Malebasics blog

How to Be Seductive – A Gentleman’s Manual

Ever wondered why some guys seem to have all the luck when it comes to sex? Why your friend – who’s a 6/10 at best – seems to be able to pull a total goddess and take them home every night out, while you’re still sipping beers at the bar alone?

Well, it’s not witchcraft – your friend just knows how to be seductive. Some people are born with it. They just intuitively know how to exude that sexual energy that makes them irresistible.

The good news is, none of this is rocket science. Learning to seduce women is easier than you think. You just need to understand the principles of seduction.

Today, we’re going to be sharing the secrets to seduction with you. We’ll be looking at psychologically-backed techniques and methods that are proven to turn people on and will make you irresistible to the opposite sex.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to make yourself so sexually magnetic that your partner won’t be able to keep their hands off you.

Sound good? Then grab your notepad and read on!

The 10 Principles of Seduction

Pick up artists have been trying to unravel the science of seduction for decades, and each self-styled pick-up guru has their own unique methodological process. These processes often utilize what we understand about female psychology, biology, and sociology to get women into bed.

And many of these processes really do work, because seduction is just that – a science. It’s grounded in basic biology.

Humans are just animals and, as animals, we’re all searching for the best potential mate. Our biological nature defines how we pick out that perfect mate – how we separate the alphas from the betas.

It turns out that women are looking for a specific set of traits in their sexual partners, including status, health, social intuition, and pre-selection. Being seductive is all about demonstrating those traits through the way you act around women.

From that, we can posit 10 principles of seduction. Master all 10 of these basic principles, and you’ll find that you have a lot more success with the opposite sex.

1. Confidence

By far the most important principle of seduction is confidence. Having confidence signals to women that you are intrinsically desirable and valuable.

Society often talks about ‘overconfidence’ as if it’s a bad thing, but that’s not true when it comes to seducing women. On the contrary, it’s quite the opposite. Overconfident guys – even when that confidence is misplaced – are more seductive, according to psychological research. That’s just the way it is.

Why? Because belief sells.

It’s a matter of social status. When we act overconfident, we confer a magical social status that women readily fall for. Belief in your own ability creates a kind of infectious energy, and women start to see you the way you see yourself.

This is true regardless of whether that self-confidence is justified or not. A loser who thinks he’s a king is still more attractive than a king who thinks he’s a loser.

In a way, this is kind of paradoxical, because often, women’s gut reaction to overconfident guys is to think they’re jerks. Despite this, though, studies show they’re more likely to climb into bed with those swaggering, cocky, puffed-up jerks than with modest guys.

Their sexual desire goes against their better judgment. It seems that we can be both repulsed and seduced by the same thing at the same time.

This is likely what has given rise to cliches like ‘nice guys finish last’, and ‘women love a bad boy’. The unfortunate reality is that, at least as far as sex is concerned, nice guys are at a disadvantage.

Confidence can easily take you from a 5/10 to a 10/10. This is the most important takeaway from this whole article. If you remember nothing else, remember this: be confident.

2. Pre-selection

Pre-selection is an evolutionary concept that states that women are more drawn to men that other women are attracted to. In other words, girls like guys that other girls like.

It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. When she sees that you’re popular with the ladies, she’s naturally going to wonder why. She’ll think, “all these other women have succumbed to him, so there must be a reason.”

Biologically-speaking, it’s kind of a shortcut to the selection process. She doesn’t have to go to all the trouble of figuring out whether or not you’re a worthy mate, because other women have already done that for her.

You might have experienced this first-hand already. Have you ever noticed how, as soon as you’re in a relationship, it seems like women are suddenly all over you? It’s not Murphy’s Law, it’s basic biology.

This is also why womanizers have so much success. Their reputation as womanizers precedes them and is what helps them to continue to be womanizers. Women think ‘this guy gets so many girls, I guess I should find him attractive too’, and the cycle continues.

3. Physical Attractiveness

Of course, the way you look is as important as the way you act. Half the battle is in the eyes; the other half is in the mind.

Men that are more physically attractive will find it much easier to be seductive. It ties into the biological urge for women to select a ‘healthy’ mate. If you’re naturally good-looking and in good shape, you’re at a major advantage.

