"Does anyone knows if Skinz has a g-string with a non-adjustable front, like the front in the y back?"

Skinz makes a banded thong (M14) that is a very skimpy non-adjustable front pouch, but has slight triangle in the back though....

Skinz' new M1R2 sliding g-string is great! I special ordered it unlined in orange mesh with sliding t-back (hate those rings!). Just spent a day at the beach in it, and felt very comfortable around all sorts of folks, even walking between the parking lot and beach several times wearing nothing else, plus lots of swimming, running, and walking at water's edge. Yes, it is low, riding at the base of my shaft, and since I trim, but don't shave, I had to stuff my pubes in carefully so they wouldn't show too much.

I like the basic M1 design because the pouch doesn't project your package out obscenely, providing instead a gentle contour much like a regular Speedo. And unlike many small g-strings, the M1 tapers between your legs, providing ample coverage of your perineum and anus. Brief yes, and also decent and good looking. 

The orange mesh is only slightly see thru, and only up really close. So for a guy like me seeking an overall tan who has no interest in hiding or furtively checking for passersby or rangers, as the nudists do, this suit is ideal.

Re: " some new Skinz styles for 2006"

I bought one of those fitted Rio's from Skinz a few years ago right after they first came out.  The thing I didn't like about it is way the material is sewn togther in the rear.  It's all bunched up and sewn looking like Ruffles potato chips instead of a smooth seam.

I exchanged it for a white Skinny Side Rio which is more revealing because it becomes transparant and it also will ride up and form fit in the rear.

I made the suggestion for them to sew the seam smothly so the material conforms to your butt smoothly.  I pointed out the Definer from Prevail Sport and the Skinz Hot Pants as examples of the rear seam and material being sewn smoothly.  The customer service lady instead of listening to honest feedback (I believe it was Mary) responded with a stupid comment saying that it only works if you have a rounded rear.  I e-mailed her back saying that I do have a nice rounded rear--a very muscular and rounded rear.  The strongest butt and legs in the gym, by far.  The sewing job they did sucks.  The fact that the suit looks like Ruffles potato chips in the rear is because of the poor design/sewing job.  Was this meant to be on purpose.  It fit well, but the thich material was sloppily sewn causing the ruffled look.

All throughout their websight Skinz claims that they listen to their customers, i.e., "in response to custom requests...we are offering this new suit/design, etc. "   I know now that this is just a marketing gimmick to make people think that their new products is the result of listening to their customers.  I don't think they listen to their customers.  That customer service lady (mentioned above) doesn't know a thing about customer service or customer service period.  Who hired her??? And why did they hire her???

I did buy a Super Low Rio is just maybe an inch lower than the Skinny Side Rio ( I have both).  I do have a rounded muscular rear end so the difference between the two suit are negligible on my anatomy for the most part.   The Banded Rio and Banded Rio just uses a skinny band that the suit is sewn to.  It just has a little different look and feel to it than the Skinny Side Rio and Super Low Rio.

Skinz 2006. 

I like the Skinz products but they are way to expensive.  By the time you get a tiny M1 thong made of next to nothing, and add the shipping it's around $ 40 for a g-string !

I don't like most of the current color selectons.  I have quite a few of their older suits, but when I look through the catalog or web site I find it dificult to find two suits where the color combo is somthing I would actualy wear,  or  speical enough that I would add it to my collection.  They are charing premium prices, so the suits should be a little special.  There quility is good, but suits in plain colors I can get at one half the price from many other places, so for a premium price I want some thaught put into a range of good color choices. 

Cut:  The line up of thong suits for men has not changed that much in six years, except for a a set of minor variations in the cut of the M1 g-string style thong a variation of the M31.  They have not figured out that sometimes we want a small front pouch but with somthing more than a string in the rear, with an 3/4 of an inch between the legs and a small triangle of frabric in the rear.   I still think they would do well to match the low front of the M1R1 with the rear of the M14.  

