Charmeuse Satin Boxers

Perfect for date nights or sharing take out on the couch, these relaxed boxers made in Brooklyn, NY, feature premium, machine-washable Charmeuse Satin. They offer a true-to-size fit for both men and women, with a lightweight, silky softness. Designed for the DTC brand boyfriend-shop.com.

Timeline
2021 - Present

Categories
Product Design, Advertising, Photography

Challenge
Men's intimatewear

Right amidst a cultural pivot towards sex-positivity and evolving masculinity, brands are blurring gender norms, evident in unisex fashion and men’s cosmetics (e.g. Pleasing, Mattias, and SavageX). How could we tap into this zeitgeist, and pioneer approachable men’s intimatewear: luxurious and stylish, yet accessible for newcomers?

Note: this was my first time designing clothing, a challenge within itself!

Approach
User research and inclusive sizing

Utilizing a user-centered design approach, we developed, tested, and refined three product concepts based on insights from over 100 Reddit surveys, Craigslist user interviews, and extensive wear tests. This process led us to the creation of our final product: flattering luxe loungewear, inclusive of everyone.

Stakeholder Analysis

Analyzing 100+ Reddit survey responses, we gained insights into men's underwear preferences and perceptions of our product concept. Key findings include that about 50% of men choose presentable and flattering underwear for date nights, and nearly 20% are open to ideas such as men's lingerie.

One of three Reddit surveys focusing on men's underwear preferences and consumer behavior.

Conceptual Prototypes and Validation

After testing three conceptual prototypes and a smoke screen website with friends and Craigslist participants, we chose to move forward with the Satin Boxers product. 70% of respondents favored them, outperforming the other designs, which garnered 30-50% approval.

Concept 1: Satin Boxers

Burnout-Velvet-on-Mesh-Boxer-Brief-front

Concept 2: Burnout Velvet Boxer Briefs

Concept 3: Lace Boxer Briefs

Participants navigated our smoke screen site and provided feedback during a screen-sharing session, offering valuable insights for brand and product positioning adjustments.

We decided on the following product features based on our interviews and research:

Inclusive Sizing
Unisex design that flatters various forms, appealing to both men and women.

Machine Washable
Durable and low-maintenance luxury.

Plush Waistband
Soft and flexible, yet retains shape.

Elevated Details
Well-constructed seams and timeless touches.

Product Design and Iteration

With four iterations, wear tests with our model and team members, and feedback from our manufactuing partner, we designed the luxe lounge boxers including each of our desired features.

Notes to our second iteration of our boxers designs with our manufacturing partner.

Production prototypes for our boxers, testing different construction patterns, sewing details, and durability.

Photography and Advertising

Moments captured in time, the feeling of falling in love again—our goal was to style the boxers as timeless staples, with a matter-of-fact use case: men's underwear for date nights. Our ad, "The best underwear for date nights" continously received a 5% click-through-rate.

6a.-Upgrade-Your-Downtime_Kingsley_Studio

Outcome

Launched in April 2023, our Charmeuse Satin Boxers met all design goals: inclusive sizing, machine washability, comfortable waistband, and elegant detailing. The product has garnered positive customer feedback, reflecting its success in the intimatewear category and showcasing my ability to navigate new product categories effectively.

“The boxers are super soft and comfortable! The color (charcoal) and fit are flattering on both of us.”

“boyfriend created space for conversation
on what we both like in the bedroom”