter your body type, as they’re extremely comfortable and will keep you cool in the evening.

Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs are the universal style that are compatible with pretty much any male body type, though they are particularly suited to taller men and men with larger posteriors. The higher waistband of many boxer brief styles is ideal for tall men who find other underwear styles too short or prone to slipping down. Boxer briefs are also well suited to men with large posteriors who find a classic pair of briefs doesn’t provide enough coverage in the rear.

Trunks

The ideal body for trunks is slim men. A hybrid between a brief and a boxer brief, the high-thigh fit is best for thinner men, as men with larger thighs will likely find these ride up when they walk. Plus, because of how snug this underwear style fits, slimmer men won’t have to deal with extra fabric bunching up and making them appear thinner.

6 Life Skills All Men Should Master

Having life skills is an important part of succeeding as an adult, and there are a few we feel all men should have once they’re grown up. From knowing how to cook a delicious meal to learning when to prioritize your mental health, check out 6 life skills all men should master.

How To Fix a Drink

We all know how to pour a beer or a glass or wine, but knowing how to make a cocktail (even a basic one) is a surefire way to impress your guests. You don’t need to know every cocktail under the sun, but having a handle on one or two will definitely serve you well (think a Moscow Mule, a Martini, or an Old Fashioned). Plus, being able to fix a drink isn’t solely about following a recipe, it also speaks to your ability to play the role of host.

How To Invest Your Money Wisely

Knowing how to invest your money is another skill all men should master, especially if they want to get the most out of their savings. Do some research into financial management to ensure you’re making the smartest decisions for your wallet. You may consider hiring a financial planner to help you. Having a good handle on your finances and understanding the basics of investing will only serve to grow your savings in the long run.

How To Properly Care For Your Underwear

This should go without saying, but unfortunately many men do not understand how to properly care for their underwear (or know when to throw it away). Ideally, men should purchase new underwear once a year and aim to have between 15 and 20 pairs in their underwear drawer at any given time. If underwear starts to sag, stretch, pill, or develop a hole, it should be tossed out. Further, when it comes to washing your undergarments, the most important consideration is the fabric. Cotton underwear can be washed and dried regularly, but those made of microfibre or delicate materials like lace or mesh should be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

How To Cook A Delicious Meal

You don’t need to be Jamie Oliver in the kitchen, but knowing how to cook at least a few meals well is an important skill that will take you far in life. Not only will it ensure you don’t rely solely on takeout, but it is a skill that will surely impress your partner, friends, and family. If you don’t know where to begin, invest in a decent cookbook (or find an online blog you like) and experiment. You’ll only improve your cooking skills with practice.

How To Prioritize Your Mental Health

The final life skill all men should master is prioritizing your mental health. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and should be treated as such. Just as you might go for a run or hit the gym a few times a week, you should incorporate positive mental health habits into your weekly routine. Whether it’s as simple as carving out some “me time” to read a book, take a bath, or watch television, or as involved as attending a therapy session, yoga class, or meditating. There are plenty of ways to de-stress and re-centre, just make sure you’re taking the time to engage in activities that bring you joy.

How To Buy Men’s Underwear Online

Shopping for underwear online is no easy task. That is why we’ve put together a few tips on how to buy men’s underwear that will make your online shopping experience a breeze!

Consult the Sizing Chart

It’s no secret that in men’s and women’s fashion, universal sizing does not exist. As such, we recommend consulting the sizing chart of each new brand you’re considering buying from. You may even want to search the brand name and sizing to see what customers have said. Though we wish sizing was more straightforward, a pair of large boxer briefs from one brand may be the equivalent of a medium or even an extra-large at another.

Confirm the Fabric Type

When shopping for men’s underwear online, don’t simply look at style or colour. Instead, take the time to scroll down and view the fabric type. Fabric can tell you a lot about what the underwear will feel like, which is especially important when you’re not there to feel it in person. Different fabrics have different textures, properties, and care instructions. For example, microfibre is moisture-wicking and fast-drying but should be hung to dry, while cotton is soft and breathable but non-wicking.

Read the Reviews

Are the reviews positive or negative? And beyond that, what are the reviews saying? Are there several reviews all complaining about the same thing? Beyond simply looking at the rating, it’s important to read the reviews to figure out what people’s concerns are. If one of the most frequent comments is that the underwear isn’t true to size and fits smaller than other brands, this is an indicator to size up. When buying anything online, it’s a good idea to see what other people have said. (Though remember to take all reviews with a grain of salt as more often than not, people who leave reviews are doing so because they are angry or dissatisfied in some way.)

