Vintage trends are in, with a revisit of shoulder pads (thanks Gaga ), plaid button downs and the return of the higher waist lines, it's no surprise that facial hair has made its way back to the scene. Facial hair has slowly been making a comeback with stars of young Hollywood sporting a little fuzz here and there. It all started innocently enough with Hollywood hunks like Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake rocking the scruff and then all of a sudden you couldn't turn the corner without seeing some guy showcasing his "3-day" look. Pretty soon various styles of the "stache" started springing up in the hipster scene and in gay bars across the metropolitan Meccas of America. Well, it's 2009 and sporting facial hair is in full trend, for those of you who dig this retro resurgence you can look no further than Universal Gear to help you with all of you manly grooming needs.

Our stores carry a full array of shaving and skin care products from top brands like Kiehls, Molton Brown, Art of Shaving and Malin & Goetz. For those of you in the cyber realm check out our online armada of grooming aids for the everyday man. Below is my top 5 must haves to maintain your best "Burt Reynolds".

Facial Hair Must Haves!
1: Art Of Shaving Unscented Shave Kit Full Size
Start your arsenal off right with the full Shaving skit from the master at the Art Of Shaving.
2: Art of Shaving Shaving Cream - Sandalwood
We are going retro here folks, this cream softens and lifts the beard for a close and comfortable shave, and protects the skin from irritation and razor burn.
3: Malin+Goetz 4oz Jojoba Face Scrub
Malin + Goetz cleansing scrub synthesizes calming cilantro with amino acid, hydrating exfoliation to gently and effectively purify and ph balance all skin types, especially sensitive and fragile. Keeping your skin looking its best.
4: Art of Shaving Shaving Cream - Unscented
Rich with glycerin, coconut oil and essential oils it leaves your skin smooth and moisturized. It can be lathered up with a shaving brush or with fingers. Hypoallergenic.
5: Art Of Shaving The Perfect Shave - Lavender
The starter kit offers 2 weeks worth of our essentials for achieving a close and comfortable shave. Perfect for Travel!

--Dustin

Posted by UG Editor at 11:47 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Holla! If you're wondering why I'm in such a good mood it's because it's almost Summer! As a native Floridian some of my fondest memories of my teen years are of me and my friends just chilling on the beach, catching rays and talking 'til dusk. Summer always has me longing for the sea, sun, and serenity. To leave the hustle of the city and forget everything. This year, I will be spending Memorial Day weekend back home in Florida with my crew, as always laying out at beach and doing absolutely nothing! (Isn't it great!)

My upcoming vacation brings me to our latest installment of Unzipped. Whether going to the local pool or on beach vacation, you should always look your best. No worries, we can help; Universal Gear has always prided itself on having a wide range of styles and selection in our swimwear department. For 16 years, we have helped the community look its best and this year is no different..Follow me along for the 2009 Swim Wear Guide.

Bikini
A fan favorite and always sure to grab a look, this cut is suited for the daring. Guys who are slim, well toned, or have a tight compact body wear this style the best. We have a great assortment of the Bikini cut from Andrew Christian, Diesel, Blueman, Hugo Boss, LASC, & Pistol Pete.

Army Cut
The Army Cut (or brief) is the slightly more modest cousin of the Bikini. With a little more fabric to cover the front and back, the Army cut is great match for men who are lean, slightly muscular, or well toned. The Army Cut is great for highlighting muscular legs. Look for amazing styles from Blueman, Diesel, Thomas Christopher, LASC, & Pistol Pete.

Square Cut
While the Square Cut is still a head turner, it covers more skin then our previously mentioned styles. This is a good beginner style for those who want to try riskier swim wear. The Square Cut is great for guys who are well toned, lean, slim, muscular, or have an average build. You can find the hottest Square Cut styles from Andrew Christian, Blueman, Thomas Christopher, Diesel, Hugo Boss, & Pistol Pete.

Short Board Short
Slightly shorter that the classic version, this style still has a conservative feel while showing a little leg. This cut is great for all body types (although, for guys who are very slim this style can look a bit baggy, if it doesn't look right try the Square Cut). You can find Short Board Short styles at UG from Andrew Christian, Thomas Christopher, G-Star, Hugo Boss, Penguin, & of course, Universal Swim.

