blogleaves: fashion inspiration, style news, and all that's new in the world of figleaves.com

Is it over for the budgie smuggler?

Is it all over for the budgie smuggler? Alton Towers is considering banning skimpy swimming briefs (and offering men a waxing salon while they're at it it), according to news reports. 

The Times, meanwhile, believes that teeny briefs have had their day in the sun anyway: "There is a tide in the trunks of men, and it has turned: that will be the conclusion of swimwear scholars when they examine the summer of 2009," said the paper.

Trunks, swim shorts or boardshorts? Do let us know. In the meantime, here are some nice Hom shorts if you do need some designer inspiration to wean you onto something with a little more coverage.

David and Ange: it's a no

Sad news today: it looks as though the rumoured Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign starring David Beckham and Angelina Jolie was just a rumour after all.

Beckham has denied it, says Us Weekly: "I don't think that's true! I definitely don't think that's true. I think it's something put out in the press," he's reported to have said.

Something to file under wouldn't-it-be-nice, then, but in the meantime, Emporio Armani has kindly released a nice behind the scenes video of the David and Victoria underwear shoot. Enjoy.

Trend: Flower Boys

A selection of florals for men today, in homage to Christiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United star was pictured with a flower tucked behind his ear in the Daily Mail yesterday, prompting the men of Britain to do the same - well, according to Radio One DJ Jo Whiley's picture gallery, anyway.

Not for you? If you don't have a posy handy, perhaps the latest floral swim shorts might be an easier way into the trend. Above, left to right: Figleaves £25; Ted Baker £45; Boss Orange £52.

Your underpants and the economy

"Here comes trouble," warns The Huffington Post. Sales of men's underwear are forecast to dip 2.3 per cent in 2009 - and when men stop replacing their underpants that's a worrying sign for the economy, according to former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan. Still, it's not all bad news. Sales of sexy underwear are soaring in South Korea, says The Korea Times, with brands such as Emporio Armani, Calvin Klein and Triumph all proving popular. On that note, here's a pic of Becks for Emporio Armani to cheer us all up.

Bjorn Borg hits the golf course

More things to do in your underwear: play a round of golf. Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson stole the headlines from Tiger Woods yesterday when he stripped down to his Bjorn Borg underpants to hack a ball out of the mud during the WGC-CA Championship in Miami. “You never know, after this I might have a new endorsement with Playgirl [magazine] or something like that," is his optimistic quote in The Times today.

What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?

A story for the men today: seems like an old Scottish tradition is about to be lost. Real men might like to go commando under their kilts, but kilt hire firms are increasingly fighting back. According to The Scotsman, many companies are so disgusted by returns of unhygienic tartan that they have introduced a clause insisting that underwear must be worn.

Here at figleaves.com we're hardly likely to argue; check out the latest arrivals in men's underwear here.

Rugby players in D&G

Merry Christmas, everyone! As a festive treat, let's have a look at some Italian rugby players in their D&G underwear - it's the Skin Sensation range. Enjoy.

Celebrity catch-up

Celebs in the news: once again, Ultimo demonstrates its knack of hiring the most talked-about spokesmodels for its wares. Not only is Danny Cipriani - rugby star and current squeeze of Kelly Brook - lined up to model its forthcoming menswear range, but Katie Green (dubbed "too fat" by her agency, apparently) has joined the Ultimo model stable too, says The Mirror. Meanwhile, the latest celeb to announce her intention of creating a lingerie line is The Hills star Lauren Conrad, reports OK!

Not the Emporio Armani ad

Nope, it's not those David Beckham pics again... today's men in pants are in fact comedians Leigh Francis (of Bo Selecta fame), Patrick McGuinness (from Phoenix Nights) and Richard Herring, bravely baring nearly all to draw your attention to The Secret Policeman's Ball: look closely and you'll see an Amnesty logo where Emporio Armani should be. The Amnesty comedy fundraiser takes place on 4 October; click here  for more info and tickets.

New Beckham pics

New Beckham pics! Well, it would be rude not to. What do we think, everyone - has he still got what it takes for Emporio Armani?