Even the variations in the M1, i.e.   M1RL  M1R1L   M1RU  M1R2U  etc, are a bit baffiling.   Maybe they need to break them out under diffrent headings and explain the letter code systems.   If you can figure thise out then send me the secret decoder ring you are using.  Worse,  each description of the M1 series refers you to the M2 for fuller cut.   Only thing, there are no M2's any more.

The M31 split rear now comes in M31L  M31P and M31U.  My guess, from digging around on the site, the L means it's lower cut than two years ago, the P is a new Pushup pannel and the U is for unlined.   

Sales... well... I find nothing on sale that any one would wear.  If by chance you do find somthing it's only avalible in XXL or XXXL !!    There are four mens thongs on sale this month and not one available in anything under XXL.   Any person who is XXXL should get thongs it free because dareing to wear a thong to the beach when you are that size takes guts.  (I know any XXXL has plenty of guts).

The site is almost un-navigble,  you have to know what the suit is called, by it's name and not number, before selecting it from the drop down list.  Worse, if you use the almost invisible link at the bottom of the main page, the one to men's suits, a strange selecton of sutis comes up, missing most of the thongs.

Even trying to figure out what's new, is like shooting lawyers in the dark.  You have to try each menu item till you find somthing diffrent.  I notice a new thong called an M44 that looks good.   It's name on the menu system makes no sense to me.  I would order two of thise if they were $15 to $16 each.  In fact if most of the thongs were under $20 I could justify putting together an order of five and it would be resonable, even with their expensive shipping. 

And just who thinks that hot pink is going to be this years in color for men's thongs?

What would be wrong with one page that shows pictures of all the mens thong styles, and then going to the color options by clicking on the style in question.   Come on Skinz.  You are not one little old lady sewing suits to help fund your retirement (Dore), you are a large store, selling suits at a premium price, with a print catalog,  a pro photo budget  but with a web site where the navigation sucks.

I do have to say,  the one good thing with their site,  it shows both front and back pictures of each product.

The color combos in the last few years have been less than inspiring.  I know that for an EXTRA fee I can get any color in any suit.  I tend to be price sensitive.  So the idea that the thong costs $28 and the choice of color is another $8 brings it to a $36 thong.   You dont even get 3 for a $100 bill, and that's without the shipping.  Five, in your choice of color will cost around $200!

Am I, an avid thong wearer and collector,  the only one suffering from sticker shock?

I try to avoid "I agree" replies, but to JM_Runs, I agree.  Skinzs has gotten significantly more expensive.  The way to address that is with your wallet.  Take your business elsewhere.  They obvioiusly feel that their market will bear this approach.  Maybe some of us are going to go elsewhere.

I find most of these mesh and see thru fabrics that they are promoting of no use.  For situations where I might consider some of them, there is entirely to much coverage in their designs.  And you can hardly get any nice colors or patterns in most designs without paying the extra fee.

I guess I'll stick with Dore.  For a suit I might wear art a local pool while I do laps and can't go with the extreme cuts, I think I have enough choices already n my wardrobe this year and don't need any new Cut Away Rios (which are acceptable there.)

Reply to Mac_Back on sinkz sizes.   The size is what it is.  If you have an XS and you are larger than that , you may not get it on, and if you do the side straps will dig in so bad you end up looking like the michlin man.

Skinz sizeing can very a bit, but I would go with the size recomended. 

When you have thongs with thin side straps it is posible to streach the waist band a bit.  You hanging it sideways in the closit with a 10 pound weight hanging on the down side.  Then weight 3 to 12 months....  Depends on the type of the suit.  I have some MR1's that were a little to snug and they have not streached out yet after several months in the closit. 

But the best advice is get the right size.   Going small in front or back looks fine so long as you shave the front.  Going to small on the waist looks bad because as the side strap cuts in,  it makes the fat above and below the strap bulge out.