Board Short
The Board Short is classic and great for any body type. Its a swim wear staple. Here at Universal Gear, you can find great Board Short styles from Thomas Christopher, G-Star, Hugo Boss, Penguin, & Universal Swim.


Other helpful Aquatic tips:
*If you are going out of town on a vacation or cruise, pack several different styles- I say three for good measure.
* Pack Light. No one likes to lug a mess of baggage to and from the beach. Bring a small satchel and pack a Towel, Sun block, & one personal item.
*Accessorize! This may sound silly, but you have a better chance of being noticed in crowd of 100 plus shirtless men if you have a hemp necklace on or some other small water friendly accessory.

--Dustin

Posted by UG Editor at 12:56 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Trend Alert! If you haven't noticed the hottest new trend in tee's, you might have been living under a rock. Burn-Out tee's are the latest thing! They are being spotted in the streets and on the backs of leading men of young Hollywood. An evolution of the vintage tee, burnout tees are made from a fabric that has been put through an extensive process to reveal years of weathering. Each bit of pilling and striation in this sheer garment captures a vintage worn-in feel, this process makes each shirt unique. There are no two shirts that are exactly the same. So unlike true vintage shirts these beauties are fitted and not stretched out or ill fitting. Universal Gear carries a full assortment of burnout tees from brands like Alternative Apparel, Chip & Pepper, and Wet Cement.
--Dustin
Left to right: Mathew McConaughey and Mario Lopez get burned in Chip & Pepper, Ryan Reynolds in Alternative Apparel, Zach Braff and Patrick Dempsey in Alternative Apparel, Jai Rodriguez in Wet Cement, and Lance Bass in Chip & Pepper!

Posted by UG Editor at 08:58 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Finally! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and I can work on my tan without paying eleven bucks. You know what time it is...Summer! And what better way to celebrate this phenomenal season than going on a stroll. Come on, you hit the gym all winter, don't waste all of those countless squats chilling indoors. Show a little leg with the hottest short styles from Diesel, G-Star, Ben Sherman, 24 Standard, Cabral and many many more (need I go on ?).

This summer is all about the cargo short, and why shouldn't it be. They are fun, versatile, utilitarian (wow, kind of sounds like an ex of mine) and perfect for all your needs. Cargo shorts pair well with most short sleeve shirts, depending on the print of the fabric you can go for a casual or hip look. I prefer to go with a solid or basic v-neck. I think this creates a great silhouette and makes for an overall impressive look. Check out some of the hottest Cargo styles Universal Gear has to offer.

--Dustin

Posted by UG Editor at 11:10 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

All your life she has been there to guide you, teach you and give you her undying love and not once did she ever mention that she was in labor with you for nine hours or that you're the reason she can no longer fit a size four or that, again, she was in labor with you for nine hours...without the luxury of an epidural. Well boys it's that time of the year when we can give back and show Mom that we are truly grateful for all she has given us!


Give your mother all the essentials she needs to pamper herself. Universal Gear carries the best in the skin care business with brands like Molton Brown and Malin + Goetz. There are a number of products here that will have mommy dearest feeling like a princess. Below is a list of my top 5 fabulous gift picks for Mother's Day.

1: Malin+Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub - Foaming gel scrub synthesizes natural peppermint with amino acid-based, hydrating exfoliation. Gently and effectively purifies and ph balances all skin types.

2: Malin+Goetz Peppermint Shampoo - Effectively purifies and balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally harsh detergents. Mildly foaming, residue-free formula leaves hair soft and scalp conditioned.

3: Molton Brown Rose Granati Hand Wash - Rose granti creates a warm, exotic feel with a shimmering blend of black pepper, cardamom, spicy ginger, nutmeg and vetiver from Haiti.

4: Archipelago Blackberry Sage Votive Candle - An inviting exotic scent that creates an soothing atmosphere.

Happy Mothers Day...don't forget to send a card! (they always expect a card)

--Dustin

Posted by UG Editor at 09:04 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)