Straight Off the Runway Undies: Retro Edition

Alright all you fashionistos, here is the underwear article you’ve been waiting for (and by “straight off the runway,” ps,  we’re not talking about uber-expensive designer underwear–you can read all about expensive underwear here). No, instead it’s a look at our favorite trends from the men’s spring/summer 2012 collections and how they’re designs are finally popping up all over our favorite styles of men’s underwear.

The spring shows saw retro 50s backyard barbecue-inspired kitschy prints and plaids and primary colors from designers like Prada, D&G and Etro and now the designs are finally yours for the cheap in a variety of underwear styles from Calvin Klein, Diesel, and more. Where underwear used to exist in a parallel design universe to mainstream fashion, we’re definitely seeing crossover become more common, and aren’t you glad?! Couture underwear!

Check out this gallery of our favorite looks from the spring and summer 2012 collections and the super spiffy underwear that are starting to adopt their designs.

Z Zegna was an easy, breezy day at the beach, presenting a collection dominated by sky blue and golden sun, underlined by a carefree, relaxed fit and a few unique prints of their own.

100% Cotton; These comfy boxer briefs with the same busy design as Z Zegna's and Prada's spring designs feature a funny money print that looks like it came from a quirky 50s game show with the word Jackpot in the title.

87% nylon, 13% spandex; Taking the relaxed fit of a classic boxer short, this runway inspired underwear is made modern with a slimmer silhouette and silky soft microfiber fabric; the vintage marble design is all summer fun.

Mixing up Italian silks with kitschy prints and topping of the look with a straw hat, this D&G guy was ready for VIP section at the beach.

Color is always in abundance at Etro, and this summer's mismatched patterns and colorful plaids made it stand out all the more.

75% polyester, 25% elastane; Rocking a soft plaid design and whispering essences of Etro and D7G, these comfy microfiber trunks have a vintage golf vibe to them.

88% polyester, 12% spandex; With similar accents, these are made from super smooth microfiber that is quick to dry. These vintage plaid trunks also double as a swimsuit in a bind. Perfect for any spur of the moment summer pool party.

95% cotton, 5% spandex; Decked out in the subtle pinstripe pattern seen this spring, these Diesel trunks sing take me out to the ballgame in a tune from the good ol' days of baseball.

70% nylon, 23% cotton, 7% spandex; Stripes are always in, making these Zylas briefs a fashion statement that works every time. The ultra-soft fabric is a cotton poly blend making for a silky smooth feeling against your skin.

The rebellious style at Michael Bastian certainly had a cause, channeling James Dean's iconic, relaxed style that instantly puts you in a good mood.

100% Cotton; A much more modern take on the basic brief, this stylish slip--as the Europeans call it--is low rise, lean cut, and ripe with a similarly fresh-squeezed color that makes you feel good just by putting it on.

93% polyester, 7% spandex; These low rise briefs are waistband-less, giving them a retro Olympic diver look, so you can just imagine how super they make you feel when worn as everyday underwear.

For more information on these brands: aussieBum, C-IN2, Calvin Klein Underwear, Clever, Diesel, Papi, Zylas

Photo Credits: GQ, Top Man