If you’re not blessed with natural good looks, don’t worry. Dressing well, staying in good shape, and fixing your hair nicely, can get you 90% of the way, and self-confidence will get you the rest of the way there.

There are also some hacks you can do to make yourself seem more attractive than you really are, which we’ll cover later.

4. Intrigue / Mystery

Let’s face it: guys are thirsty creatures, and women get hit on every day. You can bet that if you’re trying to seduce someone, you’re not the first guy to do so. As a result, women are used to being hit on – it’s boring.

But the unknown is a big part of the way we experience attraction. We’re attracted to the unknown; intrigued by things that we don’t fully understand.

Guys can leverage that in order to be more seductive. Aim to bring something new to the table. Don’t be obvious and predictable when you’re hitting on her, be mysterious and intriguing. That’s one of the most important principles of seduction.

5. Anticipation

Anticipation is another bedrock of seduction, for both sexes. We often talk about guys ‘enjoying the chase’ when it comes to women, and the same is true in reverse. The idea that you really want something but you have to wait for it makes it all the more exciting.

To truly master the art of seduction, you’ve got to work on building anticipation and sexual desire.

6. Touch

Touch is crucial to being seductive. Remember back when you were young and your crush’s knees bumped into yours under the desk? Remember that familiar jolt of electricity it sent coursing through your veins?

Well, if innocently bumping knees was enough to elicit that response, just imagine the sparks that fly when you put a hand around a woman’s waist, or on her thigh. Physical contact is hugely important to arousal. Master the art of the subtle, seductive touch and you’ll be much more successful at the dating game.

Obviously, touch is also something you’ve got to be careful not to initiate unless it’s the right time and you know she’ll be into it – that goes without saying.

7. Sensory stimulation

Aside from the tactile sense, her other senses are important too. A woman’s senses play a pivotal role in her sexual response.

Take the olfactory sense, smell, for example. Did you know that the pheromones in your sweat act as sexual chemosignals and can have profound effects on a woman’s mood and sexuality? Now I’m not suggesting you go out to the club after a workout, pouring in sweat – that’s not going to work. A nice aftershave, on the other hand, might work wonders.

A more practical example of how you can stimulate her senses might be playing some sexy music to get her in the mood (hearing), or taking her out to dine on aphrodisiacs like oysters and champagne (taste).

8. Eye contact

Imagine the sexiest scene in a movie you can think of. I’m willing to bet that whatever scene you’re imagining, there’s some intense eye-contact going on between the two characters, am I right?

I can’t overstate how important eye contact is. When you meet someone’s gaze, you convey a whole bunch of biological signals. Not only does meeting her gaze let you know you’re interested in her, it suggests power and confidence.

It’s also been proven in several studies that sending and receiving eye contact enhances arousal.

Of course, I’m not talking about a creepy, wide-eyed, desperate stare here, but a subtle, lingering glance in her direction followed by some intense, suggestive eye contact later on in the night is a proven recipe for success.

9. Charisma

Charm and charisma are important skills to master when you’re trying to be seductive. To master the art of seduction, you have to learn how to be a great conversationalist. You have to learn how to be compelling and appealing and radiate charisma.

A lot of this comes down to practicing your social skills and learning how to be the center of a conversation. The more you talk to women, the better you’ll get at it. It’s also about how you hold yourself and act.

10. Strength

For many women, the most seductive men are those with a strong, powerful, masculine presence. This again links up with evolutionary biology.

Women’s biology means they look for men that can protect and provide for them. They want strong, successful, powerful men. That’s the image we’re trying to portray, subtly, through a whole range of social dynamics, when we’re acting seductively.

I’m not suggesting that you try and lift up a Range Rover, or pull a sword from a stone in a show of physical strength. Strength can be demonstrated in many ways, and it doesn’t have to be physical. It can also be portrayed through things like wealth, influence, and how you interact with others.

How to Seduce a Woman

Now that you understand the principles of seduction, let’s try and put it all together and form a step-by-step strategy for how to seduce a woman.