I have both the skinz rio and plain old bikini bottom.... i am between a 35 and 36. The large fits me fine. I liked their older site and plain colors.... used to be just solids, with fewer styles. They almost have too much "stuff" now, and they are a bit on the pricey side. I love their "y" back g-string suit....but I remember fredericks of hollywood had that almost identical cut maybe twelve years ago... and they were thre for 15 bucks. one for $25, plus shipping, seems a bit high to me....

I couldnt wear it out on the beach, but it would feel great as underwear....

Sometime ago, I bought a Riviera (low cut competition suit), that they advertise as very low.  I bought my regular size, which according to their chart, is M.  Although it does ride low, it was far too big.  So, I ordered a S.  While this fit well, I still wanted something lower and briefer.  So, a couple weeks ago I ordered it in XS.  It does feel tight, but believe it or not, the coverage is almost identical to an old Arena rigid nylon suit size 30, that I have had for years.  In fact, because the Skinz suit is stretchy lycra, you can stretch it to cover more than my old Arena.  After all these years, for the times when I can't wear a thong, my good ole nylon suit is still my suit of choice.  It's still briefer.  Amazing.

Whoever, does the sizing for Skinz is way off, in my opinion.

The Skinz suits are good and good lines, but the catalog price is always too high. I agree, their sizing is often wildly incorrect too. The best way to buy Skinz is at their Clearwater store on Bay-to-Bay highway 60. The store usually has lots of reduced price specials in all mens sizes, and you can try the suits on for size.   If you want anything special they are back to the catalog price plus extras so I only buy what fits from their specials.  The wife usually doesn't purchase anything at Skinz, She says the Skinz store suits are all too small womens sizes--only for the very small young girls,

I think you echo my thinking on Skinz products.  Nice, I own some and would like to have some more....  But they are generally too expensive and so is the shipping, (plus they charge me tax because I am in Florida.)   I like the banded thong but don't like the high costs, I don't like most of the fabric choices, and don't appreciate the high extra cost if I ask for a better color

I only find them interesting when they are half price, and I can purchase several so as to reduce the individual shipping costs.  If they had a 50% off sale I would probably purchase another five or so, but.... 

So I have several of the suits (acquired mostly from when they had more stuff on ebay) but have not purchased any recently.  Unfortunately I find their current cost of  small thongs is way high.  If you order three thongs, by the time you pay shipping and sales tax you have little or no change from a $100 dollar bill.  Way to go Skinz, that's how to wow and keep a customer.  

I think you echo my thinking on Skinz products.  Nice, I own some and would like to have some more....  But they are generally too expensive and so is the shipping, (plus they charge me tax because I am in Florida.)   I like the banded thong but don't like the high costs, I don't like most of the fabric choices, and don't appreciate the high extra cost if I ask for a better color

I only find them interesting when they are half price, and I can purchase several so as to reduce the individual shipping costs.  If they had a 50% off sale I would probably purchase another five or so, but.... 

So I have several of the suits (acquired mostly from when they had more stuff on ebay) but have not purchased any recently.  Unfortunately I find their current cost of  small thongs is way high.  If you order three thongs, by the time you pay shipping and sales tax you have little or no change from a $100 dollar bill.  Way to go Skinz, that's how to wow and keep a customer.  

Not  very promising opinions for Skinz. I have just purchased some gear from Prevail. I like their material and styles albeit they are just a bit too narrow on the front though I am prepared to buy their stuff. However their site is pretty easy to navigate.

I wish I could say the same about Skinz. I have been on their site frequently but I think it is terrible to follow. They certainly give plenty of information about individual suits but getting there is a big problem. I click away but frequently end up further away from the designs I am looking for.

Not very reassuring when you are the other side of the Atlantic.

Skinz seems to be getting weirder and wierder. They dont have a lot of the more normal suits listed on their 2007 site (under construction), like the skinny sided thong or rio... but they have some micro stuff.  I like the Y-back thong, although  about 10 years ago fredericks of hollywood sold the same thing for guys.... 3 for $15. They just charge too much for my taste.

