[source]

NEW YORK – Today’s temperature will be nearing 100 degrees and I’m sure the idea of going commando, or better yet stripping down to your full out birthday suit, may have crossed a few minds this morning. But have you ever wondered where the term “going commando” comes from and what the so-called purpose of it is?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term “going commando,” this simply means going without underwear under your clothes. The term may have originated from an earlier terminology that journeys back to Scotland. Being referred to as a “True Scotsman” meant that you were abiding by Scottish military tradition where one would sport a kilt without any undergarments, thus leading to a similar expression: “going regimental.”

However, the exact origin of the common term “going commando” is a bit unclear. According to senior editor of Slate Magazine, Daniel Engder, the term may be dated back to the mid-1970s where college students may have used the term to reference Vietnam soldiers who were reported to go without underwear to increase ventilation and reduce moisture. Sounds like the perfect antidote to a hot day, but does going commando actually have benefits?

Going without underwear is cited to have a few benefits such as reducing humidity and the overall temperature around the pelvis. And for men in particular, it is said to allow for freer movement, which in turn warrants natural temperature regulation. However, while going commando may provide some relief to heat and irritation, which might be caused by wearing restrictive underwear, friction between exposed parts and rough and abrasive outer clothing may still cause irritation.

Going commando is ultimately a choice (unless your current supply of underwear is currently non-existent). And while some may find going commando freeing, some may find that same feeling irritating. In the end, the decision ultimately lies with you.

What are some other tricks that keep you cool below?    

It’s midway through the summer but Tommy John is already full speed ahead for the Fall, with exciting new styles, and not to mention many new and exciting additional colors to choose from.

Is Tommy John shapewear? Is it similar to Spanx? Is it some type of man girdle, or something? What is it? Many of you may be wondering what exactly Tommy John is, and according to the frequently asked questions we receive daily regarding this, we’re here to cinch the myth of the “man girdle”once and for all.

First off, let’s dig a little bit into what girdle is and what it’s meant to do.  A girdle is something that is used to “suck” you in (literally), casting off a figure that is streamlined and proportional. Sounds great on paper. But the reality is these things are downright uncomfortable to wear. Elasticized girdles, which became widely popular at the start of the 20^th century among mostly women, were used to create the popular shape of the cinched waist. At this time, girdles came in a somewhat of a different form from its Victorian predecessor -- the corset -- which were usually structured from steel boning. Sounds comfortable, right? However, though the modern girdle or body shaper has come along way from its corset ancestor, the idea still remains: to shape byrestricting movement. Many of the materials used in today’s fabrication of girdles and body shapers include some type of nylon/spandex/elastic blend. This is not the variable for breathability or mobility, but it’s with reason. It’s made to hold you in of course!

That said, it’s no surprise that many people have had to be literally cut out of these things. We can say it does the job very well. But no one said it had to be comfortable.

Tommy John products streamline, tailor, and provide a put together appearance, without the feel of near suffocation. But the “proof is inthe pudding.” The easy stretch fabric used in Tommy John products are nowhere near as restrictive as a straight up girdle or body shaper. In short, you’ll be able to move and breathe in Tommy John. Tommy John is worn comfortably as an undergarment, not a“man-girdle.”  It is designed to move with your body, while staying tucked in all day.  It also eliminates the traditional “box”look that comes along with regular t-shirts and undershirts.

So guys, no need to hide this box out of embarrassment, and ladies you’re not sending your guy the wrong message. In fact, it’s a toast to looking and feeling good underneath it all! In this case, looking good does not have to be uncomfortable.

This myth has been officially cinched. 

Our blog entry this week features one of Tommy John’s newest fans from New Jersey, Ray Jacobus who was gracious enough to provide us with some photos.  As you can see in the “Before” image, Ray was suffering from the following undershirt symptoms with his tee shirts:

1) Stretched out collar 
2) EFG (excess fabric gut), which occurs with boxy tee shirts when they untuck
3) EAB (excess arm bulk), which creates fabric bulk under dress shirts

The “After” image is great as you can see how all of those problems have been solved.  Ray was even nice enough to answer some questions for us. 

See his profile below.

Q: What is your name and profession?
A: Raymond R Jacobus. Assistant Superintendent for Business / Board Secretary 

Q: Why do you wear undershirts?
A: Comfort, feeling dry, protection and extension of the life of my dress shirts

Q: How long have you been wearing undershirts?
A: All my adult life - 45 years

Q: What were your complaints with the past undershirts you wore?
A: Hot, needing adjustment during the day, and sometimes making the difference for pants size, discomfort in the waistline, and untucking 

Q: What would you do to keep your undershirts tucked in?
A: Unbuckling the pants and constantly retucking.  I also have to make sure I do this with discretion. 

Q: What’s your favorite feature about Tommy John undershirts?
A: The undershirts have a cool feeling during the entire day that eliminates the rather stale feeling that you get form other shirts as the day moves on. My other undershirts often make me perspire quicker. With Tommy John, I have to remind myself that I have one on and there’s no retucking required.  

Q: If you could some up Tommy John in a few words, how would you describe it?
A: Tommy John undershirts are cooling and comfortable all day long.  They did everything as advertised.