The Underwear Conundrum

[Gryffindorian]

I have mentioned previously that I tend to have problems with shrinking underwear, mostly briefs and boxer briefs. I easily spend hundreds of dollars every year replacing my shrunken Hanes and Jockey undies, and I've stayed well within size Medium (32 - 34 range). It's not that I've put on weight; heck, even when I get the next bigger size, I find that the briefs get tighter around the waist after a few washes.

Alas, I believe I've solved the conundrum! It's not the underwear that's getting tighter; it's the freakin' waistband. Lately I've been going to Macy's and buying a bunch of 2(x)ist briefs, trunks, and boxer briefs, which are not cheap by the way. I've found them to be much more comfortable and shrink-resistant.

So here's a question for the guys, or ladies who shop for their men. What brand of underwear would you recommend that has a comfort-flex waistband? Even higher-end brands like Calvin Klein don't necessarily give me comfort and support. It would be a plus to get something economical too and resistant to shrinking. What say you?

[teacake]

Just go commando.

FREE YOURSELF.

[Gary Mitchell]

teacake wrote:

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Just go commando.

FREE YOURSELF.

I do.

[Sephiroth]

Gary Mitchell wrote:

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I do.

Which is why you are no longer welcome at Sea World.

[Gaith]

If it's only the elastic giving you trouble, why not make a few strategic cuts to those bands? That should ease tension considerably.

[Bigjoe]

Sound like you washing them on too high a temperature if they keep shrinking.

[Mr. Laser Beam]

"The Underwear Conundrum"...that's a Robert Ludlum novel I don't wanna read.

Sephiroth wrote:

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Which is why you are no longer welcome at Sea World.

Or in that case, "See World".

[MacLeod]

Bigjoe wrote:

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Sound like you washing them on too high a temperature if they keep shrinking.

Agreed.

[T'Girl]

Gryffindorian wrote:

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I easily spend hundreds of dollars every year

You might consider purchasing some silk knit underwear, the up front cost is more, but they last a lot longer.

And wash them in the sink (or a bucket) with cold water and some woolite.

Regular detergent (owing to their thin material) is murder on underwear.

[sojourner]

MacLeod wrote:

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Agreed.

Agreed. It's not the underwear that's the issue. It's your washing fu that needs work.

[Snaploud]

Gryffindorian wrote:

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What brand of underwear would you recommend that has a comfort-flex waistband? Even higher-end brands like Calvin Klein don't necessarily give me comfort and support.

Unfortunately, my recommendation was going to be Calvin Klein. Their wastbands have the best stretch. Perhaps you just need to try out a few more types of Calvin Klein underwear... They have a number of different silhouettes, according to their website.

[Gryffindorian]

OK, thanks for the feedback. I'll shop around and also consider lowering the temperature.

[Snaploud]

You're welcome. I would recommend Calvin Klein's flexible fit hip brief or flexible fit boxer brief. The band doesn't appear to shrink in a warm wash (as opposed to some other brands I've tried).

http://www.calvinklein.com/product/i...ductId=3171652

http://www.calvinklein.com/product/i...ductId=3171625

[Gaseous Anomaly]

And you shouldn't dry them in the dryer as that causes shrinkage.

[Snaploud]

Gaseous Anomaly wrote:

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And you shouldn't dry them in the dryer as that causes shrinkage.

The Calvin Klein flexible fit briefs and flexible fit boxer brief don't appear to shrink in the dryer either, imo (at least, not enough to be noticeable). It seems to be a very versatile type of band material.