An Era in Men's Underwear Comes to a Definitive End
It's official: the drawers are empty. Andrew Christian, the brand that defined a generation of gay nightlife and online thirst with its provocative designs and chiseled models, has officially closed its doors. The company confirmed the closure after selling its very last item—a single, symbolic thong—bringing a 25-year run to a quiet close.
The brand's website, once a vibrant hub of colorful jockstraps and revealing briefs, now displays a simple but final message: "Thank you for 25 years of support. We are now closed."
Why Now? The Founder Steps Back
The decision, first announced in November 2023, came directly from the founder himself. In a candid statement, Andrew Christian explained his desire to retire and reclaim his personal life after a quarter-century of steering the globally recognized brand.
"I have been doing this for a very long time," Christian stated. "It's a 24/7 job that is very stressful. I am 55 and want to enjoy the rest of my life." He emphasized that the decision was personal, not financial, driven by a need to step away from the relentless demands of running a business and focus on himself.
More Than Just Underwear: A Cultural Phenomenon
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those who came of age in the 2000s and 2010s, Andrew Christian was more than just a label. It was a cultural signifier. The brand's bold marketing, featuring its famous "Trophy Boy" models in often humorous and always sexy video campaigns, became a staple of gay media.
With lines like "Almost Naked," "Flashback," and various anatomically-enhancing designs, the brand pushed boundaries and celebrated a specific, hyper-masculine aesthetic that dominated gay culture for years. Whether you loved it or found it over-the-top, its influence was undeniable, seen everywhere from Pride parades in Amsterdam to club nights in Berlin.
A look back at some of the brand's memorable and often cheeky commercials.
The Legacy of the Trophy Boys
Beyond the products, the brand was a launchpad for numerous models who became well-known figures within the community, such as Pablo Hernandez. These "Trophy Boys" embodied the brand's confident and playful sexuality, becoming fixtures on social media and at events worldwide.
While the brand's aesthetic has been debated over the years, its closure marks a moment of nostalgia. It represents the end of a specific chapter in queer popular culture, a time when a simple pair of underwear could be a statement of identity and belonging. As the market for men's underwear has diversified with countless new brands, Andrew Christian's departure leaves a void once filled with bright colors, bold logos, and an unapologetic celebration of the male form.
