Welcome back to Briefed by ThunderWear.

This edition, we're diving into a powerful, often misunderstood, strategic asset: Nostalgia. Forget the idea that looking back is a sign of being stuck. That’s amateur-hour thinking. We're here to tell you that our collective past is one of the most potent, high-performance fuels for building the future, if you know how to wield it correctly.

We're talking about strategically tapping into those good old days – the 8-bit triumphs, the analog textures, the raw, unfiltered optimism of youth – to unlock creativity, build brands that resonate, and create products people genuinely love. This isn't about living in the past; it's about looting it for its best assets.

So, blow the dust off those mental cartridges. It's time to learn how to weaponize your memories.

(Estimated read time: 4 min – or about the time it takes to finally beat that impossible level from your childhood.)

IINSIDE THIS EDITION

THE NOSTALGIA HACK: The past isn’t just a dusty museum of your questionable life choices.

ARTIST COLLAB: The "GameBoy" Thundies x Michelle Schulz have landed.

PARTNER PLAYGROUND: Wanderers RFC – A tribe forged in history (and pubs).

FIELD REPORT: Making memories your future self will envy.

VOICE FROM THE TRIBE: Nic L. is giving you some seriously good advice.

THE NOSTALGIA HACK

Nostalgia gets a bad rap. The cynics dismiss it as a cheap trick, a sentimental retreat. But the sharpest entrepreneurs, creators, and problem-solvers know the truth: nostalgia isn't a weakness; it's a goldmine. It's a cheat code for connection and a blueprint for innovation, hidden in plain sight.

The Lie We Were Sold: Progress means forgetting what came before.

The Truth: The most potent ideas for the future are often found by reverse-engineering the magic of the past.

This isn't just about slapping an '80s logo on a t-shirt. It's a deeper play.

Part 1: Nostalgia as a Business Strategy (The Entrepreneur's Playbook) Smart founders leverage nostalgia not just for marketing, but for core product development. Why?

• It Solves the "Connection" Problem Instantly: A product that taps into a shared memory – like the satisfying clack of a game cartridge – already has a built-in tribe. It’s an instant emotional shortcut.

• It's an Antidote to Soulless Minimalism: In a world awash with bland design, nostalgia offers character, texture, and a story. People are starving for products with personality.

• It Inspires Better Solutions: Looking at old tech isn't about going backward. The original GameBoy wasn't powerful, but it was virtually indestructible and offered pure, uncomplicated fun. What can that teach us about building modern products that are less bloated and more focused on delivering core joy?

Part 2: Nostalgia as a Personal Power-Up (Fueling Your Own Grind) This isn't just about business; it's about your own mental game. Tapping into your personal nostalgia is a proven psychological hack.

• The Optimism Boost: Science shows that reminiscing about past wins literally wires your brain to be more optimistic about the future.

• The Creativity Jolt: Feeling stuck? Thinking back to the mindset you had as a kid – when possibilities were endless – can shatter rigid, adult thinking patterns and unlock novel solutions.

By strategically looting the best parts of our pasts, we can build more resonant products and become more resilient, creative individuals. And speaking of which...

ARTIST COLLAB: The "GameBoy" THUNDIES x Michelle Schulz Have Landed 👾

Every nostalgic masterpiece has a creator. For our wearable tribute to 8-bit glory, we knew we needed an artist whose work was bold, vibrant, and alive with its own pulse. Enter Singapore-based artist Michelle Schulz.

Originally trained in fashion design in London, Michelle's work is a dance between abstract realism and untamed energy. Her paintings radiate with colour and emotion, making her the perfect visionary to translate the nostalgic power of retro gaming onto a new "canv-ass" (🍑).

We tasked Michelle with expressing that "game-loving cheeky monkey that lives inside of all cheeky men," and the result is the legendary GameBoy THUNDIES.

• The Design: A power-up for your daily grind. A bold, head-turning design that channels the joy and focus of conquering tiny digital worlds, brought to life by a brilliant local talent.

• Legendary Engineering: This isn't your grandpa's undies (unless he was a legend who dominated Tetris). You get signature ThunderWear performance: our smooth and cooling Quick Dry fabric and the unparalleled support of The Ballroom.

• The Vibe: A confident statement that you appreciate the classics but demand modern performance.

