I found Ballistic Menswear because a photographer tweeted about the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada-based brand. Ballistic has underwear for sale now, but the brand plans to offer swimwear and gym wear for sale in the future.
Author’s note: I wrote a blog post about Kyle Hynick, a model who is from Halifax.
Ballistic sells briefs and two types of boxer briefs: mesh and athletic. The size charts from Ballistic underwear is located conveniently on the product page.
The fabric composition (for the briefs and mesh boxer briefs) is 95 percent bamboo viscose and 5 percent Spandex. The boxer briefs have a mesh panel in the front; the athletic boxer briefs have solid fabric.
For the athletic boxer briefs, the fabric composition is 95 percent Polyester and 5 percent Spandex.
Ballistic Menswear uses Canada Post and DHL (outside Canada).
Payment Accepted
When I published this post, the brand accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal.
Conclusion
Ballistic Menswear daily underwear, with a little bit of daring (with the mesh underwear versions). With the nice selection of colors and good size range, many guys can find something they like.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you use these links to visit a merchant, I may earn a commission–at no additional cost to you.
Crossfit Workout Goal: Long-term Health
As explained in the guide on Crossfit shorts, Crossfit uses high-intensity, functional movements. For example, a beginner workout-of-the-day (WOD) could be squats, pull-ups, presses, and a run. A workout requires gear that allows a guy to be comfortable as he goes through his challenging workout.
You are starting a workout routine for lifetime health benefits, so workout gear should be long-lasting.
Items that will support you as you attain your Crossfit training goals: Ten Thousand’s Tactical Short and reusable water bottle.
Ten Thousand Tactical Short
The Tactical Short has 80 percent Nylon and 20 percent Spandex and has a compression liner.
This short can go from gym-based workouts to running outside, swimming, or completing shopping tasks before going home.
The shorts have zippered pockets to keep your keys and other personal property secured.
The shorts have two lengths: 5 inches and 7 inches.
Rather than using countless plastic bottles to have water available during your workout, it is more convenient to have a reusable water bottle.
One option that would work is stainless steel that is free from bisphenol A (BPA).
Ten Thousand’s BPA-free stainless steel water bottle is 32 ounces. It has a convenient handle and a wide opening so that you can add your supplements or ice cubes easily. The water bottle has a double wall that can maintain the water temperature.
I found some of Kyle Hynick‘s photos where he was wearing a big flannel shirt that had an embroidered logo and design on it. I discovered that the jacket is an overshirt.
Is the overshirt a good piece to add to a guy’s wardrobe or is it just a passing fad? The overshirt is a versatile part of a guy’s wardrobe. I can see why the garment has many fans.
The Cardigan Sweater
Way back, I loved cardigan sweaters with designs like some overshirts; sadly, this type of cardigan faded away. The overshirt could fill the place of the cardigan, at least for me.
What is an Overshirt?
According to the EQVVS website, an overshirt is a jacket with the design of a shirt. The overshirt comes in various styles (zip front, button front, with pockets or without pockets) and fabrics (cotton or nylon). The style is casual, but some of the overshirts have great colors making those pieces more polished. The overshirt is versatile to wear in all seasons, which is great for the Washington, D.C., area weather pattern.
In selecting an overshirt, it should be big enough to fit a sweater underneath the overshirt, but not supersized (unless that is the look you are going for).
The overshirt provides many options for creating an outfit. I am still learning how about how to create a great look. I look to YouTube videos to see what fashion bloggers recommend.
The first video is by Style by Dillan, who provides advice on creating a two to a three-layered outfit.
In the second video, Devan on Deck styles overshirts for use in warmer climates or a transition from cold to warm weather. Devan also discusses how to use overshirts to introduce color to your outfit.
YouTuber Marcel Floruss, in the third video, demonstrates several overshirts, in a variety of fabrics.
Examples
Kyle Hynick
Instagram influencer, Kyle Hynick, started a page where he wears different outfits. In the photos with overshirts, Kyle wears flannel shirts with customized embroidery and plaid jackets. He wears an overshirt with a graphic tee and cargo pants or jeans. It is a well-styled, relaxed rugged combination, perfect for weeknights or weekends.
Celestial City
Celestial City is a small business located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Celestial City’s owner lives in Halifax.
The brand sells embroidered sweatshirts, as Kyle is wearing one. The brand also provides for custom embroidery requests. (Check the website for more details.)
In researching this article, I became interested in the style, as I used to love cardigans with a design on them. While looking on Pinterest for Overshirt examples, I found a great looking overshirt from Percival. I liked the overshirt’s look (flannel work shirt, hazel mini hound–sold out), but I wanted to learn more about the company.
