8th November 2013

Media Release

Sexes divided on what makes a real Kiwi man

The results of a recent survey reveal the majority of Kiwi blokes believe that standing up for their mates and having a man cave or tool shed are the attributes which best signify masculinity and manliness. Women on the other hand believe real men open doors for their lady and wear shorts even in sub-zero conditions.

Stubbies, the iconic workwear brand, recently commissioned the survey of 1,000 men and women nationwide to canvas their views on what makes a real Kiwi man. The results are out in time for high-stubble month Movember and the launch of Stubbies online – stubbies.co.nz.

Asked to describe a good Kiwi bloke, the words women came up with were: ‘Gumboots’, ‘Stubbies’ and ‘DIY’ while men were more likely to say: ‘Myself’, ‘Speight’s’ or ‘Barry Crump’.

Kiwi men and women are also polarised as to whether chivalry is a manly trait. The survey found 20% of women believe opening the door for them is a “real man” characteristic while men viewed that as the least manly to do, preferring instead to stand up for their mates and spend time in their sheds.

‘It’s nice to know men are so loyal to their mates but, if they want to impress the ladies, they might want to hold the door open now and then, even though some people might see that as benevolent sexism,” says Stubbies’ spokesperson Wendy Clark, Sales Manager – Key Accounts.

The Stubbies Real Man survey also found undies are splitting the nation. Almost half of NZ men (47%) believe real men should wear fitted briefs while 52% of Kiwi women think real men wear cotton boxers. Y-fronts still make an impact on the boys too, with 28% believing real men should don the ‘Y’. But it’s a definite to silk boxers – a mere 12% of males rate those as manly.

Women are also keen for the boys to put their pins on display. Asked if Kiwi men with good legs should wear short shorts, nearly half the gals said, yes, they should flash some thigh. That was particularly so among the 18 to 24-year-olds (48%) and, interestingly, the 55 to 64 age group (51%).

“Boys, take note. With summer coming, those legs will be on display and Kiwi women will be watching,” says Wendy.

“And, we have the final word on that age-old toilet seat issue - the one thing both sexes agree on is that leaving the seat up is the least manly characteristic.”

About Stubbies:
•          Stubbies are the true-blue specialists when it comes to low-cost, hard-wearing workwear. The Stubbies collection includes shirts, jackets, Hi-Vis, overalls, cargo pants and those original short–shorts (which sell for just $24.95).
•          Stubbies was founded in 1972 by Aussie Edward Fletcher who saw a gap in market for stylish, low-cost, all-purpose shorts. Retailing at just $1.99, the original Stubbies shorts were an instant hit and, by the end of their first year, more than 750,000 pairs of Stubbies were sold.
•          How did Stubbies get its name?  Back in the 70s choosing a catchy name for the new shorts proved difficult. After many suggestions, including as Middies, Slinkies, Runnies and Donkeys, inspiration came from our favourite drink. After days of trying to come up with a name, a salesman got up and said: “This is thirsty work, I’m going out for a stubbie (of beer).” The meeting went quiet, everyone thought the same thing and the Stubbies legacy was born.
•          Stubbies is a part of The Workwear Group, a division of Pacific Brands – wwwtheworkweargroup.co.nz
•          Stubbies get behind everything male, especially when it comes to men’s health and wellbeing. That’s why they are proud sponsors of Movember 2013 with $1 from every pair of Stubbies sold during the month of November donated to Movember.
•          Stubbies is also on the hunt for New Zealand’s Real Man.  https://www.facebook.com/stubbiesNZ/app_451684954848385

Regional information
•          Most of the boys residing in Auckland, Canterbury, Otago/Southland and the Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough regions all agree that sticking up for their mates is the most manly trait
•          Bay of Plenty men are torn between wearing shorts in sub zero conditions and loving their three meat and veg as the most manly characteristics
•          Kiwi blokes from the Manawatu/Whanganui/Taranaki regions are the most chivalrous in the country ranking opening doors for their ladies as the most masculine quality
•          The majority of Kiwi blokes in the Waikato, Gisbourne/Hawkes Bay and Wellington  believe that having a man cave or tool shed makes them manly

ENDS

© Scoop Media