The sartorial gentleman knows that dressing well will get you everywhere in life – whether it’s an upgrade on that business flight, an interview for the high-flying job you’ve set your sights on, or even just some extra respect from those around you. Dressing the part ensures that you look it, too – and if you look good, you’ll feel good.
Whilst what you wear on the outside is the first thing people see – and often, use to make a judgement about your character – as they say, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. Every sharp outfit should start with impeccable foundations, and even your choice of underwear plays a surprisingly important role. Not only will the right cut ensure a more streamlined look overall, but more importantly, comfort is key. If you feel comfortable, you’ll act it. So it works both ways!
Whether you’re a boxer or a brief man, there are countless options on the market, but finding the right combination of comfort, design and breathability can sometimes leave you scratching your head. One brand that has got bags of all three in equal measures is Belgian luxury men’s underwear brand, McAlson – offering the ultimate in all-round male comfort.
Celebrating its 21st year in 2018, the family-run brand is headed up by Pierre Deren – a product of several generations of textile designers – and friend, Jean-Pierre Galleyn, and came to life after they realised the need for a smarter men’s underwear designs.
Made from the finest, softest, breathable cotton fabrics, which are sourced from Italy and Portugal, the McAlson range boasts a revolutionary inside support – and features an additional third panel of fabric to the rear to ensure they don’t get caught anywhere they shouldn’t! Each garment is made from 100% cotton, and its fine-tuned cut are proof that no detail has been overlooked. The innovative new design means fashion and comfort no longer have to be mutually exclusive, offering a good dose of both for the ultimate choice in men’s underwear. It’s the smartness of an American boxer with the comfort of a brief – everything you could ask for in an undergarment, and more.
“We put tremendous effort into creating great collections each season, to answer to our customers high expectations,” said Pierre-Henri Deren, the owner of McAlson.
“Our products are designed with care for style and comfort, and we never compromise on quality. Our fabrics are carefully chosen and developed with the best European weaving mills, and all of these things combined mean that the McAlson range consistently ticks all the right boxes for those who wear them.”
With over 60 different options and colourways created each season to reflect a variety of personalities and moods, the range offers a broad selection of designs for those who like a bit of variety in their lives – and for guys who are partial to a Christmas boxer, there is a new one launched each year. The brand also dabbles in the occasional limited edition design – worth looking out for if you like that feeling of exclusivity.
Refreshingly, McAlson is also a brand which takes its ethical responsibility very seriously.
“We consider our environmental impact at every stage of the design, manufacture and distribution of our products,” said designer Thibauld Deren.
“We source our fabrics from Italy and Portugal, and frequently visit our sub-contractors to ensure humane working conditions and optimise transport requirements to reduce our carbon footprint. All our packaging is recycled, too, so we’ve been careful to consider every last detail.”
The McAlson brand and its products might have a decidedly luxury feel about it, but the family behind it are nonetheless refreshingly down-to-earth.
“We’re a family-run business, and it’s something we’re very proud of. Every year, we pose together in the brand photo to launch our new collection, putting on a united front.
“We take our work very seriously, but there’s always time for a bit of fun and laughter. We like to think that we reflect the quirkiness of our personalities within our designs, whilst still maintaining that over-ridingly high-end feel. Each year, we take great pride in seeing our latest designs come to life and there is something truly satisfying in seeing the family stamp fused with the impeccable-quality garments we offer.”
Having spent 21 years refining its range of products, it’s safe to say that McAlson knows exactly what it is that men want from their underwear, and these days, they’ve got it down to a tee. Combining classic British preppiness with Italian finesse, and French je-ne-sais-quoi with Belgian realism, there’s no denying that they tick all the right boxes.
And such a success is the brand’s range of underwear, that it has even expanded it to accommodate for children.
“Being a family-run brand of several generations, we wanted to cater to all generations with our products. With this in mind, we have created ranges suitable for boys aged two or more, and for men right up until the age of 102 – or more!”