Percival is a Great Britain brand located in Hackney. The brand strives to combine a “British sense of understated style and rare, internationally-sourced fabrics and materials.” A group of five operate the business.
I emailed the company with a sizing question about another coat and received a reply. (I decided to look for an overshirt because I have several coats already. The size information was valuable.)
The order process was smooth. I will update the post with details about the delivery and fit.
Order Review
My order was mailed on January 25 from the United Kingdom and arrived at my home in the United States (through DHL (20 GBP)) on January 27. The shipping is pricey, but I appreciate more the delivery speed.
I am impressed with how neatly the order was packed in the mail bag. The order arrived in a black mail bag. Inside the work shirt was within a cloth bag with the Percival logo. There was an envelope with return information if needed.
The work shirt is made of wool but is not overly heavy. (I love my cashmere overcoat–warm and light–so I pay attention to a jacket’s weight.) There is a lining in the sleeves.
I am happy with my purchase, and I will keep looking on the website for other pieces to buy.
Conclusion
The overshirt is a versatile part of a guy’s wardrobe. I hope that this article is also a benefit for you, the reader. (I will update this post with further examples.)
Would you consider buying an overshirt? Let me know your thoughts in the comments or by email.
You have decided to achieve your goal for weight loss. Or, maybe you seek to add some muscle to your physique. Good for you! With all the confusing fitness information out there, it is easy to get confused and give up.
Don’t Give Up.
Coach Fraser Wilson will help you to sort the fitness information so that it works for you.
Customized Workout Plan Fraser, with your information, will create a tailored workout plan that suits your goal.)
Customized Meal Plans Fraser also provides meal plans that suit your fitness goal.
Clients-Only Fitness App (When you decide to work with Fraser, you will gain access to the fitness app. The app will have your workout plan and meal plan.)
Email Consults As a client, you will have access to Fraser’s email to seek consults on your workout or meal plan.
I received a question about the Spartan Warrior costume. While researching this article, I remembered a photo shoot that I loved.
A few years ago, I saw a Facebook post by Rahim Mastafa in which he posted images. The model, Blake, wore a Spartan Warrior costume was a physical education teacher and looked fantastic in the costume. (The costume comes from the movie titled “300” (Warner Brothers, 2007).
Rahim Mastafa & Blake in Bath, United Kingdom
Rahim had a photo shoot with Blake, a physical education teacher, in Bath, United Kingdom. Most of the images were at the Roman Baths.
Rahim posted some behind-the-scenes video of his Bath photo shoot.
Conclusion
I am glad that I received the question, as I got to review one of my favorite photo shoots. I thank Rahim and Blake for the fantastic images. I even placed Bath, UK, on my travel list (post-pandemic).
Are you a fan of costume-based photography? If so, what is your favorite costume? Let me know in the comments.
Note: After writing this post, I found a photo of another gym trainer who wore a 300 Movie costume: Jeff Seid by Photographer Luis Rafael.
Some Instagram posts feature a particular type of workout shirt—a tank top that was formerly a t-shirt. Typically, the wearer has built considerable muscle mass, which contrasts with the open shirt fabric.
This workout shirt is also popular. There are many searches for this gym shirt on Internet search engines. It makes sense as the workout shirt is budget-friendly and relatively easy to create. On Pinterest, this shirt style has a search peak through warmer weather months.
Perhaps you are a newbie Crossfit enthusiast preparing for your first WOD, or you are a skilled Crossfit athlete seeking to find the best men’s shorts that will be as tough as you perform your exercise movements. This article will explain the various types of Crossfit shorts that are on the market.
WOD or Box Shorts Are Just Gym Workout Shorts
According to the wodhopper website, a Crossfit box is a gym that affiliates with Crossfit. An affiliated gym must have Crossfit-certified trainers on site. WOD in Crossfit stands for workout of the day. As each gym is independent, the workout emphasis varies from gym to gym.
According to Invictus Fitness, Crossfit gyms typically “post one workout each day for their members and online followers to complete.” So box shorts or wod shorts are essentially gym shorts.
For a reflection of a new person starting Crossfit from mens physique, read a blog article about Tom Seed.
Crossfit Shorts that Will Work as Hard as You During Your WOD
Crossfit uses functional movements. As a result, shorts that allow you to achieve the full range of motion is the best. You have a range of shorts from which to select your favorite.
Brands
Several brands create Crossfit shorts, including Nike, No Bull, Reebok, Ten Thousand, and Rogue.
