We’ve all been guilty at some stage of envy, whether it be physical or material. You hear people say things like “I wish I had a body like that” and often we are guilty of comparing ourselves to the images we see on television and through the media. Often, these images are unrealistic and for most of us, unattainable. Not to mention, they’ve been faking it for years by using body doubles for those perfect curves and nude scenes so it’s no surprise that we develop insecurities about how we look The truth is, we’re not all made equal. Genetics is a fascinating subject but let’s not get caught up in all that scientific stuff. Let’s just say, some people need a little help. And thanks to shape enhancement technologies coming on in leaps and bounds we all have the opportunity to make the best of what we do or “don’t” have.

Personally, I used to suffer what you’d call “a flat butt”. Now while exercise and diet have helped me leave those days behind (pardon the pun) I still think back to how embarrassing it was when someone remarked about my lack of glutes. Well for those of us who do suffer this ailment all is not lost, there is a wide variety of options on the market now to help ease our body conscious minds. Market revolutionary Spanx took care of those extra inches women wanted to hide, and they have been so popular they have released a range for men.

Andrew Christian have jumped on the bandwagon with their range of stomach flattening briefs/boxers for men wanting to hide some of those extra pounds. I must say at this point, I am sick and tired of seeing photos of models with perfect physiques being used to market slimming wear (for men or women). How is anyone supposed to figure out how effective these garments are when the person wearing them has a wash board stomach or perfect thighs? Okay, putting that gripe aside I will now get to the point of this review so let’s get on with it shall we?

Andrew Christian Flashback Boxer brief

Okay, we’ve discussed a few things relating to shape wear. Yes there is a huge variety for both men and women on the market and no doubt we will discuss the slimming wear styles in future, but today we focus on the “have not’s” as I will call it. For those of us who feel we need a bit of help in filling out our jeans Andrew Christian set about delivering a range that would add inches to our measurements.

How does it work?

A couple of options here, you can get padded butt boxers or briefs, which will certainly make sitting on park benches more comfortable but I wouldn’t like to be caught with my pants down while wearing these as it’s pretty obvious and not that attractive. Andrew Christian decided to incorporate an elastic strap sewn into the rear of their boxers/briefs to lift and enhance without the need for the embarrassing pads. It works well, and at worst it may appear that you’re wearing a jockstrap beneath your underwear if anybody should happen to notice the lines (only in the white pairs, the black does not give the appearance of the elastic away as much).  The lift is immediately noticeable when you pull a pair on you can feel it lift your buttocks and it does give them a more rounder, natural look. But in fairness, the amount of difference you notice does depend on how much you have back there to begin with so don’t have expectations of massive results.

The Flashback fit

Already touched on this, the butt lifting technology was good but they had overlooked a vital point when they made these briefs/boxers. The room for your goods up front is ridiculously small. While all the attention going to the back is fantastic it’s detracted massively by the lack of space or stretch in the material at the front leaving you feel about as anatomically equipped as a Ken doll. I’m sure they addressed this issue when they finally released the next generation which included enhancements in both the front and back but I can’t comment as yet because I haven’t tried them.

The Flashback Appearance

White with red stitching, the Andrew Christian logo on the waistband, simple, elegant, nothing too flashy this will appeal to a lot of guys. You can get these in black also, and different leg lengths (for boxerbriefs). Low cut waist, and has the AC “anti-muffin” top which basically means the waistband should not dig into you causing the stomach to hang over them.

Are they any good?

The price is right, the quality is good. They hold up well over months of wear and washing. Visually they’re basic but aesthetically pleasing (If not a bit limited in color choice). The lift you get when you pull these on is noticeable and they are comfortable enough to wear all day, however as I said before they could’ve allowed room for your other important bits In the front.

Any Flashback Variations?

Calvin Klein brought out a very similar range, however they’re more expensive and you don’t get anything more from CK than their famous label on the waistband. Surf the net and you’re bound to find plenty of other options it really depends on your personal taste and what you want out of the garment. You can try N2N, CIN2, 2xist or a number of other brands for front enhancement or go for the later range from AC that includes horseshoe style lifting technology in the front or padded cups which even includes the first anatomically moulded cup that replicates the appearance of a man’s penis in the front of the brief. So far as butt enhancement you decide between straps or pads but in the end if you want that perfect bubble butt there’s no substitute for gym sessions and squats I’m sorry to say!

The Flashback Verdict:

Basically a recap, does it work? Yes, to varying degrees dependant on how much junk is in your trunk to begin with! It washes and wears very well, shame about that pesky front pouch being so small. Sizing runs small on this model and because it is low rise you should buy one size bigger than you’d normally purchase. Solid, well constructed boxerbrief and bound to trick a few people into thinking you’ve gained some serious ass overnight but there are possibly better options out there, I just haven’t found one as yet! Would like to say better things as other AC underwear I have are terrific but this one just missed the mark slightly in a few areas. Giving the Andrew Christian Flashback a 7.5 out of ten.

Go Get It Now!

Sizing is accurate, and due to the superior stretch of the modal fabric, hugs your body without riding up or feeling restrictive.  It really is quite a well constructed brief which feels supportive and enhances your natural anatomy by it’s clever design without the need of cups, padding or inbuilt c-rings to achieve that enhanced look. While the lift and prominence is subtle it adds to the appeal of this item.

Durability – Well I can only attest to the pair I have and in saying that I have worn and washed this pair many times. They have retained shape and color very well. So I would think they have quite a lot of life left in them.  They look great under low rise jeans, and as the name suggests, you could be forgiven at times for forgetting that you are wearing anything at all.  Modern, masculine design available in white, black and a cobalt blue color, with full rear seat.

Price – there are a great number of designer brands flooding the market which don’t come close to this brief. Comparable to what you’d expect to pay for a pair of CK’s, but with a whole lot more bang for your buck. Look out for some great deals offered by Andrew Christian via email, visit their official site and sign up to their mailing list for these deals.

Overall I rate this brief a 9 out of 10. It would score ten if it was readily available in retail outlets for convenience but apart from that I could not find a factor I did not like about this pair. Andrew Christian have developed a great brief that is suitable for everyday wear, possibly not supportive enough for working-out at the gym but perfect for everything else.

If only AC applied this formula to all their underwear designs.

The Underwear Addict – Thanks to Brodie!

You’ll find comparison prices anywhere you go, but here at underwear addict, we’ve managed to compile the best deals you could possibly find. Check out Andrew Christian underwear bellow: