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Gay Underwear Brands
Who Makes What, and Who Wears It
Ask which underwear brands gay men wear and the same names come up again and again. Here's who they are, where they come from, and the honest answer to the question people search for most: is it a “gay brand”?
The labels most associated with gay men's underwear are PUMP!, TEAMM8, Modus Vivendi, C-IN2 and 2(X)IST, plus Andrew Christian until it closed, alongside smaller labels such as SALIGIA. None of them is only for gay men. They design the jockstraps, thongs, sheer briefs and swim briefs the gay community has embraced, and anyone can wear them.
The Brands We Stock
Every brand below is in stock at BANG&STRIKE now, apart from C-IN2, which is arriving this season.
PUMP!
A Montreal-born label built on an athletic look: an anatomically contoured pouch, a wide branded waistband and bold colour. PUMP! has a large, loyal LGBTQ+ following and is proud of it, but it designs for anyone who wants underwear that performs and looks good. We have stocked PUMP! since 2010. Shop PUMP! →
TEAMM8
Founded in Sydney in 2008 by Michal Nicolas, TEAMM8 makes underwear, swimwear and activewear with a gym-to-night attitude, from the sheer Score and Allure pieces to Flex faux leather jockstraps and the Glide micro thong. Shop TEAMM8 →
Modus Vivendi
Founded in Thessaloniki in 1989 by Christos Bibitsos and still made in Greece in the brand’s own factory, Modus Vivendi is known for texture and swimwear: ribbed cotton, Dry Tech, sheer net and low-cut swim briefs. Shop Modus Vivendi →
SALIGIA
A luxury label rooted in the aesthetics of Ancient Greece and named after the Latin acronym for the seven deadly sins. Its modal and lyocell basics, including the Greek Modal Column jockstrap, are exclusive to BANG&STRIKE in the UK. Shop SALIGIA →
C-IN2
Founded in New York by Gregory Sovell, who had founded 2(X)IST in 1991, C-IN2 launched in 2005 and is known for knit jockstraps and low-rise briefs. It is arriving at BANG&STRIKE this season. Read the C-IN2 story →
STRIKE PRO
Our own label, made for the gym and every day: core cotton and microfibre jockstraps, thongs, briefs and bodysuits at accessible prices. Shop STRIKE PRO →
The Brands People Ask About
Three more names come up constantly in searches. We have stocked or worked with all of them.
2(X)IST
Founded in New York in 1991, 2(X)IST pioneered the contoured pouch and became one of the first designer underwear labels with a big gay following. At the time of writing, its own online store is on a break. Read the 2(X)IST story →
Andrew Christian
Founded by designer Andrew Christian, who grew up gay in Fresno, California, the brand launched its underwear line in 2001 and became famous for Show-It and Flashback and for its unapologetically sexy campaigns. In December 2025 it announced it would close. Read the Andrew Christian story →
BOX Menswear
A UK label founded by Luke Mills. When we interviewed him, he described BOX as “a brand for everybody” who likes comfort and style. Read our Q&A with Luke Mills →
So, Is It a “Gay Brand”?
Usually the honest answer is no, and that is the point. These brands make underwear designed to be seen: jockstraps, thongs, sheer and mesh briefs and brief-cut swimwear. Gay men adopted those styles first and made them part of the culture, which is why the brands are so closely linked with the community. For the history behind that, read Gay Men’s Underwear: Why We Dress to Be Seen. To shop by style, start with gay jockstraps, gay thongs or gay swimwear.