Crossfit Board Shorts
In this blog, I wrote an article for board shorts in mens physique competitions. The board shorts there are closer to the leg. For Crossfit, the board shorts have a wider leg opening given the demands of the Crossfit WOD. For example, see the Reebok board shorts; the shorts have a wide leg opening that could suit demanding leg-focused exercise movements. Reebok’s board shorts have pockets.
The Rogue brand also has a board shorts option available. The board shorts, like the Reebok, have a pocket.
Crossfit Cordura Shorts
What is Cordura?
Cordura is a trademarked brand name for a fabric that INVICTA (a subsidiary of Koch Industries) manufactures. The synthetic fabric is available for civilian use. Cordura can withstand abrasions, is generally water repellent and flame resistant. Read more about Cordura at Sailrite’s website.
I was not able to find any shorts with Cordura. If the reader finds one, please let me know in the comments.
Crossfit Kevlar Shorts
What is Kevlar?
Kevlar is a trademarked brand name for a synthetic fabric known best for its use in bullet-resistant body armor. Kevlar’s creator is Stephanie Kwolek, and DuPont owns the trademark. Kevlar is cut and puncture resistant and flame resistant.
Why is Kevlar used in Crossfit shorts? The workouts can be demanding, but not to the extent of needing Kevlar’s strengths. I was not able to find any shorts with Kevlar. If the reader finds one, please let me know in the comments.
Crossfit Compression Shorts
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you use these links to visit a merchant I may earn a commission–at no additional cost to you.
Considering the functional exercise moves in Crossfit, a compression short is available. The use of compression shorts is wide in fitness. Ten Thousand’s Tactical Short can incorporate an optional compression liner in the shorts. The Interval shorts also have pockets.
There is a compression short that is a separate item, such as the one from No Bull.
Crossfit Fight Shorts
The Rogue brand offers a fight short for MMA fights, Crossfit WODs, and gym workouts. The fight shorts have a velcro closure. The Rogue fight short has a side zipper pocket.
What to Wear under Crossfit Shorts?
Given the amount of movement with this activity, briefs, boxer briefs, or compression shorts would work well. Some shorts, like the Interval Shorts discussed above, can incorporate a compression liner under the top shell of the shorts.
The Underwear Expert did a video several years ago asking Crossfit athletes about their underwear preference.
Conclusion
This article has covered the shorts available to the new and experienced Crossfit athlete. The fabrics of the shorts will sustain rough treatment during challenging WODs.
Also, Crossfit shorts have a place in the athleisure category, with most of the shorts having pockets.
Any of the shorts featured are your favorite? Please let me know in the comments.
I was looking for some new gym shorts. In my search, I noticed a selection of shorts that had a length of three to five inches. I had known that some gym trainers liked short shorts for the flexibility of movement for leg day. The style was popular in the 1970s, so the fashion trend is a blast from the past.
There are two popular styles that I noticed in my search:
swim-based shorts (that can be worn in a pool or other water and at a resort or other places).
The length of short shorts depends on the length and width of a guy’s thighs. A taller guy may need a little more length. (Read an article at Esquire Magazine for how different shorts lengths look on guys from tall to short.)
On TikTok, there are posts encouraging guys to ditch long length shorts in favor of 5-inch inseam shorts (aka short shorts). (See an article by Esquire Magazine.)
The Guardian newspaper had an article about men’s interest in short shorts (the way shorts were in the 1970s and 1980s) (author Priya Elan). Men’s shorts became longer in the 1990s and early 2000s. The theme of the story was the connection of menswear, sensuality, and affordable style.
There is some tension as the inseam gets to 5 inches and lower. (See discussion in next subsection.)
In the bodybuilding (and physique) world, I think that there is a desire to show the results of leg day training as well as practicality—better movement in the gym. With athleisure clothing, this gym wear is also worn in casual wear.
An article in the New Idea, a publication for Australian women, also supports short shorts and provides practical tips (author Rhys McKay). It should be noted that some parts of Australian fashion embraced short shorts (for example, brands (2Eros (Zyzz (the late Aziz Sergeyevich Shavershian (1989-2011)) shorts, also known as the S01 Icon Shorts (mentioned in a previous blog article) and fitness trainer and YouTuber Daniel Vadnal) as well as sports (the Australian Football League (AFL) and Australian rugby).
For shorter shorts, like the Addicted mesh shorts, below, there may be some negative feedback received from the guy showing too much leg. Rick for The Running Channel on YouTube investigated this question with two-inch inseam side-split running shorts.
Bang Clothing brand offers show shorts that have a three-inch inseam.