I just got some prevail sport thongs in the mail. well built, good fabric, and more "normal" cuts. Time to hit the gym again. summer will be here before you know it.

The majority of thongs that Olive and I have are Skinz thongs. yes they're expensive, but they're very well made and we like the styles. I certainly agree that they have probably the worst web site for ordering, we've had excellent  service over the phone. they've made many custom suits for us, some using fabric they don't list on the web site. It costs more to get the custom service but considering the durability of the suits we feel it's worth it. Skinz and Dore are the only suits I wear and Olive has mostly Skinz suits. She also has a couple of wicked weasels and a few from Bella Bikini. (we like them too).  Popeye

I am a long-time Skinz customer. I have to agree with others that the quality is excellent, but that the available colors and patterns get weirder each year.

Their web-site is a total disaster. Even though I know their product line well, from years of experienc, I find it nearly impossible to find anything easily. And you have to reference multiple "years" such as the "2005 site", "2006 site", etc. Totally Nuts!

I was a good customer 10-12 years ago when you could work with the printed catalog. I suggest obtaining the new one, which usually ships in January of each year.

The only qualification is that the catalog only lists the alternate custom colors and patterns, which are extensive, but you have no clue as to what they look like. However, if you phone them, they will mail actual material samples, which is a valuable service.

But sadly, over the years, my purchases have moved over to Xtreme Swimwear, which makes great thongs which I use for both swimming and sunning.

Thanks for the information on wet-n-wild. I also wear a Skinz M14 a lot walking in public around beaches, parking lot, beachwalking. It's really very little coverage, but seems to be acceptable to most-must be the high rise styling-mostly it's just string except for the narrow but high front. Also, my wife likes it. My recollection is that it used to be called the narrow-front.

Skinz is now making a much narrower front too but they didn't have any the right size on their sale rack last visit.

Moderator Note:  No the M14 is called the Banded Thong.  Good thong, I have quite a few and use them regularly.

Thanks for the information on wet-n-wild. I also wear a Skinz M14 a lot walking in public around beaches, parking lot, beachwalking. It's really very little coverage, but seems to be acceptable to most-must be the high rise styling-mostly it's just string except for the narrow but high front. Also, my wife likes it. My recollection is that it used to be called the narrow-front.

Skinz is now making a much narrower front too but they didn't have any the right size on their sale rack last visit.

Moderator Note:  No the M14 is called the Banded Thong.  Good thong, I have quite a few and use them regularly.

Thanks for the information on wet-n-wild. I also wear a Skinz M14 a lot walking in public around beaches, parking lot, beachwalking. It's really very little coverage, but seems to be acceptable to most-must be the high rise styling-mostly it's just string except for the narrow but high front. Also, my wife likes it. My recollection is that it used to be called the narrow-front.

Skinz is now making a much narrower front too but they didn't have any the right size on their sale rack last visit.

Moderator Note:  No the M14 is called the Banded Thong.  Good thong, I have quite a few and use them regularly.

Thanks for the information on wet-n-wild. I also wear a Skinz M14 a lot walking in public around beaches, parking lot, beachwalking. It's really very little coverage, but seems to be acceptable to most-must be the high rise styling-mostly it's just string except for the narrow but high front. Also, my wife likes it. My recollection is that it used to be called the narrow-front.

Skinz is now making a much narrower front too but they didn't have any the right size on their sale rack last visit.

Moderator Note:  No the M14 is called the Banded Thong.  Good thong, I have quite a few and use them regularly.

The Skinz newer version has a double string v back, not the previous little triangle back. This is better, one less white spot in the tan and easier to customize the sizing.

Moderator Note:  Think you are wrong.  Some skinz thongs like the M31 do have V string back, and have been this style for years, but most do not.  Depends on the style you pick.