Give your assets an upgrade that honors the past while celebrating today's artists.

[ SHOP THE GAMEBOY THUNDIES ] → [Trunks - GameBoy - Designed by Michelle Schulz - Quick Dry]

PARTNER PLAYGROUND: Wanderers RFC – A Tribe Forged in History (and Pubs) 🏉🍻

Nostalgia is built on legendary stories and shared history. And when it comes to a tribe with a story, few can match The Wanderers Rugby Football Club. Since 1996, they’ve been a Singapore institution, known for winning on the pitch and, just as importantly, at the bar. We’re damn proud to have them sporting the latest ThunderWear designs.

This is a club built on grit and great times:

• Humble Beginnings, Legendary Status: The club started with a single 15-a-side team, sometimes famously filling out the roster with fresh recruits they’d met at the pub the night before. You can't fake that kind of origin story.

• A Winning Tradition: From those scrappy beginnings, they’ve consistently competed at the highest level, winning championships and expanding to include powerhouse Women's 15s and 7s teams, a Netball side, and youth teams.

• More Than a Game: The club gives back through the Wanderers and Titans Foundation, supporting rugby participation across Southeast Asia and sponsoring underprivileged kids through scholarships.

The 2025/26 season starts in November, and the Wanderers are always on the lookout for new players of all types – from seasoned vets reminiscing about old glories to newbies ready to make new ones. They welcome everyone with open arms and a cold beer in hand. That’s our kind of tribe.

[ READY TO JOIN THE SCRUM? CHECK OUT THE WANDERERS ] →

• Men's Team: https://www.instagram.com/wanderersrfc

• Women's Team: https://www.instagram.com/wandererswrfc

• Official Site: https://www.singaporewanderers.com/

FIELD REPORT: Making Memories Your Future Self Will Envy 🌴🔥

The best nostalgia is the kind you’re creating right now. It’s time to rally the troops and make some new legendary memories.

The Main Event: Pink Beach 2025 🌴✨ The countdown is ON! Only a few days left until the party of the year. Get ready for an epic day of incredible performances, thrilling challenges, and the best beach vibes around. The sand is calling!

• When: Sunday, June 29th, 3pm - 9pm

• Special Ticket Promo: Snag your tickets now with promo code PINKNOW for just $48.00 – each ticket comes with a complimentary drink!

[ DON’T MISS OUT – GRAB YOUR PINK BEACH TICKETS NOW! ] → Pink Beach 2025 | Peatix

Next Up: Canada Day Pop-Up! We're popping up with the Canadian Dragons Singapore to celebrate Canada Day in style. Come find us for some true north strong & comfy gear.

• When: Saturday, July 5th

• Where: Details to follow – watch our socials!

POST-MISSION DEBRIEF: Takashimaya Was Thunder-Struck ⚡️

The dust has settled on our Takashimaya deployment, and the intel is in: you legends brought the energy. For everyone who braved the Orchard Road crowds to come say hi, get hands-on with the gear, and upgrade their foundational comfort – we salute you.

From curious glances to confident converts, you showed up, showed love, and brought the heat.

You touched the undies. You met The Ballroom. You left with your standards raised and your boys supported.

Takashimaya – you brought the energy, we brought the comfort. Until next time.

VOICE FROM THE TRIBE

This edition is about classics that stand the test of time. So, when a long-term veteran of the ThunderWear Tribe—someone who has seen our gear in action for years—weighs in, we listen. Nic L.'s verdict on what makes a modern classic is the kind of direct, no-BS feedback we live for. His dispatch from the front lines of comfort:

"I’ve been a ThunderWear customer for years and the perfect storm line is the best I’ve seen. Comfortable design, fit and fun patterns! 10/10! Get these asap!!"

– Nic L.

When a seasoned pro gives a "10/10!" and an urgent command to "Get these asap!!", you don't argue. You upgrade your arsenal. Get 15% off this evolutionary leap with promo code: TW15 Go to ThunderWear.asia

Your Turn!

We've talked about the power of the past. Now we want to see it. What's one piece of retro gear (a gaming console, a band t-shirt, a piece of tech) you refuse to give up, and why is it still legendary?

Hit reply and tell us about your prized nostalgic relic. Bonus points for photo evidence. We'll feature the best ones.

Stay Charged (and Game On),