Benjamin Blak Cargo Trunk Review

Underwear Guy Review: Benjamin Blak Cargo Trunk
Designer/Manufacturer: Benjamin Blak
Price Point: $40.00

Benjamin Blak is a new spin-off label from Pulse Underwear that currently covers a small but growing line of high-end underwear selling in the $30-$50 range. The designs for Benjamin Blak or typically very unique, complex and include a variety of fabrics and details. Currently Benjamin Blak underwear is sold almost exclusively through the UnderU4Men stores but they also allow for phone orders so you can still get a pair of these even if you do not live near any of their current locations. There are two versions of this trunk including an organic cotton/lycra version in a 95%/5% blend and a soy/lycra version in a 95%/5% blend. There is definitely a different feel to each blend with the soy being a bit softer and more stretchy over the cotton but both are pretty close in overall comfort and appeal. Besides the difference in material between the two trunks, the colors are also differentiated with the cotton version sold in an olive and sky blue design while the soy version is a tan and turquoise combination. There are other colors introduced throughout the design via contrasting color stitching and canvas side pockets that are functional with large shiny metal snaps. Influenced by the designs from Toot Underwear from Japan, these trunks sport a low-rise design with a short inseam and several contrasting panels of color. On the sides, the legs are 8” including the waistband with an inseam of 3” from the leg up to the base of the pouch. The standard 1 ¼” elastic waistband is covered on the outside by the main material of the brief just to the edge at the top so it’s not fully covered on the inside. The waist fits true-to-size with the mediums working well for 32”-34” measurements. The panel along the interior legs has ribbed stitching that runs across the underside which helps prevent the trunk from riding up and also creates a nice texture and design element. The front pouch is single-layer material and includes a supportive design (although slightly snug) that defines well. In the front there is also a small ½” fabric ribbon in bright yellow (soy) or red (cotton) which has a metal d-ring at the end which is mostly for decoration although I suppose you could attach a key if you were so inclined. I would consider these a must-buy if you're looking for a unique pair of underwear.

The Grades:
Fit: A The excellent cut and pattern makes the fit of these trunks work very well for all-day wear.
Design: A+ The design of these trunks is really unique and the combination of colors, materials and detailing really come together in a fun, yet masculine garment.
Material: A Excellent color and feel to the material and the choice between the two blends is nice to have as an option.
Construction: A Overall construction quality is very good considering the complex number of seams and stitches required as well as the mix of fabrics. I should note that the canvas pockets are intentionally distressed and frayed at the edges so that’s a design choice not a manufacturing issue.
Overall Grade: A Although the price and look of these trunks may not be for everyone if you like really unique designs, a good fit, quality construction and excellent materials, these trunks will definitely fit the bill.

Would I buy another pair? Yes, I really like these trunks and would absolutely buy several pairs.

Where To Buy:
As mentioned in the intro you can order these from UnderU4men and there is one alternate retailer: UnderWearProducts.com: Product Page.

Wear Recommendations:
All-day Wear Loungewear Athletic Sleepwear Office Wear Special Occasion Bedroom Wear










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Comments

  • 11/5/2007 4:44 PM Spacekateer wrote:
    I found out there is another color, which is actually made from SOY FABRIC! Apparently, though, the olive green version is made of organic cotton. Green underwear! (only in Portland, OR would they come up with that!)
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