Before I get into a formal review here, I want to clarify something pretty big about this company. First off, they're already an established company with a great reputation for making bears happy. Secondly, they have made it very clear to me that they are growing and changing; evolving and seeking feedback from their customers to make their line the very best it can be. To that end, I have made several suggestions to them--some listed here, some not. This review is based on both what their product is, and what is is becoming.
I spoke to the owners of Swag and Valor after seeing an absolutely amazing boxer brief that I just had to have. I love the rugby stripe look of this boxer brief, and when I saw it, I knew I had to have one. I tracked it down to Swag and Valor, and thus began my discussions with them. I learned a bit of the history of SaV and a lot about their mission. Needless to say, I was impressed. Swag and Valor designers will be the first to admit that they aren't the best at social networking. They'll even say they could use a lot of help with marketing. But they have one thing they feel very confident about--their product.
Having worked closely with Nike and with the NFL, SaV boasts some pretty big clients from their early days. As they expand, they are working to maintain a customer base of large sized men of every orientation. They have a fantastic base consisting of an amazing modal cotton spandex fabric, the ability to create and grow as they see fit, and the drive to make sure they succeed at becoming one of the leaders in big men's clothing! Now, on to the review.
COMFORT: I had access to a number of samples in addition to the items I purchased for this review, and I was asked to provide feedback based on what I would keep or change. I also shared the samples with friends at Clash of the Titans wrestling event in Atlanta, GA. I asked similar sized wrestlers to try on certain items and give me their first impressions.
Overwhelmingly I heard comments like "That feels nice!" People liked the feel of the soft fabric. Both the loose and snug designs were amazing to look at on the body, and the guys commented that they felt good support. I didn't press folks for more details on what also worked, but I know from the website that Swag and Valor has also done some amazing adjustments to their underwear, like moving certain seams in order to create less chafing.
The one big draw back that I heard (and also experienced) was the tag on the waistband. I shared this with the designers too, and they also agreed, stating that they saw more than one solution to the tags. One would be to imprint the tag info on the fabric itself. Another would be to use a softer tag. They also noted that the tags can be removed too (which makes sense as you no longer need to know the size once you buy them and wear them).
One thing I really need to note here is the newest product on the Swag and Valor line. Their backless trunks/jocks. I am not usually a fan of a lot of jocks from a comfort standpoint. THIS THING ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!!! If you buy nothing else from these guys, buy one of these--seriously! GET ONE. It feels absolutely amazing when you put it on! It pulls your legs forward in a hard-to-describe way, while at the same time, supporting your manliness in a soft yet actually supportive way! I just cannot say enough good about this product.
And if you are looking for something comfortable in the relaxed arena--the tie dye boxer is like wearing a cloud of cottony softness... There simply isn't anything else as soft as these around. I've worn them about every other day since I've gotten them. They're my go-to underwear for lounging. If you need something for kicking back and enjoying a relaxing evening, these are perfect.
A word on the fit. One or two of the designs (and these were preliminary ones which the designers even marked as needing improvement) seemed to fit about a half size smaller. I did not notice this with the standard website designs. In fact, the jock was spot on perfect fit. The Hunx waistband is a strong elastic waistband, which does seem snug--but it will eventually loosen up with time. Keep that in mind.
STYLE: "What are you staring at? I'm working on it!" Well, they are! And with additions like the Rugby Striped boxer brief, Swag and Valor is stepping up the game in the style arena. Doug at SaV told me that one of their first pieces of feedback was that their stuff felt great--but could they make another color other than burgundy?
You can easily see the need for styling in the Swag and Valor line. The bulk of their styles vary in cut, but not in color or print. And let's face it--as bears, we're still gay. We want stuff that looks great too! Well, the good thing is that Swag and Valor is listening. And they are working hard to make sure that everyone who purchases from them is happy with their investments.
I really love the new logo crest! I suggested they keep it and add it to everything. It's a fantastic look that says everything they need it to say with style! How soon will we see these new changes? That depends. They have a lot of stock and as they sell through the old, you'll see the new start to emerge. I've already seen the newer waistbands (something else they've been criticized for) and they absolutely floored me.
But if you want to really see how much they're stepping up their game in the style arena, take a look at their new swimwear line. Oh YES........ My jaw hit the floor too. You can't look at these and not want them. Look at how bold the logo is! The new bright colors with the contrast band! This IS style, and they'll be ready for order in a few short weeks! Stores like Toolbox in Indianapolis will carry them in stock, but you can always go to the website and order them directly!
DURABILITY: Pretty standard here for factory goods. I've washed my tie dye boxers over and over, and to date have only seen a small string showing--which I clipped off. They don't show any fraying or wear that isn't normal. Machine wash cold (imho). Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Oh yeah. If you buy a white t-shirt from them, don't wash it with a red pair of underwear from them (like I did). The result is a slightly pink shirt. TOTALLY MY FAULT.
PRICE: Not too bad overall. Some items are a bit up there. My Rugby boxer briefs were $28 bucks, while my tie dye ultra comfort wonder boxers were only $14. Several of their styles are on clearance. I expect to see more of their styles on clearance as they are working to get new product lines up and out. You can land a number of good staples for your underwear drawer just by watching these guys evolve. And there's no need to feel bad about it, either! The more you help them clear out the old, the more room there is for the new and exciting stuff to come in!
OVERALL: They're really a solid company. Comfort is their strong suit, and style is on the way in a big way. Additionally, they are a worthwhile company to support! Later this year, they're releasing a purple boxer brief to help the effort against bullying, and partnering with an event to help raise funds for the anti-bullying campaign. COUNT ON HEARING FROM ME WHEN THAT TIME COMES. If you're a bear, and you don't own a pair of these when they are released, you're just not right!
Scores--at present, without the upcoming changes, etc, I'd give them a 3 / 4 stars. They make a solid product that is comfortable (once that tag is gone). They have a couple of stylish designs now, and have already indicated new ones on the way.
Taking into account the new swimsuit line, the new waistband to appear in upcoming designs, and their willingness to ask for feedback and to implement it, I have to anticipate their score to very soon be a solid 4 / 4.
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