November 27, 2022 | Sex & Society

Former men's "fashion" mag profiled in new film

The International Male catalog is back ... sort of.

The sexy mail order clothing line was started in the 70s by Gene Burkard, a once-closeted Midwesterner and soldier. Burkard moved to San Diego where he developed the infamous catalog, which became well known in the 80s and 90s for its mix of pirate shirts, muscle-hugging clubwear and bulge-enhancing undies.

It would reach a circulation in the millions, and bring in over $10 million in annual sales. It ceased publication in 2007, and was absorbed into sister company Undergear (which is still going strong online).

A new documentary, All Man: The International Male Story, explores the company's rise and fall.