Check the Return Policy

Once you’ve found a pair of underwear you want to buy, there’s one last tip we suggest following. Before hitting the “Place Order” button, check the brand’s return policy. Return policies vary, but some companies will not offer returns on undergarments for hygienic reasons. It’s important to be aware of this before you place your order, especially if you’ve never ordered from this brand and are unsure of the sizing. However, there are lots of underwear brands that not only only accept returns but make the return process quick and simple. In our opinions, easy returns and free shipping, like those offered by Malebasics, are a must when it comes to online underwear shopping.

7 Essentials Every Man Should Have in Their Home

Just like what you wear, your home says a lot about you. The furniture you choose, the art on the walls, the utensils in the kitchen, they are all a testament to who you are. That is why it’s important to think carefully about what you put in your home. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 7 essential items every man should have in their home.

Glassware

Every man should have a quality set of glassware in their apartment. And no, we’re not talking about a set of mismatched coffee mugs. Instead, you should have a matching set of at least four wine glasses, old fashioned glasses, and beer glasses.

A Houseplant

A touch of greenery can liven up any pad. Look for big, statement plants and place them in a sun-filled corner of your home. Easy-to-care-for plants include succulents, ZZ plants, pothos, and cacti. However, if you’re adamant you have a true black thumb, then look for a realistic-looking fake plant. Even faux flora will brighten a room.

Soft Towels

Soft towels are another essential every man should have in their home. Terry cloth or organic cotton towels are a good place to start. And remember to buy a matching set that contains a mix of sizes – bath towels, hand towels, and face towels.

A Bed Frame

If you’re no longer in college, then there’s no excuse for you to be sleeping on a mattress on the floor. A bed frame (and ideally a box spring too) is a must for any man living in their own home. While we’re talking about beds, we also recommend investing in a quality mattress. Sure, they might cost a little more up front, but they’ll last longer than their cheap counterparts. Think of it as a decade-long investment in a good night’s sleep.

Wall Art

No one likes staring at blank walls. Wall art is an easy way for you to give your place a little personality. And there are so many different directions you can go in. From paintings to drawings to photographs, gallery walls to one large statement piece, express yourself however you like. But whatever you do, get something up on your wall and make sure to frame it.

Cooking Utensils

Every man’s kitchen should be stocked with at least a basic set of cooking utensils. Even if cooking isn’t your favourite activity, you should still be equipped with the most essential of kitchen items. We’re talking about a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a serrated knife, tongs, a whisk, a metal or silicone spatula, measuring spoons, measuring cups, a casserole dish, and of course, a set of pots and pans.

A Well-Stocked Underwear Drawer

Finally, no man should live without a well-stocked underwear drawer. A man’s underwear drawer should include everyday essentials, like cotton boxers or briefs, as well as microfibre underwear for working out and perhaps a few pairs for sexy nights in. In essence, your top drawer should be filled with quality underwear for every occasion.

Organizing The Ultimate Men’s Underwear Drawer

Keeping your drawers organized is difficult.

We understand the struggle, so we’ve come up with some helpful tips on organizing the ultimate men’s underwear drawer.

Underwear Storage

Underwear Drawer Organizer

If keeping up with your underwear drawer organization is difficult for you because of a busy lifestyle, an underwear drawer organizer may be the perfect thing for you. You can buy underwear organizers in different sizes, and with a variety of different organizational patterns.

Whether you want four compartments or ten, there’s an underwear drawer organizer out there that’s perfect for you. It’s only a quick Amazon search away.

Determine Your Organization Style

While there are a ton of different ways you could organize your underwear drawer, some may make your life a little easier than others. We recommend that you organize based on either color or underwear type, though each option has its pros and cons.

Color

The first underwear drawer organization style to think about is organization by color. With this style, underwear style doesn’t matter, nor does brand or any other factor.

Pros to this organization style:

One major pro to organizing your underwear drawer by color is that it’s simple. If you wash a pair of red boxers and a pair of red briefs, you just put them with the other red underwear. This organization style is particularly great if someone else does your laundry or puts it up for you. This way, you can ask them to keep your drawer organized without it being a difficult task.

Cons to this organizational style:

While organization by color is simple, it may not be the best for you if you have a variety of different types of underwear, or if you buy your underwear in consistent colors. If all of your underwear are black, you can’t really organize them by color.

Additionally, if you have underwear in four or five different styles, organizing by color may have you digging through ten pairs of red underwear to find your red briefs.