Remember that this is going to depend a lot on the social context. Every woman is different, and some tactics are going to work better for some women than others. You’ve also got to adapt your strategy depending on the kind of social environment your in, be it a party, club, fancy restaurant, coffee shop date, or somewhere else.

Try to treat this as more of general guidance than a definitive strategy. Use your initiative, and don’t be afraid to mix it up if you think something’s not working.

Look the Part

The first battle is with the eyes, so make sure you look the part when you’re trying to be seductive. Dress sharp when you’re going on a night out. Wear flattering clothes that fit you well. Baggy and tight clothes can both make you look more out of shape.

If you’re not in good shape already, start hitting the gym. You don’t necessarily want to get ‘swoll’, but you should definitely try and tone up. Research from UCLA shows that women find ripped, built men sexier than both beefy, bulked-up guys and skinny dudes.

One appearance ‘hack’ you can try to make yourself more seductive is to grow a beard. In one recent study, researchers found that women find men with heavy stubble and full beards the sexiest compared to clean-shaven men and those with light stubble.

The reason for this is that facial hair is suggestive of masculinity, maturity, dominance, and aggression. These four traits are tied in with a woman’s biological urge to choose a strong, healthy mating partner, so ditch the razors and let that 5-o’clock shadow grow out for a week or two.

A lot of pickup artists also recommend dressing ostentatiously as part of a technique called peacocking. The idea is that wearing flashy, outlandish clothing makes you stand out amongst the competition and differentiates you from other guys in the same way that a peacock displays its feathers to attract a mate.

Be Confident

Before you head out to your date or to the club, you need to master your inner game. The inner game is the internal battle you need to win in order to be truly confident. You need to genuinely believe that you are the prize and that women should be falling over each other to sleep with you.

If you don’t truly believe that, you’re going to have to fake self-confidence, and that’s not nearly as effective as the real thing. Having genuine self-belief and a towering ego is the crux of seduction. Blunt, raw swagger is what we’re aiming for.

Some introspection is required here. To help you to get in the right frame of mind before you head out, try to rationally remind yourself how great you are. Think about all the beliefs about yourself that damage your self-confidence and then rationally overlook them.

Self-awareness is important, but when we’re trying to be seductive, too much self-awareness can be a barrier. Temporarily convince yourself that you’re infallible and maintain that irrational confidence while you’re trying to be seductive.

Choose the Right Woman

I want to move away from the notion of trying to seduce women as being in some way predatory. That’s not what this is about. We’re not trying to manipulate women into having sex with us – we’re hoping to make ourselves more attractive to them in the hopes it’ll help us to get laid.

As such, I’d urge away from trying to ‘seduce’ women who clearly don’t want your attention. Likewise, those already in monogamous relationships are off-limits.

Somewhat counter-intuitively, you’re not necessarily looking for someone you gel instantly with and have tons in common with either. After all, you’re not looking for a wife or a new best friend here, right?

Rather, the easiest women to seduce are those who might see in you something exotic or interesting. If you can offer them something new, you’ll have more interesting topics to talk about, be more exciting and mysterious, and generally more seductive.

Master the ‘In’

Let’s say you’ve seen a girl at the bar that you’re interested in. You’ve caught her eye and you think her gaze might have lingered a little. You fancy your chances, but you’re struggling to figure out what your next move should be. How do you approach her without coming off desperate, over-eager, or totally lame?

If you walk over directly and start with the standard ‘hey’, your intentions are too obvious. You may as well walk up and say ‘I’m going to hit on you now’. It puts her on a pedestal straight away, and the goal is to make yourself seem like the prize, not her.

However, you don’t want to go too far down the opposite route either and stand at the bar surly all night waiting for women to come to you (spoiler: they’re not going to come).

What you need is an ‘In’. An excuse to go and talk to her without making your intentions too obvious. A way to initiate a conversation without seeming like you’re trying to initiate conversation.

Examples of ‘Ins’

The trick is to approach her indirectly.

One way to do this might be to walk over tall and say something playful, maybe make a witty joke about something you’ve noticed about her, or comment on the music. Make it seem like you’re a fun-loving guy that she would want to talk to, but that you can take it or leave it.

