Under Achievers

If you’re a guy who looks good in underwear and you don’t mind people looking at you look good in underwear, a casual-menswear store may have a job for you.

A few model scouts arrived in a souped-up Land Rover at the Structure stores in Fashion Island Newport Beach and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa recently and aimed their cameras at men who are competing in the second annual Structure Underwear Model Search American Tour. The search will continue for three months in malls, college campuses and sports venues around the country.

Fashion Island store manager Caroline Montgomery was impressed by the turnout at her store. “Some guys were professionals, and some were just guys off the street who just wanted to have fun,” she said.

So, who actually has a shot at the title, which includes a $100,000 modeling contract and a complete wardrobe as well as appearing in the company’s photo campaign?

“The judges are looking for an attractive, fit, athletic man who has personality and charm and is well-spoken and style-conscious and who can represent Structure in the next year,” Montgomery said.

Ten finalists will be invited to L.A. on Nov. 12 to face a panel of judges.

For more information, call the underwear hotline (we’re not making this up) at (800) 945-1010.

Operators say they’re accustomed to fielding the common questions, such as “Where can I enter?” They’re also full of stories about how callers--even a few women--have confessed that they’re the one.

“They say, ‘I’m the person you’re looking for,’ and they describe themselves,” said one operator who’s worked the phones since the beginning of summer.