The goal is always simplicity.

Type/ Style/ Fit

If organizing your underwear drawer by color doesn’t work for you, try organizing by underwear type instead.

Pros to this organizational style:

Organizing your underwear drawer by underwear type is especially helpful if you have a variety of different styles of underwear. This way, each different underwear style has its own dedicated spot. If you’re going to the gym, for example, all of your performance underwear is in the same location, and you don’t have to dig around to find them.

Cons to this organizational style:

If you have one or two go-to types of underwear, organizing by style may not be the smartest choice for you. Likewise, you may want to look into a different organizational pattern if you buy a variety of different styles, but only one pair of each style. While organizing by underwear type can be an extremely efficient method in some cases, there are circumstances that make this method unhelpful.

How to Fold Mens Underwear

If organization is your goal, it’s important that you’re folding your underwear neatly, so they can be stacked or lined up. Boxers and briefs can be some of the most challenging styles to fold, but we have the perfect step by step guide on folding for optimal organization.

Folding Boxers

Lay your boxers face up on a flat surface. The waistband should be facing away from you, and you should smooth out wrinkles at this point.
Fold the pair in half. Grab one side of your boxers, and align the seam with the seam on the opposite leg.
Fold in half again. In the same fashion as the last step, take one side of the underwear, and fold it over to the opposite side. Your waistband should still be facing away from you.
Fold from bottom to top. With your waistband at the top, grab the bottom of your boxers, folding up in equal sections until you reach the waistband. If you want your boxers organized in small squares, fold twice. If small rectangles are more your speed, fold only once.
Put your boxers away. Whether you opt to fold your boxers in squares or rectangles, this will make drawer organization a breeze, and finding specific pairs easy!

Folding Briefs

Lay your briefs face up on a flat surface. You can also hold them face up, but your folds may be less tight.
Fold the sides into the middle. It doesn’t matter whether you start with the left or the right side, as long as the first fold is to the middle, and the second fold overlaps the first.
Fold the crotch of the briefs up to the waistband. If you want to keep your briefs securely folded, you can roll the waistband down over the crotch area after this fold.
Put your briefs away. Folding them this way makes organization easy and effective, and the extra time spent folding will pay off!

Keep Things Current

It’s important to revisit your drawer organization often. Not only does reorganization make finding the exact pair you want easier, but it’s also a great opportunity to get rid of old underwear and make room for a few new pairs.

The Perfect Men’s Underwear For Every Type of Workout

People tend to invest plenty of money in exercise clothes, but does that extend to underwear? The underwear you wear when working out is just as important as the rest of your outfit, perhaps even more so. To keep yourself cool and dry, and to prevent chafing or wedgies, the right type of underwear is everything. Check out this guide to the perfect men’s underwear for every type of workout.

HIIT

High intensity interval training requires a specific kind of underwear. That’s where Malebasics Titanium comes in. Designed specifically with HIIT workouts like CrossFit in mind, this unique underwear combines comfort, breathability, and performance into one. Made out of a special blend of microfibre, this athletic underwear, available as boxers and boxer briefs, feature a mesh band around the legs to prevent chafing and hold them in place (no wedgies here). Containing moisture-wicking, fast-drying properties, you can count on Performance Titanium men’s underwear to stay in place and keep you cool, even during the most intense of HIIT workouts.

Running

Whether you’re a casual runner or a marathon champion, we recommend a fitted brief or bikini for your workout. Why? It’s common for men’s running shorts to have built-in liners, and typically these liners are either brief or bikini in shape. Take a look at your favourite running shorts and find a pair of underwear that mimics the liner. This will provide the most comfort. Plus, as running involves repeated movement of the legs, you’ll want a style that doesn’t get in the way. Briefs aren’t bulky and because they don’t cover your thighs, they won’t hinder your movement in any way.

Weightlifting

Weightlifting is one of the most popular types of workouts. Whether you’re using dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, or something else entirely, this particular type of exercise requires underwear that will stay in place, no matter how many reps, swings, jerks, or squats you do during your workout. That’s why we recommend a jockstrap for all men partial to weightlifting. Jockstraps offer the most freedom and movement of any type of underwear style. They won’t ride up and they won’t hold you back. They’re ideal if you’re combining several different weightlifting exercises into one workout.

Yoga

Yoga is all about flexibility. In order to remain flexible, you have to be wearing the proper clothing and that includes underwear. Thongs are our go-to when it comes to yoga. Similar to the jockstrap, they provide ample freedom, allowing you to move and twist your body in any direction. Plus, a thong will ensure no underwear lines if you choose to wear tights during your practice. A proper-fitting thong will seamlessly take you from downward dog to crow pose to pigeon without limiting your movement.

