After I created the ladies’ boxer briefs designs, I showed them to some of my girlfriends. One of their boyfriends asked why not create the most comfortable, playful boxer briefs for men too.
Well, well, well. This was not listed on my business plan, but my curiosity kicked in and led me to explore further. I then read hundreds of forum posts with titles like "The Quest for the Perfect Undies" and delved into thousands of customer reviews; collecting & analysing countless samples, I thought I was getting there. I, was on a quest to redefine men's comfort and style through a unique lens. But to stay ahead of the game, I also need to understand exactly what kind of undies my male customers desire. One day, at a BBQ party, after a couple of drinks, I kicked out all the embarrassment, gathered all the courage, ready to delve into the world of men’s preferences, by talking to real people to listen to their pain points and gather some real, unfiltered feedback. Wow, what a new world, Men do care a lot about their undies, they do have lots of issues with their undies, and they do have lots of ideas for what they want for their undies. As the conversation continued, drink glasses refilled, the embarrassment dissipated, and the men became increasingly animated, sharing their thoughts on waistbands, fabrics, constructions, and even the importance of quirky patterns.
I was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm. It turned out that discussing men's undies over drinks wasn't so awkward after all. In fact, it became a lively and insightful conversation that left everyone with a good laugh. Gathering their candid feedback was a unique adventure that brought me valuable insights, a few giggles, and a newfound appreciation for the diverse world of men's underwear preferences.
The conversation did not stop there, I brought my collection of samples, fabric swatches, and more drinks, and initiated more conversations with my gfs and their men, and their men’s buddies. These conversations were candid, sometimes laced with a hint of embarrassment, but always rich in insights and honesty, with lots of laughter.
Thanks to those alcoholic drinks, otherwise I might have jumped out of the window before the conversation started,
Thanks to my dear girlfriends who contributed your Significant Others to the discussion, and provided your own thoughtful insights too,
Thanks to all my victims, I heard you and we are not done yet, you will be the first product testers and provide further feedback.
Men are definitely different species. Life can get a little toasty, society set up the roles for them to be tough, to work hard, to gain power. Some men are like roasted marshmallows, tough on the outside but oh-so-gentle and sweet on the inside - a delightful blend of strength and sweetness! Some of them look like dominant and confident individuals, but beneath that formidable exterior lies a spirited, playful little child. (I have witnessed most people reveal their playful childish nature on the golf course, revelling in the joy of the game).
What a unique experience, the courage to step out of my comfort zone and engage in unconventional conversations. Creating men’s underwear was not my original plan, with my new business adventure evolving, it was a thrilling exploration driven by sheer curiosity, compassion, and a pinch of audacity. Life is full of unexpected adventures; as I journeyed deeper into the world of men's underwear, I realized that my mission was to create not just comfortable undergarments but pieces that celebrated individuality and unique stories attached. The experience was, and continues to be, a fascinating blend of curiosity, creativity, and a strong desire to make a difference.
This is the story of how my path veered into the world of men's underwear, a path that embraced the untraditional and sought to challenge the status quo. It's a journey I invite you to embark upon with me, a journey where comfort meets style, and where the adventure is just beginning.
To be continued…