When Jeremy Paxman emailed M&S chief executive Sir Stuart Rose to complain about the declining quality of his underpants, he began an international incident that threatens to tear the very fabric of men's underwear design. Though M&S claim that underwear complaints (that must be a fun department to work in!) are at a five-year low, Paxman is vexed about the "weak gusset issue" and "separation of cotton from the elastic".
Lovehoney has a potential solution. They have just launched the Ballbra - a revolutionary pant design which according to Lovehoney is:
"The ultimate man pant, available in three different models - the Original, the Bare, or the G-String...the Ballbra range features an exclusive hi-tech harness pouch which provides comfortable cover for the full male package, or just the testicles... At night, the Ballbra becomes a high-tech sex aid which can be worn during sex to cradle the testicles and increase orgasm intensity."
Somehow I can't imagine Paxman conducting high-profile political interviews in a G-string. On the other hand...
Although this is not likely to win me a Pulitzer for incisive writing, I've always found M&S pants uncomfortable. I do like the sound of the cradling thing though. Is it really high-tech? Sounds breathtakingly low-tech to me.
Posted by: Biffo | Wednesday, 23 January 2008 at 12:50 PM
"...a high-tech sex aid", eh? I used to wear one in the 70s, to play rugby. It was called a jock strap!
Posted by: Mike Cowie | Wednesday, 23 January 2008 at 02:16 PM
In answer to all the fuss caused by Jeremy Paxman's comments to M&S's Stuart Rose concerning his gusset anxiety around the lack of support and quality of their underwear and the job that they do for him, I would like to make the point that you generally get what you pay for in this world. This has always been the case and remains one of lifes golden rules. If you pay peanuts then... etc.
I, as joint owner of Sunspel, would challenge anyone to trial a pair of our underwear and not agree that they have recieved the most comfortable underwear you can get. We have been making underwear in Long Eaton, Derbyshire for the last 150 years and therefore know a thing or two about it. We have made it for all sorts including Johnny Depp, Liam Gallagher, Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Craig as James Bond, Levis 501's Nick Kamen, even Cyril Smith and Prince Charles.
It is not a simple thing to get right, however years of experience gives our designers a unique, almost boffin-like insight into the essentials of fit and fabric quality. Sunspel's unique fabrics have been created for softness, lightness and strength - all 100% long staple Egyptian cotton.
To back up this claim if you follow the link http://www.sunspel.com and use the voucher code paxo-challenge, we will offer you a 50% discount on any of the underwear or t-shirts we sell, including all those made for Casino Royale - try it out and see for yourself what Paxo is missing.
Posted by: Dominic | Thursday, 24 January 2008 at 02:00 PM
Well, I guess if the Sleeping Around blog was going to get spammed, it's appropriate that it was by an underwear manufacturer.
Posted by: John | Thursday, 24 January 2008 at 03:20 PM
Jeremy Paxman's comments definitly need a solution. And I actually know someone who has a Ballbra (should I be concerned?), and it definitly would be a good solution. Need to get my collegue to post about the underwear and how it would help Jeremy at his time of NEED!
Posted by: william | Tuesday, 05 February 2008 at 10:48 PM
Bondara has an even better better solution. Bought my partner the new thong from them. Follow the link above to find it. And arrived next day. Pleased (both of us!)
Posted by: Vibrators Girl | Wednesday, 24 September 2008 at 04:15 PM
It is not a simple thing to get right, however years of experience gives our designers a unique, almost boffin-like insight into the essentials of fit and fabric quality. Sunspel's unique fabrics have been created for softness, lightness and strength - all 100% long staple Egyptian cotton.
Posted by: sex toys | Sunday, 15 March 2009 at 07:22 AM
I am sure its not just me - but I have always found M&S underwear uncomfortable. I think they need to go back to the drawing board for a bit.
Posted by: Sex Toys | Tuesday, 23 June 2009 at 10:52 PM
it definitly would be a good solution. Need to get my collegue to post about the underwear and how it would help Jeremy at his time
Posted by: sex shop | Tuesday, 07 July 2009 at 11:26 AM