Cycling

Reduce friction and minimize chafing when cycling with a long pair of boxers. Long performance underwear (i.e. underwear that reaches your knee or the lower half of your thigh) is ideal when going on long bike rides. This form of exercise is notorious for causing chafing – if you wear the wrong clothes, that is. Longer boxers offer protection for your entire thigh, in addition to your glutes and groin. However, the length of the underwear is just as important as the material. Don’t forget to choose breathable, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying materials, such as microfibre or nylon.

All you need to know about socks

Traditional and conservative styles used to be very trendy, but in the last 8 years, stripes, fun shapes and bright colours came up and, out of nowhere, important businessmen started to wear colourful socks with their suits. Is it classy?

When it comes to fashion nothing is forbidden. Everyone has their own right to set a style to stand up from others, however, for those who are still interested in fitting into the society, there are some general rules, especially when wearing elegant suits.

If you are not a risk-taker, classics should be your option. No matter where you go, nothing can go wrong with them, but keep in mind that you will be wearing neutral colours at all times. Neutral colours are: black, blue or brown. If you like white, please leave it for the gym. This colour will never be elegant.

When choosing your socks, you must pay attention to the colour of your trousers. Always the socks should match the colour of it, but always have to be darker. For black, grey and blue suits, we recommend you navy socks. Leave the black ones for really elegant occasions.

In case your suit is light coloured, remember that your socks must be darker and, in this case, focus your attention on the colour of the shoes. When thinking about the length, all you need to know is that when you are seated, nobody should be able to see your legs.

Apart from elegant occasions, you don’t need to pay attention to your socks, except when wearing moccasins. Please, do not wear white socks with them!

Beer belly? All you need to know…

I bet you used to laugh at your dad and uncles when you were younger, but now you are truly worried about the way you look. You know that you don’t eat the best quality food, but still don’t have a clue of what is causing you that huge belly.

If you are over 30 years, this is a reality that you need to face: As the years go by, more fat accumulates in your abdomen and we find it harder to eliminate it, but don’t panic, women suffer something similar, but in their hips. Youth, divine gift!

The fat accumulation is due to lots of factors such as hereditary, hormonal and medical, not just to nutritional issues, although, of course, your diet is something that you need to watch out and exercising plays a very important role here too.

For sure, a big belly is not aesthetic, but there is a big difference between something that you don’t like and something that you need to worry about. Get a measurement tap, if your waist circumference is bigger than 41 inches (102 centimetres), you need to make an appointment with a doctor as you have abdominal obesity.

On summer times our appearance seems to be our main focus as we want to go to pool parties and the beach with our friends, but this is something that we should pay more attention to. Can you believe that this is related to illnesses like asthma, prostate cancer and osteoporosis?!

Sometimes finding the time to do exercise can be tricky, but if you walk at least 20 mins every day is more than enough. Instead, you can consider starting with a clean and healthy diet. When it comes to a good shape, 70% is about your eating habits and 30% the exercise that you do. You actually burn more calories throughout the day than at the gym, so now that you know the secret, when are you planning to start?

Colors and your personality

We all have different preferences when it comes to colors and as many of you must know, this is a determinant topic in marketing, so if many brands follow certain rules, why not to consider the fact that people also read many things from the colors that we wear?

The following are our meanings according to the color of undies that you choose:

Purple

You enjoy long-term relationships and are very passionate and romantic. People often describe you as old-fashion.

Blue

Malebasics Hipster Boxer Brief Santorini

You are a person that people can trust. You are honest and normally who consoles others when they have problems.

Green

You are ready to commit! This is our favorite for a first date, but be careful when wearing it for a special occasion, especially if you are looking for just fun.

Yellow

The same as this fun print, you are a person who is full of joy and always has a smile on their face. The amazing plans that you do with your friends during the weekend come normally from your mind.

Red

You are always up for a night of passion and are bold enough to try new things. A good phrase to describe your personality would be: an open mind person!

Pink

You are not shy at all and always pursue their dreams without caring about other’s opinions.

White

You are loyal and happy to make things happen. You never wait for changes to come to your life because you are who provoke them. You are very genuine and with a pure soul.

Black

You are classy and a person who is ready to face success. The world is always small for you. You are a dreamer, but able to make those dreams into reality!

How do you feel about this? Are we right? Let us know your impressions!