Another option is to talk to someone else near her. For example, a really great method is to walk up and talk to the bar staff (if you know them), then invite her into the conversation subtly. Not only does this covey confidence and social status by making you seem more ‘popular’, but it gives you an excuse to go and stand next to her and start chatting.

Even better, start high fiving strangers at the bar. You’ll create social value for yourself, present an image of a fun-loving guy that seems to know everyone, and maybe even if you’re lucky, draw some female attention to yourself, which will help with pre-selection.

If she’s in a group, pay attention to her friend before you talk to her. Again, this will help with pre-selection and also makes you the prize.

Send Mixed Signals

Once you’ve got her attention, you need to keep it. Pleasant conversations get boring after a while and the chemistry can easily fade away.

When you’re trying to be seductive, don’t be too obvious and give too much of yourself away straight away. Be hard to figure out and focus on ambiguity to deepen her interest.

Make yourself seem like a complex figure that she can’t quite figure out. Hint at other aspects of your character and throw her off-balance once in a while.

Don’t seem too interested in her for too long; maybe interrupt your conversation to go and talk to someone you’ve noticed across the bar.

Sending mixed signals like this helps to hold her attention. If she’s unsure whether or not you really are interested in her, you’ll make yourself seem like more of a ‘challenge’. She’ll keep trying to win you over precisely because she doesn’t yet know that you want her.

Non-verbal communication

While you’re talking, think about your non-verbal language too. Non-verbal communication is one of the most powerful tools of seduction.

We can break non-verbal communication down into three areas: body language, eye contact, and facial expression. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Body Language

The most important tip here is to maintain good posture. Keep your head up and parallel to your ground and don’t slouch your shoulders.

It might seem like a small thing, but men who stand tall exude much more confidence than those that slouch. Slouching is NOT sexy or seductive. Walk like you think you’re the sexiest guy in the room.

Another tip is to be non-reactive and move slowly. Seductive guys move slowly. They don’t rush, because they don’t need to. They look calm, collected, and in control.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is also super important. Maintain sharp, focused eye contact with everyone you speak to in order to convey confidence, but save the super intense eye contact for when the heavy flirting begins. Don’t just randomly start staring down a woman that you’ve not already spoken to or who hasn’t given you any indication that she’s the least bit into you.

Once the heavy flirting has started though, you can up the intensity. One technique I’d recommend is to try and focus on your reflection in her eyes. This deepens your gaze and is more effective than surface-level eye contact.

When you’re ready to turn the heat up, try looking down at the triangle between her eyes and her chest. This is called the triangular gaze and is one of the most seductive ways to use your eyes.

If she starts doing the same or looks down at your lips, it’s a good sign that she’s into you. It might be an indication that you can move in for a kiss if the time feels right.

Facial Expression

A psychological study into how facial expressions were perceived as attractive by the opposite sex found that a brooding facial expression is the most attractive to women.

You might have thought that smiling is a good idea, but actually, it’s not. Smiling was perceived as the most attractive trait in women to male participants but it didn’t have quite the same effect the other way around.

Smiling tends to elicit trust and conveys friendliness, but it isn’t effective when it comes to carnal sexual attractiveness. It can be construed as needy, weak, and desperate. Smile when you’re trying to make friends, not when you’re trying to get laid.

Keep It Classy

One of the biggest mistakes guys make when trying to be seductive is to overdo it.

There’s a fine line between ‘seductive’ and ‘sleazy’. Gentlemen, don’t invite her to take her pants off right off the bat. Confidence is great, but too much confidence can make you seem deluded at best and downright predatory at worst.

Women like gentlemen. They don’t like guys that are mean, vulgar, overly-aggressive, brutish, or predatory – so don’t be any of those guys.

Sure, having a bit of an ‘edge’ and playing the bad boy can work, to a certain extent, but don’t overdo it. You still want to seem like a nice, fun, stand-up guy.

But gentlemanly and ‘gentle’ aren’t one and the same. You absolutely don’t want to come across as too gentle or too nice.

Don’t be meek, sappy, or overly-romantic. It can make you seem weak, desperate, and unoriginal. It also might put her on a pedestal, and you don’t want that. Remember, the goal is for you to be the prize here.