As discussed above with the Guardian article, the shorts force a connection between men’s fashion and sensuality. However, bodybuilders and AFL athletes has embraced the fashion trend enthusiastically.
A YouTuber and male model, Brandon Pikulinski, was having this debate in his video log. He’s a tall guy, 6’3″ or 1.91 meters. Brandon is a jogger, wore short shorts and leggings on a hot day to go for a jog (at about 30 second-mark in the video).
Later, for a swim, he tried on short swim trunks with a four-inch inseam and felt the shorts were too short (at about the 6:52 mark in the video). His girlfriend liked them.
If you decide to embrace short shorts, be confident and go for it. Maybe another guy is debating the same question internally. If more guys embrace it (as in the 1970s), it will encourage other guys to support it.
Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments.
Timoteo offers a mesh short (which model Matt Luscious wears below) that has a very short inseam like the running short.
London, UK, based fashion and fitness blogger Ollie Pearce did a YouTube video on short shorts. While the shorts that Ollie showed on his video was a form of board shorts, he did discuss how shorter length shorts can help taller guys as well as guys who love leg days at the gym.
Swim-Based Short Shorts
The shorts in this category have a mesh liner as well as fabric that can handle being in the water. The shorts also dry quickly to be worn away from water.
I have presented a selection of short shorts that are available. Whether you are looking for something to wear at the beach or pool, at the gym, or running errands around town, there is an option available to you.
Are you interested in short shorts? Please tell us of your interest and brand that you like in the comments. If there is a dream vacation spot or resort that you would like to visit post-Covid, please also write it in the comment area.
Aggelos Pirikkis is a personal trainer and model who lives in Cyprus. He had a photoshoot with Canthos Studio for Walking Jack, a men’s underwear brand based in Greece.
(The underwear is manufactured in Portugal. Read more about Walking Jack on its website.)
Personal trainers and fitness models often form small businesses to either take care of training clients or to promote yourself to photographers and clothing brands.
From interviewing and researching some personal trainers and fitness models for the blog, I have been finding that these small business owners also have great personal stories that could contribute positively to a news story. How do these business owners and potentially interested media outlets make a connection (but cannot afford a media relations firm)? The answer is through do-it-yourself media relations.
A Note on the Media Business: Contracting yet Still Important
I used to be a business-to-business journalist in weekly legal publications. I often was awed by the work of the daily journalists who dealt with challenging daily deadlines to produce publishable content. My sources were in reference materials; daily reporters must find relevant people to provide quotes for an article.
I loved my work, but with the Internet, the journalism industry has become a more challenging field, starting with print, and now occurring in the television. Lots of media outlets have closed or consolidated. Still, the thrill of finding a great story is in me even though I am in another non-journalist career. Seeing my article that I toiled to complete in print is another great feeling.
What are Media Relations?
I found an explanation of media relations at the Media Maven and More website “[I]t’s earning placement in the media without paying for it. When you pay for it, it’s advertising. When you don’t pay for it, it’s media relations.”
With fewer media outlets, interested business owners must contact the reporters that cover a particular issue and to provide them with relevant stories that will entertain, educate, or enlighten to the journalist’s audience. Also, I took a Muck Rack course on the fundamentals of media relations. In that course, media outlets also look at how many clicks a story gets.
In the Muck Rack course, stories that tend to get a high number of clicks are those involving politics, celebrity, or sports. Following that are stories that have a strong connection with the media outlet’s local area.
This work takes some time, but when you find a relevant journalist that covers your industry area and you have a story that entertains, educates or enlightens the audience, you will be successful and develop a good relationship with the media.
Media Relations Preparation Work Homework
Interested in doing the work to get media coverage? To get such coverage, you will have to do the homework. I recommend doing an Internet search on media relations to see what information is out there.
What you will need is to find out your story. A PDF from Pitch Rate is helpful to creating your press kit for your website. Then I would recommend checking out the Muck Rack course. Muck Rack is pricey for small businesses, but they offer helpful free content.
When Ready to Look for Media Publications, Start Local
Also, see Phoenix Jackson’s YouTube video for some more great tips as you get started. One great tip that is in the video is to check out all sources of local media—local newsletters and bulletins that are a good fit for your personal story or your business.
Conclusion
I wish you the best of luck in your search for media coverage. It requires some background work; however, your focus on doing things right and preparing well will be a huge benefit for you and your relationships with media and their audience.
Please let me know of your successes and challenges in the comment section or by sending me an email.
If you find some information that is helpful to you and not mentioned in the article, please tell me in the contents or through an email.