“Elbows forward… just a touch,” Bob said. “I want that edge—and the shadows just off you.”
Alan held steady. “You seeing it?”
Bob watched the light trace him, every hair catching.
“Yeah,” he said. “You’re glowing.”
A beat. “…as am I,” he added under his breath. “Woof.”
1. Alan Arnold (on set)
Hirsute feels like a natural extension of the bush—men simply letting their bodies be what they were. No trimming, no shaping, no second thought. Just hair.
2. Dick Dene (that smirk)
3. Joe Canoli (repose)
4. Unknown Model (I think this is from Playgirl?)
This look runs through the whole era—from early Mizer to Champion Studio, Playgirl, and Colt—so clearly it held its appeal. Today, it shows up again in its own way, especially in Bear culture, but back then it felt less like a statement and more like a sign: this is a grown man.
5. Richard Gunning (welcome wagon)
6. Jimmy Hakim (hello!)
7. Joe and John Benson (twins on the deck)
For me, it goes back to those first signs—chest hair, a bit of beard, everything coming in at its own pace. Some had it early, some of us took our time. But once it’s there… well, if you haven’t hugged a hirsute man--shirtless, I’m not sure you can hold onto your gay card.
8. Anthony Page (in the bathroom)
9. Steve Kelso (tugging)
10. Mike West (by Rip Colt)
Feeback?
How do you like the hirsute? Should it be tamed or left wild and free? Please help me ID #4 and share any other feedback.
That shot of Mike West is not only a perennial fan favorite, but also carries the early Rip Colt marque. The name was a reference to photographer Rip Searby, an underappreciated artist.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know Rip was his real name. Thank you for that.❤️ bns
DeleteI switch back and forth between loving hairy and smooth ... although I was never as hairy as these lads, I had enough hair and between hormone blockers and radiation for prostate cancer all my body hair except my bush went away ... staring to come back a little but odd!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that. Great to keep in mind it isn't always a matter of choice. Sending healthy vibes for a full recovery, brine! I let my chest hair do its thing, which is full and mostly gray at this point. But, I have been known to tidy up the bush and pits on occasion. To each his own right??;)
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