Move Slowly

Women aren’t like men. They’re not buttons you can just push to turn her on and make her wet. Rather, they’re like volume dials that you have to move up incrementally.

In other words, you have to take it nice and slow. Seduction is about the long game, not the short game. After you’ve started a conversation and the flirting is going well, build comfort and start to tone down that cockiness that you started off with.

You already have her attention, so you don’t need to keep being dismissive and overconfident all the way through. Start to try and establish a bit of an emotional connection and make her feel more comfortable around you, but don’t stray into ‘soppy’ territory.

It can take hours – or even multiple dates across weeks – for some women to become sufficiently comfortable around you to have sex. Other women might be happy to have a one-night stand. It all depends on the person.

Initiate Touch

After you’ve been flirting a while and she’s more comfortable around you, you can start to tentatively initiate some physical contact. The easiest way to do this, if you’re in a club or a bar, is to ask her to dance, but there are plenty of other ways to go about it.

The key here is to not be sleazy. Don’t randomly grab her butt – that’s not cool. It’s also a surefire way to be slapped or spend the night in jail.

You might, however, be able to put your arm on her back or around her shoulder playfully. These are just examples, but there are lots of ways to initiate touch.

Just make sure you know that she’s comfortable with it and, again, take it nice and slow. Once you start to initiate touch, you’re building intimacy between you and sending those sparks of electricity that are so important to seduction.

Stimulate her Erogenous Zones

This step is best saved until you’re nearly ready to ‘go in for the kill’, so to speak; when you’ve spent a few hours (or several dates) with the lady in question and there’s a definite spark between you.

Once you definitely have a connection and you think she might want to come home with you, you shouldn’t be trying to convince her that you’re worth talking to anymore – you’re trying to get her horny. One way we can do that is to stimulate her erogenous zones. Erogenous zones are areas of the female anatomy that are especially sensitive and stimulate sexual responses.

You know that classic scene from movies in which the dude shows the lady how to hold a golf club by standing behind her, reaching around and helping her to grab the club? How the closeness of his lips to her neck inevitably heightens the sexual tension until it’s almost unbearable, and the characters succumb to their desire and passionately kiss?

Well, that’s what we’re talking about here. In that classic example, her neck is the erogenous zone he stimulates, but there are many more. Her ears are another, and her scalp, nipples, lower back, and inner thighs.

We can easily come up with a few ways to subtly get some contact going with some of these zones and, hopefully, send sparks of electricity through her.

For example, one easy technique is to make some excuse to whisper something to her (maybe an invite back to your place).

When you lean in close to whisper into her ear, make sure your voice is breathy and sensual. The vibrations of your breath in her ear will send shivers up her spine and might just get her feeling frisky. (Side note: whispering is great for dirty talk in the bedroom too)

Another option is to place your hand on her lower back while you’re dancing. Obviously, tact is important here. Don’t do this if you don’t think it will be well-received or you might end up with a glass of water thrown on you. As I said, there’s a fine line between seductive and sleazy, and a lot of guys get it wrong.

If all goes well, she’ll start feeling horny and want to go to bed with you. If that happens, congratulations, you’re now a master of seduction.

Final Thoughts

That concludes this guide on how to be seductive. Follow the tips above and learn the basic principles of seduction and the ladies will be lining up in no time.

Remember though, seducing her is only half of the battle. If you want to convince her to stick around, you’ll need to satisfy her in the bedroom too.

Good luck and have fun!

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.

6 Wardrobe Basics Every Man Should Have

We’re here to inform you that there are a few wardrobe basics all men should have. From quality outwear to tailored jeans and a classic white button-up, the six essentials below are not only versatile but stylish.

Trenchcoat

The first essential item every man should have in their closet? A quality piece of outerwear. Trenchcoats are effortlessly chic and suited to a wide variety of weather. They are also versatile. You can dress them up or down; wear it to work, wear it on a date, or wear it on a casual weekend running errands. When the weather gets too cold for a trenchcoat, we recommend switching to a wool peacoat, another versatile and stylish jacket that also happens to be timeless.

Dress Shoes

Every man should have a nice pair of dress shoes. Why? Because even if the dress code at your office is casual, there is inevitably going to come a time in your life when dress shoes are required. From job interviews to social events, such as weddings or funerals, black or brown dress shoes are an essential piece of footwear.

