Cool, casual, confident, and laid back are just a few adjectives that come to mind when describing California style. No underwear brand on the market embodies this cool and confident California attitude as much as the Los Angles based N2N Bodywear. We had the chance to catch up with N2N designer Andrew Makay and ask him a few questions about the re-launch of the amazingly popular Tropic Line of underwear as well as what "sexy" means.
How does being located in L.A. inspire your designs?
The diversity, creativity, weather, and crazy people. L.A. has the most beautiful weather in the country and all of my designs are conducive to being outside in the sun on the beach. If I were designing in Alaska I would probably be designing parkas.
Your labels proudly state that your garments are made in L.A. how did you decide to keep construction in L.A.? And why is this important to you?
N2N has had its own little workshop since 1997 and when we began to grow I wanted to keep it in L.A. So I found great places in L.A. to be able to continue manufacturing. Also, it allows me to be completely hands on and address issues as quickly as possible. Changes can be made faster. At the end of the day though, it makes me feel really good to know that someone can make a good living making N2N Bodywear and we are keeping jobs in California and the city of LA.
How did you come up with the tropic line of underwear?
I was in Hawaii participating in an APLA (Aids Project Los Angeles) marathon. This was the first time I was in Hawaii and I just fell in love and I wanted to create a collection based on the tropics. Something very sexy and comfortable, the re-launched Tropic is now more tropical than ever.
The color palettes for tropic are nontraditional for the fall season, what made you go in this direction? And how did you develop the color palette?
Out in the underwear market there are a lot of bold, primary colors and N2N is not into that. Underwear is a garment that is worn by everyone, all year and they can be any color you want. They are for you, more than any other garment you put on in the day, so if you want to wear a little mint bikini in the middle of winter you can and should.
What advice do you have for underwear shoppers?
Find something that is comfortable. The pouch is the most important it needs to be non-constricting, it needs to help you, fall away from your body so that it is comfortable and non-restricting. The garment should have some stretch. Stretch allows for all day wear that looks the same at the end of the day, as when you put it on the morning. A good four way stretch will always have you looking like a million bucks. Simply, just find something that works for you.
What is something that you cannot live without?
I am very adaptable so I can live without a lot, but family, friends, and human kindness are important to me.
How do you develop N2N's signature cuts?
Through trial and error, everything that I have designed is something that I would wear. If I think it is comfortable then it will make it into production. It is all about comfort and wear-ability I won't put something into a collection because it is popular or a fad.
Are there some new and exciting designs coming our way and if so can you let us know what to expect?
Yes, we have a lot of great things coming out.
I am really excited about the N2N branded elastic underwear, it is so cool and sexy it will be in five styles. There will be something for everyone, from sexy to conservative.
The Trainer line will be expanded with new fits and fabrics; it will stay practical and sexy.
If you were going to sum up the philosophy of N2N in a phrase what would it be?
Fearless personal expression.
How would you define "sexy"?
Humor, personality, and attitude are all important. Also, there is something to be said about someone taking care of themselves and having a great body, pair that with confidence, humor, and a great personality and that is sexy. There are differences between visually sexy and "sexy". Being "sexy" is all about confidence and attitude.
What is your favorite item from N2N?
I have a couple. In underwear, it would be the cotton bikini, the fabric is nice and simple, but exactly what I want. The trainer, I wear those to the gym and boot camp. They are the perfect casual staple. Everyone looks great in them.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Going to Cold Stone Creamery and getting the cake batter ice cream with Carmel, white chocolate chips, roasted almonds, and whip cream, oh and also add some pound cake.