Tailored Jeans

Many people fail to realize the benefits of tailoring, even by the time they’re well into adulthood. Tailoring is the difference between an ill-fitting pair of jeans and a pair of jeans that fits perfectly. And as an adult, the latter is a must. Every man should have a pair of high-quality denim jeans for casual social occasions. For a classic, timeless look, find a pair of straight-leg jeans in a darker wash. Even if you think they fit well, we recommend taking them to a tailor and seeing what they suggest. Chances are they will be able to improve the fit, whether it be the length or width of the pants.

White Button-up Shirt

The white button-up is a classic for a reason – it looks great and it goes with everything. Wear it underneath a suit, with a pair of jeans, or even tucked into a pair of shorts in the summer. There’s no better way to look casually cool than with a simple white button-up.

Watch

The ultimate men’s accessory? A watch. Watches instantly make a man look more put-together. And don’t think you have to splurge on a watch to reap the style benefits. Even inexpensive or casual watches will elevate your look. Strap one on, roll up the sleeves of your button-up, put on your tailored jeans and you’ve got yourself a look no one will be able to resist.

Boxer Briefs

One last basic all men should have? Underwear. Specifically, boxer briefs. Boxer briefs are the perfect everyday underwear. They’re supportive, comfortable, and they come in all prints and fabrics, meaning you’ll be able to find ones that work for the gym, the boardroom, and the bedroom. Boxer briefs also come in a wide variety of lengths, so whether you’re looking for something that hits mid-thigh or upper thigh, you’ll be able to find it. Shop Malebasics men’s boxer briefs today.

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.

Underwear For Every Occasion

We’re huge proponents of men having multiple kinds of underwear in their drawer. Why? Well, beyond variety being the spice of life, each type of men’s underwear has its own unique benefits. Some underwear styles and fabrics are better suited to certain activities. For example, microfibre underwear, known for its moisture-wicking properties, is ideal for working out, while a sexy lace thong is a surefire way to impress your partner in the bedroom. You see where we’re going with this? Keep reading to learn the best type of men’s underwear for every occasion.

Day at the Office

A day at the office requires a pair of underwear that’s comfortable and supportive. To us, there’s nothing better than the timeless boxer brief. Boxer briefs, or even just briefs, are classics for a reason. They’re flattering, fit snugly, don’t look bulky under dress pants, and they’re comfy as can be, even if you spend eight hours a day sitting in them at your desk. When it comes to everyday boxer briefs, we highly recommend choosing a breathable fabric like cotton.

Gym Sesh

Workouts require a specific type of underwear. While everyday cotton underwear is great for home or work, they simply won’t do at the gym. When exercising, you should always look for breathable underwear with moisture-wicking properties. This is the only way to keep cool and dry throughout your workout, and to prevent chafing or humidity down south. While any microfibre underwear will do, we recommend the Malebasics Titanium line, designed specifically for high intensity workouts, such as CrossFit. Titanium is made of a tri-blend of fabrics, engineered to be breathable, fast-drying, and supportive. When it comes to performance underwear, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Date Night

Unlike a day at the office or a gym sesh, date night calls for a different kind of underwear entirely. To us, there are only two styles that come to mind for a sexy night in: thongs or jockstraps. These sultry styles leave little to the imagination and are sure to wow your partner in the bedroom. And when it comes to date night underwear, the sexier the better. While thongs and jockstraps are inherently sexy owing to their barely-there silhouettes, we also recommend choosing a seductive fabric. Malebasics has thongs and jockstraps made of mesh, lace, and fishnet.

Lounging Around

Picture this: It’s Friday night, you’ve just gotten home from work, and you have no plans for the weekend other than laying in bed and catching up on Netflix. What kind of underwear are you wearing? We don’t know about you, but for us it’s a no brainer – boxers. Whether you prefer loose-fitting boxers or a pair of form-fitting trunks, this mid-thigh men’s underwear style is as comfy as can be. Pair your favourite boxers with a cozy, cotton tee and you’ve got yourself the perfect lounge outfit.

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.